Chop Saw Vs Miter Saw Comparison
Contents
- The Best Chop Saws Are:
- 1. Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 Steel Cutting Chop Saw
- 2. Husqvarna 967181002 K760 II (Best Gas Chop Saw)
- 3. DEWALT D28715 Quick-Change
- The Best Miter Saws Are:
- 1. DEWALT DWS780 12-inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- 2. Makita LS1016L (Best Dual-Slide Compound Miter Saw)
- 3. Hitachi C10FCE2 Miter Saw
- Buying Guide
- Chop Saw vs Miter Saw: The Top Brands
- Features
- Miter Saw vs Chop Saw: What’s the Difference?
- Purpose
- Power
- Blades
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
A common question for workshop owners and DIYers is whether to buy a miter saw or a chop saw.
The two look similar, but they do different jobs. In short: a chop saw makes straight cuts through metal, and a miter saw makes angled and bevel cuts in wood. Keep reading this chop saw vs miter saw comparison to understand the fundamental differences and pick the ideal tool for your needs.
OUR TOP PICK
We love the Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 Steel Cutting Chop Saw for cutting steel cleanly with a carbide-tipped blade.
The Best Chop Saws Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 Steel Cutting Chop Saw | 1.Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 Steel Cutting Chop Saw Top Pick | - 15AMP motor - Corded - Chip deflection shield - Quick-release vise - Chip collection tray | Check Current Price |
| 2.Husqvarna 967181002 K760 II | 2.Husqvarna 967181002 K760 II | - Gas engine - DuraStarter - Active air filtration - Low-vibration system - Handheld power cutter | Check Current Price |
| 3.DEWALT D28715 Quick-Change | 3.DEWALT D28715 Quick-Change | - Quick-change blade system - Quick-lock vice for fast clamping - 15AMP/5.5 HP motor - Corded - 4000 rpm maximum speed | Check Current Price |
1. Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 Steel Cutting Chop Saw
The Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW380 is a 14-inch dry-cut metal saw. Its 15-amp motor drives a carbide-tipped blade instead of an abrasive wheel, so cuts come out cooler and with fewer burrs.
Specs
- 15AMP motor
- Corded
- Chip deflection shield
- Quick-release vise
- Chip collection tray
One thing we noted during this miter saw vs chop saw review is that it cuts dry: no coolant is needed. A heavy base gives it a firm platform, and the chip collection tray catches metal swarf.
Pros
- Collects metal chips on the trash tray to keep your workplace clean
- Cut a wide range of materials
- Its design makes changing the blade easy and fast
Cons
- Might require some time to learn
Overall Rating: 4.4/5
2. Husqvarna 967181002 K760 II (Best Gas Chop Saw)
Strictly speaking, the Husqvarna K760 II is not a chop saw. It is a handheld gas power cutter (cut-off saw) built mainly for concrete, masonry, and steel on job sites with no power.
Specs
- Gas engine
- DuraStarter
- Active air filtration
- Low-vibration system
- Handheld power cutter
It runs on a two-stroke gas engine, so it works anywhere. It is a two-handed tool: one hand on the rear handle and throttle, the other on the front handle. Because it is handheld, it suits a different buyer than a woodworker shopping for a stationary saw.
Pros
- The compact design makes it easy to carry around.
- Low-vibration design reduces fatigue
Cons
- Pricey
- Because it’s gasoline-powered, you have to bring fuel to fill it up with
Overall Rating: 4.6/5
3. DEWALT D28715 Quick-Change
This DEWALT D28715 is a 14-inch abrasive chop saw. DEWALT rates its 15-amp motor at 5.5 maximum motor horsepower, and its quick-fence adjusts up to 45 degrees for angled cuts.
Specs
- Quick-change blade system
- Quick-lock vice for fast clamping
- 15AMP/5.5 HP motor
- Corded
- 4000 rpm maximum speed
Its D-handle is comfortable, and the Quik-Change keyless system lets you swap wheels without a wrench. A quick-lock vise clamps different sizes of stock fast.
Pros
- Uses a powerful 5.5 horsepower motor
- Extra-wide solid steel base with pre-drilled holes for bolting down
- Keyless wheel changes
Cons
- Abrasive wheels wear down and throw sparks
Overall Rating: 4.3/5
OUR TOP PICK
The Dewalt DWS780 12-inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw is a great choice for beginners as it is powerful and versatile tool that can make straight, angle, and bevel cuts.
The Best Miter Saws Are:
1. DEWALT DWS780 12-inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
The DeWalt DWS780 is a 12-inch double-bevel sliding compound miter saw. It makes straight, miter, and bevel cuts with good precision.
