Best Chop Saw for Metal Cutting: 5 Picks Scored for Shop and Field (2026)
Five metal cutting chop saws and blades, compared on motor power, cutting capacity, no-load speed, vise clamping, and the warranty each listing states.
By WeldGearLab Editorial
Updated October 9, 2026
Finding the best chop saw for metal cutting comes down to motor power, blade diameter, cutting capacity, and reliable clamping. An abrasive chop saw cuts through solid steel, pipe, and angle iron quickly, providing clean straight or miter cuts for welding fabrication. This guide compares five metal cutting tools and blades on what each listing states: motor power, blade size, no-load speed, vise design, and stated warranty terms.
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Quick picks
- Best Overall PORTER-CABLE PCE700: A 15-amp motor at 3800 rpm, 14-inch cutting wheel, 32-pound weight, quick-release clamp, and the only stated concrete warranty here, 3 years. Check price on Amazon
- Best Keyless Features DEWALT D28715: A 15-amp motor with 5.5 maximum horsepower at 4000 rpm, tool-free blade changes, tool-free Quick-Fence, and a solid steel base. Check price on Amazon
- Highest Claimed Power VEVOR 14-Inch 2300W: A 2300-watt motor at 3600 rpm, 14-inch blade capacity, wave-pattern clamp vise, tool-free miter adjustment, and 30-pound weight. Check price on Amazon
- Most Compact APLMAN AP-Cut-001: A compact 6-inch cut off saw with an 1800-watt motor at 3900 rpm, 3-location miter fence up to 45 degrees, and horizontal D-handle. Check price on Amazon
Compare the picks
| Model | Gear Score | Blade diameter | Motor power | No-load speed | Miter angle | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PORTER-CABLE PCE700 | 7.3/10 | 14 in | 15 A | 3800 rpm | Up to 45 deg | 32 lb | 3 years |
| DEWALT D28715 | 7.3/10 | 14 in | 15 A (5.5 HP) | 4000 rpm | 45 deg | Not stated | None stated |
| VEVOR 14-Inch 2300W | 6.4/10 | 14 in | 2300 W | 3600 rpm | 0-45 deg | 30 lb | None stated |
| APLMAN AP-Cut-001 | 5.6/10 | 6 in | 1800 W | 3900 rpm | 0-45 deg | 160 oz | None stated |
| FOXBC FOX-D1472CF | 5.4/10 | 14 in (blade) | Not stated | 1800 rpm max | Not stated | 1.75 kg | None stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated, as published on each listing and collected 9 October 2026.
The picks
| Award | Product | Gear Score About the Gear ScoreThe Gear Score runs from 0 to 10 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick › | |
|---|---|---|---|
PORTER-CABLE Chop Saw, 15-Amp, 14-Inch (PCE700)
|
7.3/10 | Check price on Amazon | |
DEWALT Chop Saw, Quick-Change, 14-Inch
|
7.3/10 | Check price on Amazon | |
VEVOR Abrasive Chop Saw 14in/35cm Blade 2300W
|
6.4/10 | Check price on Amazon | |
APLMAN 6 Inch Cut off Saw Metal Cutting Chop Saw
|
5.6/10 | Check price on Amazon | |
FOXBC 14 Inch Metal Steel Cutting Saw Blade 72
|
5.4/10 | Check price on Amazon |
PORTER-CABLE Chop Saw, 15-Amp, 14-Inch (PCE700)
A 14-inch chop saw with a 15-amp motor running at 3800 rpm, quick-release material clamp, and the only concrete warranty in this lineup at 3 years.
Pros
- 15-amp motor running at 3800 rpm with replaceable brushes
- Stated 3 year limited warranty from the manufacturer
- Quick-release material clamp for fast workpiece adjustments
- Cutting fence adjusts up to 45 degree angles for miter cuts
Cons
- Spec table lists wattage as 18 watts, a clear contradiction with the 15-amp rating
- Weighs 32 pounds, requiring dedicated bench space or transport effort
- Cutting capacity dimensions for round and rectangular stock are not stated
- No electrical safety certification standard is stated in the listing
DEWALT Chop Saw, Quick-Change, 14-Inch
A 14-inch chop saw powered by a 15-amp, 5.5-horsepower motor at 4000 rpm, featuring keyless blade changes and a weldable solid steel base.
