Evolution Chop Saw

[SoCal Dave]

I just received my Evolution 380 chop saw today.  I ran a few test cuts to get a feel for the saw and to see how accurate the saw cut.  The cuts were very straight and no burrs.  I couldn't see any light coming through when a straight edge was held next to it.  Many little chips were left all over the place but not a big deal for me.  You apply only gentle pressure when cutting.  The metal cuts like soft butter and the blade is reported to give a hundred cuts.  We will see. A new toy is always great fun.    

[Glenn]

What ??  No sparks ??  :)

[DSW]

It's a carbide saw, so no sparks. If you see sparks, you'll be VERY unhappy as that signifies you toasted a fairly expensive blade.

 

 

From guys I know that have these, they are very nice for certain applications. The do really nice burr free cuts in soft metals like mild steel and alum. However blade life is not so good as you move towards harder metals like Stainless or hardenable steels. In that case an abrasive saw usually wins hands down because of what it costs per cut when you figure up how many cuts you get per blade.

[SoCal Dave]

The Evolution company has specific blades for aluminum and stainless steel.  I still have an aluminum cutting blade for my old chop saw that is still in good shape.  So, I'll keep the old saw just in case.  I got tired of holding down the abrasive saw blade and it not cutting very straight.  Mostly, I had to grind the edges straight and knock off the burrs.  This new saw will save on that time.  Again, a cheap, cold saw, that is well built and will hold up to lots of use is what I want.  That is not to be found, as the cold saws a way to expensive.  The thing for me is a dry saw like the one I got.  

[JeremyP]

how loud is it? I was looking at one the other day as well

[GottMitUns]

I have one and I don't think its any louder that a regular chop saw.  I use, and mis-use mine daily. I burnt up a motor when it was a couple of months out of warrantee and I think they charges me 175-200.00 to replace it.  I cut mule shoes on 3.68" OD x 2.441" ID 4140 L-80 80,000 MYS on a regular basis plus regular A-36 up to 1" dia/square daily.

 

While the Evolution was out being repaired I put a similar DeWalt in its place. The DeWalt did not hold a candle to the Evolution as far as I am concerned,  the pressed metal table and work clamp fell apart in a couple of weeks.

 

the only time is killed a blade was when a old retired plant worker came in with some 3/4" "stainless" he needed cut. I think I got about 1/2 way thru before things came to a halt, I'm fairly sure his "stainless" was in the Inconel family.

 

I own a couple of commercial band saws but If the Evo saw were to burn up today I would have another one just like it here tomorrow!

 

FWIW

 

Russell

[DavidTodtman]

These are often refered to as "dry cut saws."  I have had one for about 10 years.  I dislike abrasive cut off 'saws' because they make sparks (fire hazard), burs, stink, produce airborn ditritus, and leave the cut off ends G_d-awful hot. A dry cut saw cuts clean of burrs. It produces metal chips, not a mixture of airborn fine metal and abrasive dust. It does produce a little heat but I can handle the cut off end and fit it immediatly in place.

 

Blades are pricy but I make thousands of cuts with one blade. Yep, you cannot cut hardened materials--best only for mild steel.

 

Ciao,

David