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The chop saw is simply a lightweight circular saw mounted on a spring-loaded arm that moves up and down unless the miter chop saw version is being used. These saws are mounted to a hard metal base. Chop saws can deliver very accurate, square cuts if the operator knows ways to use it correctly.
There are mainly two kinds of original chopsaw. The abrasive stationary metal cutting chop saw and the older version wood cutting miter chop saw. Both will cut metal or wood offering the proper blade is installed, but each saw was particularly designed to perform its unique functions.
The most well-liked makes and models have proven to be durable and dependable Chop Saws. The only dissimilarities are price, weight and owner opinion.
A true Chop Saw only cuts at 90 degrees and is meant to cut hard materials like all kinds of metals or other very hard substances.
The cutting action is performed by an abrasive blade, just like a grinding wheel and has the cutting wheel and motor mounted on a pivoting arm attached to a fixed base plate.
Normally a composite friction disk blade is used to abrasively cut through steel. The disks are disposable items because they can wear down to nothing throughout the cut.
The abrasive disks for these saws are usually 14 inches in diameter but larger saws can house a 16 in diameter blade. Most suppliers have a range of blades which are rated and matched to the various materials cut.
The Chop Saw or movable metal cutoff saws are lightweight and powerful saws. Most of the steel fabrication previously handled in workshops could be done on-site. Abrasive saws have replaced more costly and risky acetylene torches in numerous applications, like cutting re-bar and stock steel.
The actual distinction between the Chop Saw and a Miter Chop Saw is that one can really cut the miters and the other is a stationary right angle cutting machine.
Chop saws will cut through metal with little resistance. Do some research before you choose to purchase a metal cutting chop saw. Learn the functions and limitations about the exact saw you require. Ask friends if they know somebody that has used these saws or try web forums for advice.
The Miter Chop Saw will be a much lighter unit and will only have the capacity to house a 12 inch blade. The abrasive chop saw can use up to a 16 inch disc for cutting operations.
The benefit of owning a miter chop saw is that the arm can swivel in both directions and make miter cuts as much as 50 degrees. The main arm assembly is stationary and does not slide as with compound sliding miter saws.
This kind of saw is a lot more compact, lighter and can come in handy when doing quick repairs or last minute installs of baseboard or other trim material.
The Miter Chop Saw is suitable for woodworking. It doesn't have a built in clamping system but some models do offer accessories capable of clamping wood to the fence. This type of saw is always less costly than the much better Compound Sliding Miter Saw.
Do some research and ensure that you purchase the saw that will do all the things you actually need taken care of. There is nothing worse than purchasing a power tool and finding out later that it can only do a part of the work. Get the proper Chop Saw for the job.
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