Chop Saw Question

In the past I have always used a standard chop saw for my projects.

I was just looking aat the assortment of the new saws since I am in the market and wandered past the 12 inch miter saws. I see they have the same hp as the chop saws but they swivel to the part rather than trying to hold the part at an angle to get the right cut.

I know they are usually used for wood but do you think they can cut 2x4x.250 tubing safely?

With the chop saws I could get close but would have to cut a little fat and massage it into position.

I don't know the answer to your question, but I have an Evolution 3 which is what you really are asking for. It looks like a Mitre Saw, but is designed to cut metal. It was a very good investment and I have certainly gotten my $$$ out of it.

Do the metal cutting chop saws run at a lower RPM than the normal wood cutting compound miter saws?

In reply to T.J.:

Yes, around 2k rpm.

also there are lots of plastic parts on wood cutting saws that like to melt and catch fire when you put an abrasive blade in them.

We've had good luck with one purchased from craigslist. Old 80s craftsman miter saw with 10 inch abrasive disc instead of a saw blade. Cuts rebar and pipe just fine. It doesn't get much use, but has done everything we've asked it to without breaking.

I've used my Porter cable compound miter saw with an abrasive blade for steel once. Did just fine.

But cleaning up after was a bitch, because for furniture making it needed to be spotless.

Getting a cheap compound miter off craigslist just for metal should be a good middle ground.

If you are using an abrasive blade it will be fine. If you want to put a carbide tipped metal cutting blade on it needs to be a saw designed for it.