Specs
- 15 AMP motor
- Corded
- Innovative gearbox for enhancing vertical cutting capacity
- Adjustable stainless steel miter plate with up to 10 stops
- High-efficiency dust collection system
Its XPS crosscut positioning system casts a shadow line of the blade on your workpiece, so there is no laser to adjust. DEWALT lists a 15-amp, 3,800 RPM motor, miter range of 50 degrees left and 60 degrees right, and 10 positive stops. Whether you run a workshop or want a home improvement power saw, the DEWALT DWS780 is a top recommendation.
Pros
- Make both angle and bevel cuts
- Portable
- Cuts different types of materials
Cons
- Customer complaints of defective units
Overall Rating: 4.6/5
2. Makita LS1016L (Best Dual-Slide Compound Miter Saw)
The Makita LS1016L is a 10-inch dual-slide compound miter saw with wide cutting capacity for crown molding and trim. Makita now lists it as discontinued, with the LS1019L as its replacement, so expect limited stock.
Specs
- Dual-rail slide system
- Corded
- Rear handle bevel lock
- Dust bag for collecting dust
- Box wrench
- Laser guide
Its dual-slide rail design keeps the saw compact for its crosscut capacity.
We found it very easy to make precision angle cuts using the saws laser guide. Further, the miter saw has a see-through blade guard for better visibility. Even if you are new to miter saws, you will find the Makita LS1016L very easy to understand and start working like a pro.
Pros
- The saw miters on both sides (right and left).
- Designed with a large dust bag for collecting dust and keeping your workplace clean.
- The saw can be used to cut a wide range of materials.
Cons
- Starts stiffening at the end of a motion range.
Overall Rating: 4.0/5
3. Hitachi C10FCE2 Miter Saw
If you want a budget miter saw for angle cuts, the Hitachi C10FCE2 is a long-running basic model. Hitachi’s power tools are now sold under the Metabo HPT brand.
Specs
- 15AMP motor
- Corded
- 0-52 degree miter angle range
- A large extended flip fence (can rise up to 4-inch for vertical crown mold cutting)
- Elastomeric grip
It has a 15-amp motor and comes with a 10-inch, 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade suited to framing cuts. Swap in a higher tooth-count blade for trim.
A horizontal handle with an elastomeric grip reduces vibration and improves control.
Pros
- Compact and light
- Good for working with both small and large blocks of wood
- Large table offers better support and control
Cons
- Using this miter saw for the first time can be complex
Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Buying Guide
When you set off looking for a miter or chop saw, safety, durability, ease of use, and portability are some of the crucial considerations to factor. But there are other factors such as features and brands that also come into play.
Chop Saw vs Miter Saw: The Top Brands
Established brands make it easier to find parts, blades, and service. Here are some of the main ones:
DeWalt
DeWalt is one of the best-known makers of power cutting tools. The brand traces back to Raymond DeWalt, who invented the radial arm saw in the 1920s.
Its miter saws are common on job sites and in home shops alike.
Makita
Makita is a Japanese power tool maker with a long line of miter saws and metal-cutting saws.
Bosch
Bosch is one of the oldest names in power tools. Robert Bosch founded the company in Germany in 1886, and its miter saws are popular with trim carpenters.
Hitachi
Hitachi was founded in Japan in 1910 by Namihei Odaira. Its power tool business, known for saws such as the C10RJ sliding dual compound miter saw, now sells under the Metabo HPT name.
Features
Look for features that make the saw safer and easier to use:
- Electric brakes
- Blade guards
- Dustbags
- Laser guides
- Fences
- Heavy and sturdy base
Miter Saw vs Chop Saw: What’s the Difference?
Purpose
A miter saw pivots to make angled (miter) cuts, and a compound miter saw also tilts for bevel cuts. If you are making furniture, trim, or frames, you need this versatility.
A chop saw is built for “chopping” metal stock such as pipe, angle iron, and rebar. The head drops straight down; some models have a fence that can be set at an angle, but the blade does not tilt.
Power
Most corded models of both types run on 15-amp motors. Chop saws are geared and built for steady cutting of metal.
Blades
A miter saw uses a toothed carbide blade made for wood. A traditional chop saw like the DEWALT uses a toothless abrasive wheel for metal, while dry-cut metal saws like the Evolution use carbide-toothed blades.
Never mount a wood blade on a chop saw or an abrasive wheel on a miter saw. Abrasive wheels throw hot sparks and can shatter, so OSHA advises inspecting and ring-testing abrasive wheels before mounting, letting the tool reach full speed before cutting, and standing out of the wheel’s plane of rotation. Wear eye and face protection.
Final Thoughts
As we mentioned earlier in this miter saw vs chop saw comparison, both types of saws are used for workshop, construction sites, and home improvement cutting.
They look similar, but the cuts they make differ. Chop saws make straight cuts through metal, while miter saws make miter and bevel cuts in wood.
Woodworkers in general don’t really have much need for cutting through metal, but need a lot of versatility for cutting wood. So if you’re a woodworker, you probably need a miter saw more. We recommend that you invest in the Dewalt DWS780 as it will be a valuable tool in your studio or workshop.