Pros
- 15-amp motor rated at 5.5 maximum horsepower and 4000 rpm
- Quik-change keyless blade system swaps wheels without a wrench
- Exclusive QUICK-FENCE adjusts to 45 degrees without using tools
- Stated cutting capacity of 5-inch round and 4-1/2 by 6-1/2-inch rectangle
Cons
- No concrete warranty duration is stated beyond limited warranty
- Spec table mistakenly lists Lithium Ion batteries required for a corded saw
- Tool weight is not stated in the listing
- Spec table lists blade material as high speed steel while bullets state abrasive wheel
VEVOR Abrasive Chop Saw 14in/35cm Blade 2300W
A 14-inch metal cut-off saw with a 2300-watt motor at 3600 rpm, wave-pattern clamp vise, and tool-free 0-45 degree fence adjustment.
Pros
- 2300-watt motor running at 3600 rpm on 120 volts
- Thick vise with wave patterns designed for clamping friction
- Tool-less fence adjustment from 0 to 45 degrees without a wrench
- Protective spark guard wraps around the blade when raised
Cons
- No concrete warranty term is stated beyond limited warranty
- Title specifies abrasive saw while bullets describe an 80-tooth blade
- Cutting capacity dimensions for specific metal profiles are not stated
- No electrical safety certification standard is stated in the listing
APLMAN 6 Inch Cut off Saw Metal Cutting Chop Saw
A compact 6-inch cut off saw featuring an 1800-watt motor at 3900 rpm, a steel base, and a 3-position miter fence up to 45 degrees.
Pros
- Compact 6-inch blade size for small workshop spaces
- 1800-watt motor running at 3900 rpm with replaceable brushes
- Miter fence adjusts up to 45 degrees across 3 locations
- Includes a storage bag and an ergonomic horizontal handle
Cons
- No concrete warranty term stated beyond contacting customer service
- Spec table incorrectly identifies blade shape as rectangular
- 6-inch blade significantly limits cut depth compared to 14-inch saws
- Operating voltage and workpiece capacity dimensions are not stated
FOXBC 14 Inch Metal Steel Cutting Saw Blade 72
A 14-inch 72-tooth cermet carbide chop saw blade rated to 1800 rpm with a 1-inch arbor, built for dry metal cutting on low-speed cold saws.
Pros
- 72-tooth cermet carbide construction designed for clean metal cuts
- Standard 1-inch arbor fits common 14-inch metal cutting cold saws
- Laser-cut stabilizer vents trap noise and dampen vibration
- Published capacity for wall thickness from 1/8 to 1/2 inch
Cons
- It is a replacement blade rather than a complete chop saw machine
- 1800 maximum rpm rating makes it unsafe for high-speed abrasive chop saws
- No warranty term is stated in the listing
- Requires a compatible low-speed metal cutting saw like Evolution models
How we scored them
Each tool is scored out of 100 on performance, build, value, safety listing and warranty, with the weights published on our How We Pick page. Metal cutting chop saws have no electrical safety listing stated in these listings, so every pick here scores zero on that criterion; the ranking comes from the other four.
| Product | Gear Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PORTER-CABLE PCE700 | 7.3 | 28 | 20 | 21 | 0 | 3 |
| DEWALT D28715 | 7.3 | 30 | 22 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| VEVOR 14-Inch 2300W | 6.4 | 26 | 19 | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| APLMAN AP-Cut-001 | 5.6 | 21 | 16 | 19 | 0 | 0 |
| FOXBC FOX-D1472CF | 5.4 | 18 | 19 | 18 | 0 | 0 |
Buying guide: how to choose the best chop saw for metal cutting
Motor power and speed
Motor ratings in this roundup range from 1800 watts on the compact APLMAN to 2300 watts on the VEVOR, with DEWALT and PORTER-CABLE both featuring 15-amp motors. The DEWALT also publishes a 5.5 maximum motor horsepower rating. Operating speeds range from 3600 rpm on the VEVOR to 3800 rpm on the PORTER-CABLE, 3900 rpm on the APLMAN, and 4000 rpm on the DEWALT. The PORTER-CABLE and APLMAN listings specifically highlight replaceable motor brushes for maintenance.
