Evolution Power Tools R355CPS 14-Inch Chop Saw Multi Purpose, Multi-Material Cutting Cuts Metal, Plastic, Wood & More Miter Cut up to 45˚ Degrees TCT Blade Included

This is my first metal cutting saw using a blade. For the last several years, I've been borrowing my neighbor's saw with an abrasive wheel. It was a whole lot better than my hand-held cut-off saws. However, on my last welding project, I needed to cut several1/4"-wall square tubing sections square and to a 1/8" tolerance. It got close, but it still involved a fair amount of time on the grinding wheel in order to get it within tolerance. So, I decided to buy my own saw.After reading all the reviews I decided on this Evolution. I know Evolution has an upgrade model with quick-setting fences and miters, and if I were working in a fabrication shop, I would have spent the extra $100 and purchased that one. But for my home shop, I don't need to quickly change numerous settings. Besides, the allen wrench you need to loosen the appropriate fence, or change the blade, or anything else, is handily parked at the front of the machine in its own little holder. And this model comes with a multi-tasked blade that will cut through steel, plastic, aluminum, and wood.Speaking of cuts, this saw is amazing. I did replace the Evolution blade with a Diablo 75-tooth Steel Demon (it's sold on Amazon, too). Why? I want to save my Evolution blade for cutting aluminum and wood. I've waited many years for a miter saw that would cut straight through a 4x4 or 6x6 without turning the block of wood over and trying to match the cut on the other side. And I also wanted to be able to cut through lumber that might have an embedded nail or two, without ruining the blade. This saw with the TCT blade will do that.To test this saw, I cut through a scrap piece of 1/4"-wall angle iron. Since I haven't built a stand for it, yet, I just set the Evolution up on top of my table saw and turned it on. First off, it's a lot quieter than an abrasive blade saw. Second, it's a solid as a rock. There is no vibration at all. Third, it's fast. And finally, look at that cut. It has a mirror-like finish like a proof coin. Literally! The pictures I took on top of my workbench show the reflections of a red marking crayon and a .22 round I put in front of it just to display this amazing cut. You don't get finish like that on your cut if your saw has any sort of vibration at all in the shaft or bearings or base. This saw--none. Solid.One final note. My saw came without a rubber foot on the right rear corner. Even though it did not effect the stability, I'd thought I'd get one. I contacted Evolution. The saw is made that way. A rubber foot might burn because the right rear catches the majority of the sparks when you cut metal. To avoid any problems, they designed the base to have a bare metal foot in that position. That's just one example of the attention to detail and quality build that you'll find in this saw. I discover more and more every time I use it. If you do any kind of metal work that involves cutting, you'll not find a better saw than this Evolution.

Awesome cuts great value

Purchased R355CPS saw for cutting some 1.25 in. diameter aluminum tubing with a .250 in. wall. I purchased and installed the Evolution 14BLADEAL Aluminum Cutting Saw Blade on the saw instead of the included multi-material blade. The saw cut through the heavy wall tubing like butter with very little to almost no burring. The saw did not strain in any way as light pressure was applied when cutting and I let the blade do the work. With light pressure, a cut through the tubing using the stated blade went through in approx. 30-40 seconds per cut and the cut was almost nonexistent of any heat at all. Smooth and clean. The only issue with the saw is the screw clamp which others have stated is very strong, but I did not get the same impression. The clamp is well made but has some play in it until it is tightened up against the material and then the platen that is on the end could be a little heavier material as when tightening against the Tubing with the included V-Notch adapter attached, did not feel as strong as I would have liked. Overall, I feel that, for the price the saw is well worth the money and if you use the correct blade for the material this should be able to hand most anything you throw at it. Very happy with the performance of the saw and well worth the price!

Excellent Quality, Excellent Product, Excellent Price.

This saw is not priced with the higher end saws and the details of higher end saws won't be found on this unit. First and most people buy these saws to cut steel and in that regard this saw cuts metal with the supplied multi-material blade really well so huge thumbs up in the single most important area. That's about it for the pluses though, great price and very good at cutting metal if you cut responsibly (slowly). On the negative list nothing in particular is a deal breaker but they add up and your taste may vary. First the material clamp has no speed mechanism, on most decent metal saws there is a lever that will allow you to slide the clamp in up to the piece then start twisting it tight. Not here, you have a TON of screwing to do. Second, there is essentially zero chip collection and just barely above zero chip deflection. Third, the geometry is off on the blade guard. It's meant to open as the blade approaches the base of the saw but the angle that the mechanism first engages makes the initial opening of the guard very difficult and you will find that you have to heavily lean onto the handle to get it to start opening the guard so you can cut.A couple of these negatives are pretty substantial to me which is why I didn't give it five stars, in fact it is so capable at cutting I didn't give it the three stars it probably deserves. It cuts really well and if you don't mind having to deal with some minor headaches EVERY time you use the saw, then this saw is an excellent value. If I had it do over again I would probably spring the extra $100-$200 for a saw that is a step above this one but that being said I don't regret buying this saw because it does an excellent job at actually cutting.

Love this saw. Cuts steel quickly, cleanly and leaves the cut cool to the touch.