Evolution Rage3

[Echidna]

I am about to buy a mitre cutoff saw.
I think that Evolution's Rage3 is a really good
product judging from the promotional video.
http://www.evolutionpowertools.co.uk/downloads/Rage3.wmv

What do you think? Is there anyone here who use this machine? Any reviews, thoughts, etc?
My only concern is the low speed of the blade. Only 2500rpm, while other give 4000 or more.
What about its price? Any special offer anywhere?

 

[bawjaws]

http://tradecounterdirect.com/listproducts.php?cid=171 is the cheapest i can find, it looks a good saw for the money, ive wanted one for ages!

 

[irondarren]

I have one of the evolution extreme plate saws, not a bad bit of kit, but as i understand it the rage 3 system, is aimed a little more at the diy market. Duty cycle wont be as good and it wont take the beating that the extreme stuff takes. If i remember correctly that rage 3 saw will cutt 50 x 50 x3 mm box section. More than good enough for light fabrication, what i believe it wont do is cut 20mm square solid for hours on end. Its almost certain its chinese made but for £170 you dont get best quality German or British made stuff.
Regarding the blade speed there is a reason for that you are cutting steel with it at 4000 rpm it will just heat the teeth up and throw them off the blade

 

[scarecrow]

That one in the picture looks more like the saw for timber

 

[daf45]

I think the lower speed is because the makers claim these cut steel, ally and wood.
I've been thinking about one for ages and would also be interested to hear if they are any good.
If not - what are the alternatives?
Want a good all rounder without spending a fortune

 

[scarecrow]

If I was buying a chopsaw for a steel I would want a better clamp than that

 

[dafydd]

I have a contact that can get these catalogue returns for around 2/3 of retail cost. Would need to buy at least 10 at a time, so if anyones interested pm me.

 

[Wozzaaah]

I like the idea of them but they just don't look very sturdy.

 

[Baz-Cem]

I'd prefer the Rage 2 and that does wood as well.

 

[bigtaloola]

Hi I was channel hoping (Very bord on sundays) and thought this was worth a look at QVC this is very good cold cut metal and wood saw have a look see what you think?
Dave

Evolution Rage 185mm Multipurpose Circular Saw
Evolution Rage 185mm Multipurpose Circular Saw
Item Number: 556282
QVC Price £143.00
Introductory Price £129.98
UK P&P £7.95
Buy more and save on P&P
Get high performance and versatility in your cutting with this multi-purpose circular saw. The evolution rage, which boasts a high torque 1050 watt motor, is just the thing for cutting through steel, aluminium, wood, laminates and many more. Safety is paramount with this tool and as such cutting steel produces little to no sparks and the chippings are collected in an integrated collection unit. The saw has a maximum cutting depth of 54mm and uses 185mm blades. The set includes an instruction manual, safety goggles, earplugs, two blades and a demo DVD

 

[Wozzaaah]

£100 from screwfix

Even cheaper here

 

[Philski]

I just bought a Rage3 for cutting metal and it cut mild and low alloy steel with no problems.
I tried cutting Stainless Steel and it immediately scrapped the blade. It does need
better clamping aswell. I can't advise on blade life untill I get a replacement.

 

[Echidna]

Have you lost anything on precision due to this clamping "problem"?

 

[Philski]

Rage 3 - to cut or not to cut

Before I tested the machine I made a crude jig which I clamped to the Rage 3 and I clamped the material to the jig for an extra secure fixing. I think I will be able to get good repeatable results in the future although precision is not my main concern. It cut through 38mm diameter mild steel bar like it was cheese , just slowly advancing the cut, there was hardly any burr to remove afterwards.
An Ebay seller has advised me that specialised blades are available for this machine and I should be able to cut Steels including Stainless Steel with one of them. This is good news as I was anticipating having to buy a completely different machine.

 

[Echidna]

Wonderful news. Who is it this Ebay seller? Could you post a link?
I think that i am closer to buy the Rage3 now!

 

[Philski]

I just phoned the company direct (0870 609 2297) and they say they have a 9 inch blade that will fit
the rage 3 and cut metals but definitely not Stainless Steel. The Ebay seller is tools4diy and this is what he wrote in reply to my enquiry :-
Yes the Rage 3 (190136398391) has a stainless steel cutting blade, I have just ordered one for my Rage 3 it comes with a ferrous metals/wood cutting blade (general purpose) specialist blades are available, I have no idea of the cost of the stainless cutting blade at present.
I can only assume that the seller has found a different supplier for the specialized blades?

 

[Echidna]

Nice! What about the cost of the blades?

 

[bigtaloola]

Hi I posted the one from QVC if you look at it it comes with 3 blades as standard peace of the kit I thought this was good price with all the blades and QVC return policy and 30 day money back policy
Dave

 

[DAVEWESTMIDS]

evolution -great value!st/st no probs!

i bought a 14" version together with an extra st steel blade which cuts through stainless no problem - machine mart sell them. i find it better than a bandsaw and 10 times better than the abrasive 14" chopsaws you can buy, had mine two months now same blade, used daily.fantastic value for money, most efficient tool ive bought since my 1991 thermal arc welder - used daily never broke down! (Mind you my 2002 thermal arc breaks every other month)

 

[weldequip]

(Mind you my 2002 thermal arc breaks every other month

It will do... farmed out to Malaysia! = more profit for large American corporation. When will people realise that paying peanuts equals getting monkies?!!
Your 'original' Thermal Arc will have been built in Australia or the good ol' USA
weldequip