Abrasive wheels versus carbide blades
Abrasive chop saws like the PORTER-CABLE and DEWALT use 14-inch abrasive cutoff wheels that grind through metal, producing sparks. The FOXBC listing is a dedicated 72-tooth cermet carbide blade engineered for dry metal cutting. It operates at a maximum speed of 1800 rpm and must not be mounted on high-speed abrasive saws running at 3600 to 4000 rpm. For tubing, FOXBC lists wall thickness capacities from 1/8 inch minimum to 1/2 inch maximum.
Cutting capacity and blade size
Blade diameter determines how deeply a chop saw can cut in a single pass. Four products here use 14-inch blades, while the APLMAN uses a 6-inch blade. DEWALT publishes explicit cutting capacities of 5-inch round stock and 4-1/2 by 6-1/2-inch rectangular tubing. Other listings do not state specific round or rectangular cut capacity dimensions, so check your workpiece sizes against known capacities before choosing.
Vise clamping and miter fences
Holding metal firmly prevents blade binding and kickback. All four saw listings include miter fence adjustments up to 45 degrees. The DEWALT features a tool-free Quick-Fence and quick-lock vise, while the PORTER-CABLE uses a quick-release clamp. VEVOR includes a wave-pattern vise jaw to increase clamping friction, and the APLMAN fence provides 3 mounting locations across the base.
Base stability and mounting
Saw weight contributes to cutting stability on the workbench. The PORTER-CABLE weighs 32 pounds, the VEVOR weighs 30 pounds, and the APLMAN lists 160 Ounce. DEWALT does not state tool weight, but provides a solid steel base with four pre-drilled holes for mounting to a bench, allowing users to weld stops or jigs directly to the base.
Use as directed. Always clamp metal firmly in the vise before cutting, and never cut freehand. Keep the work area clear of flammable materials and ensure the spark deflector points away from sparks and debris. Disconnect the power cord before replacing wheels or blades. For metal cutting safety practices, visit our metal fabrication tools hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to cut metal with chop saw?
To cut metal with a chop saw, place the workpiece firmly against the fence and tighten the vise clamp. Allow the motor to reach full operating speed, such as 3800 or 4000 rpm, before lowering the blade smoothly into the cut. Apply steady, moderate downward pressure without forcing the wheel, and let the blade stop spinning before raising the head.
Can you use an electric chop saw for metal?
Yes, corded electric chop saws with 15-amp or 1800 to 2300-watt motors are standard tools for cutting steel, angle iron, and rebar. They spin 14-inch or 6-inch cutting wheels at high speeds to slice through ferrous metal. Always use a cutting wheel rated for metal rather than wood.
How to use a metal chop saw safely?
Position the metal chop saw on a stable surface, or bolt it down using mounting holes. Adjust the spark deflector to direct sparks away from flammable items, clothing, and power cords. Always clamp the material tightly in the vise and wear eye, face, and hearing protection during each cut.
Can you use a metal chop saw to cut wood?
Metal chop saws are designed for cutting metal at speeds from 3600 to 4000 rpm, and abrasive cutoff wheels should not be used on wood because wood can burn and load the wheel. The DEWALT spec table lists wood and metal under surface recommendations, but cutting wood safely requires an appropriate toothed blade. A standard woodworking miter saw is better suited for clean lumber cuts.
What is the difference between an abrasive chop saw and a cold cut saw?
An abrasive chop saw uses a composite wheel spinning at high speeds, like 3800 rpm, to grind through metal and creates heat and sparks. A cold cut saw uses a toothed carbide blade, like the FOXBC 72-tooth blade, spinning at a lower speed such as 1800 rpm to shear chips without generating heavy sparks or heat. Abrasive wheels must not be interchanged with low-speed carbide blades unless the machine’s speed matches the blade rating.
Related: best cold cut saw, cold saw for metal, what is cold saw, and the metal fabrication tools hub. Also see our best horizontal band saw. Also see our horizontal band saw for aluminum. Also see our best angle grinder for cutting metal. Also see our best cut off wheels for metal. Also see our angle clamps for welding. Also see our quick clamps for welding. Also see our best 3 inch cut off wheels. Also see our best cordless angle grinder.
About the author
WeldGearLab Editorial is the editorial team behind WeldGearLab. We research product listings, specifications, safety listings and warranty terms, score every pick with the published Gear Score method, and correct errors when readers report them. We do not run our own shop trials; see How We Pick for exactly how picks are made.