recommend me a chop saw

[AgentWayward]

Most of the ones I see have a pretty poor clamping arrangement.

This seems to be the weak spot.

Any recommendations?

Mostly for steel tube.

 

[migman2014]

Makita are pretty good but like you say the clamping aint too special on any of the fibre disc jobbies. I use a Meddings slow cut with coolant feed. Has a sliding vice set up so you choose the size you want on one lever and use the other to clamp it off for repetitive cuts.

 

[AgentWayward]

Makita are pretty good but like you say the clamping aint too special on any of the fibre disc jobbies. I use a Meddings slow cut with coolant feed. Has a sliding vice set up so you choose the size you want on one lever and use the other to clamp it off for repetitive cuts.

The Meddings and coolant sounds good.

Been looking at coldsaws too.

I'm sure a chop saw with a good clamping system would be fine, but cannot find one.

 

[chunkolini]

I have got the Dewalt TCT saw, had it for about 5 years and no problems.
Wrecked one blade in the first few weeks by being an idiot (tried to cut three sizes of tube at once one inside the other, BANG).
Just fitted a new blade and sent the old one off to be sharpened.
Very useful and nicely portable, lives under the bench so easily accesible.
Here is the updated version http://www.mad4tools.com/dewalt-dw872-tct-metal-chop-saw-355mm-110v-or-240v-18081-p.asp bit pricy there.

 

[rtcosic]

I have got the Dewalt TCT saw, had it for about 5 years and no problems.

I have the same one. Good sturdy 'industrial' grade item as you would expect from DeWalt.
BUT the clamping mechanism leaves much to be desired. Setting the angle is tedious, but if you are genuinely just doing many repetitive cutoffs, actual clamping and releasing is great so once set up it will go on day after day.

Paid £100 second hand for mine including unused spare blade and delivery

 

[Bede]

I've just swapped our rage 2 for a raptor and its a million times better. Solid cast aluminium base with a good solid clamp rather than a flimsy folded clamp bracket.

Far and away better than any other chop saw we've had. £280 from Machine Mart.

 

[F.J.]

I second that about the Evolution Raptor, nice straight cuts and clamp comes with a 'V' clamp for box section. Just wait for a vat free voucher and save a bit of cash

 

[AgentWayward]

Thanks guys,

I'll be setting and changing angles a fair bit, so is the Raptor better?

any decent pics of the clamp arrangement?

 

[Bede]

Google image evolution evo 355 raptor. It's heavier duty than any of its rivals by some margin.

 

[AgentWayward]

Thanks, Raptor purchased.

 

[Bede]

You won't regret it. Go steady with the blade and it'll last ages.

 

[AgentWayward]

Really pleased with the HTC Evo Raptor saw (silly name).

Well made, solid bit of kit and the clamp is excellent.

Just unsure of the capacity and I can't find any info on that.

The blade fitted suggests it's for tube up to 3mm wall, but i'm pretty sure it will chop solid stuff much bigger than that.

Anywhere where I can find specs before I knacker the blade?