- Free Plans and Projects
- Furniture Projects
- Jigs And Fixtures Projects
- Shop Projects
- SketchUp Models
- Shop Storage
- Workbenches
- Free Woodworking Downloads From Lee Valley
Our content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.The Best Chop Saws for Effortless Woodworking Cuts
A chop saw features handheld and circular jigsaws that are versatile for achieving sharp, smooth, and precise cuts. Modern chop saws, such as those crafted by PORTER-CABLE, have revolutionized carpentry with their ability to deliver sharp and straight cross-cuts across wood grains, making them indispensable for professionals and DIYers alike. Their accuracy in bevel and trim cuts further solidifies their place among essential woodworking tools. With a chop saw's combination of accuracy, strength, and efficiency, you can tackle woodworking projects with confidence, achieving professional-quality results in less time. To simplify your search, we've curated a list of the best chop saws for 2024, ensuring you find the right tool to enhance your woodworking endeavors.
View all ContentsThe Best Chop Saws
Best Overall
PORTER-CABLE’s chop saw is our top choice with its high-speed motor, extreme durability, and competitive price. Whether you are fencing your front lawn or installing cabinets for a kitchen remodel, the 14-inch blade runs at 3800 RPM and can handle thick planks and cross-cutting lumber boards. This chop saw comes with quick-release clamps to hold the planks steady, and the adjustable cutting fence provides precise miter adjustments of the blade. Allowing you to easily make bevel cuts up to 45 degrees, this chop saw is still championed for its sturdy, durable construction and quality performance.
Pros
- Offers speeds up to 3800 RPM
- Features an adjustable cutting fence
- Quick-release clamps
Cons
- The motor produces smoke
Most Budget-Friendly
When it comes to durable structure, seamless performance, and refined convenience, the DEWALT chop saw is the closest to a value deal you can get. Its 15-amp high-capacity motor produces up to 4000 RPM speed, and it can even cut through thick planks. The keyless spindle lock also provides a quicker, hassle-free way of replacing your worn-out blades. Featuring a wide steel base that ensures stability, the lock vise fastens them to the base when cutting longer planks with ease. Not to mention, you can bolt this chop saw down to the table for better stability and adjust the slidable fence up to 45 degrees.
Pros
- The fence allows precise angled cuts
- No-load speed of 4000 RPM
- The quick-lock vise ensures convenient clamping
Cons
- The stock blade is low-quality
Most Versatile
The Evolution chop saw leaves its competitors to dust with its performance and versatility. In addition to a powerful 15-amp motor, the chop saw features a pressed steel base that is vigorous and lightweight at the same time. And unlike typical abrasive blades, this miter saw uses a premium carbide-tipped blade that can work through steel like softwood. The fence can be adapted up to 45 degrees and can make precise angle cuts effortlessly. To add to its convenience, this miter saw also comes with a three-year warranty, making it a risk-free purchase.
Pros
- Pressed down steel base promotes portability
- Sharp TCT blade works effectively
- Offers a three-year warranty
Cons
- The measuring tool might be inaccurate
Most Professional
Whether you are looking to set up a full-fledged carpenter workshop or want to improve your metalworking skills, the Jancy chop saw is designed to accommodate both needs. Its low-speed, high-torque motor generates less heat compared to other cut-off saws, making it feasible for extensive usage. This chop saw also features a heavy-duty blade that cuts through wood, steel, aluminum, and other metals. It has an adjustable smooth bevel and quick-release base clamps that let you make foolproof and precise cuts, and with its eye-protection plate and depth stop functionality, you no longer have to worry about getting injured.
Pros
- Can handle wood and metal
- Features dual protection
- High precision durable steel construction
Cons
- The blade tooth may wear off
Most Compact
With its 8-inch TCT blade and adjustable round base, the Proxxon chop saw features the most compact and innovative design compared to others. The short blade is powered by a 200-watt DC motor that provides 5400 RPM, and aside from being capable of carving wood and metal, it features a 45-degree adjustable fence. A cast aluminum table base allows you to reverse a 45-degree angle of cutting. The integrated self-centric clamps also work to tighten the object in place, eliminating the need to readjust the clamps when making a trim cut on both edges. Adding to its functionality, the base is engraved with side grooves to allow you to cut through any round or thin piece.
Pros
- Ideal for smaller miter cuts
- Features an integrated clamp
- The V-shaped groove clamp secures wood
Cons
- May be too small for some users
Buying Guide: The Best Chop Saws
If you want to take your woodworking skills to the next level, it’s time you add a chop saw to your workshop. While handheld saws are efficient in cutting through most surfaces, they fall short when it comes to accuracy and precision. From your bathroom plumbing to the kitchen cabinetry, chop saws make every construction project quick, hassle-free, and mess-free.
Types of Chop Saws: What to Know
Chop saws can vary in both design and purpose. Before you start sifting through the aisles or browsing through the search tabs, make sure you know what chop saws to go for.
Sliding saws
As the name suggests, the upper handheld portion of the saw slides forward and backward while the base stays fixed to the bottom. The movement comes in handy while cutting through boards that are wider than the size of the blade, making them best suited for large-scale and commercial projects.
Miter saws
Miter saws are a relatively straightforward woodworking tool that prove helpful in making bevel and trim cuts. The saw blade can be adjusted horizontally, allowing you to slice through the pieces at a slanted angle. These normally have angle markings that give a clear, precise view of the angle you are cutting at.
Compound miter saws
Specifically designed for woodworking tasks, compound miter saws let you incorporate bevels to make sharp, angled cuts. Normally sold as single-function or dual-function compound, single-function compound saws provide angle cutting at one edge of the object, while the latter helps you incorporate beveling on both sides.
Corded and Cordless: Know the Difference
Chop saws are either powered by AC or rechargeable batteries, so it’s your job to figure out the right option for your requirements.
Corded chop saws
Corded chop saws rely on standard household AC to operate. These normally come as 10 amp, 12 amp, and 15 amp options. While 10 amp and 12 amp options are meant for standard household projects, 15 amp miter saws can take on heavy-duty tasks and can be used commercially.
Cordless chop saws
Cordless chop saws source their power from rechargeable batteries. Like any other wireless tool, cordless chop saws are portable and can be operated at places where electric outlets are not available.
Blade size
Chop saws come with different blade sizes. Ranging from 8 to 14 inches, while larger blades help cut through large and thick blocks of wood, smaller 8-inch blade sizes are more helpful for detailed work. In case you are looking for a versatile option that does the best of both, a 12-inch saw blade would work the best.
Safety features
Nothing matters more than safety when it comes to a chop saw. Even though most miter saws are equipped with protective coverings, there’s always a risk of getting injured. Before making the purchase, make sure the miter saw has the following safety features:
- Blade Guard
- Trigger Brake
- Lockout Button
- Clamps
Chop Saws FAQ
Can I use a chop saw to cut boards?
As effective as they may be at cutting slim wood boards, chop saws cannot cut through large or wide wood boards. Table saws, on the other hand, are used to cut through larger boards.
Can I cut metal objects with a wood chop saw?
Although normal wood chop saws are specifically made to chop wood, some saws have sturdy steel blades that can even slice through metal. To check for these specifications, you can navigate to the product description or the customer review section.
Can I change the blade of a chop saw at home?
It is possible to change the blade of a chop saw at home once it becomes dull. Just remove the tightening screw that holds the disc in place, replace it with a newer one and tighten the screw back on.
How can I tell if my chop saw needs replacement?
You’ll know your chop saw needs replacement if it shows signs of wear and tear that cannot be addressed with regular maintenance.
