Metal Cut-off saw Recommendations

[Fergienewbee]

I don't do a lot with metal, although I have worked with metal studs in all gauges. Currently, I am enlarging my kennel and need to cut top rails to length. I don.t get a very straight cut with a hacksaw or jig saw. I might try a pipe cutter, but just wondered if anyone could recommend a saw for occasional use that didn't cost an arm and leg. Thanks.

Larry
 

[old]

A simple circular saw with a metal cut off blade you buy at Wal-Mart works very well and the blade is around $5 for 3 of them in a pack
 

[Butch(OH)]

How much is an arm and a leg? LOL.
I have an Evolution Rage 3 and I love it. If you need to justify the cost you can also use it for woodworking. Also have a Milwaulkee 8" hand held metal saw. I love the cold saws, some don't, prefferances I guess? If you happen to get in love with a Rage 3 get to Lowes Quick! They quit selling the metal saws and have been fire sale pricing the Evolution blades to get rid of them. No saws left just blades.
Evolution metal saws

 

[jon f mn]

If you get one make sure it has a cast base rather than the stamped steel. The steel ones twist real easy and you get bad cuts. I bought a DeWalt because I thought it would be good, but it has the steel base and I hate it. The motor is good tho.
 

[Awlknottedup]

My brother bought a Harbor Freight cut off saw. Three days after the warranty ran out he picked it up and the back pivot broke. He called HF and they said in so many words, TS.

He bought a Milwaukee as that is what I have as a compound miter saw. He said the Milwaukee was many times better than the HF and well worth the money.

I have told him many times to not buy something from HF with a power cord.
 

[Bendee]

I use a 9" angle grinder with a metal cut-off blade. A 4" would work,, with the thin c-o blades, but don't buy just 1 blade.They tend to wear quicker on thick metal.
 

[PJH]

Milwaukee Portaband. I think I can scribe a line with a knife and leave half of the line. Don't know what you're thinking as for the cost. Bought mine used off of CraigsList for $80. Wouldn't take $180 for it now. They're pricey new. . .
 

[Fergienewbee]

Thanks, all. I might try Old's idea.

Larry
 

[dave2]

[JRSutton]

that's what I do - I got a cheap ryobi circular saw as a gift once - and I immediately put a metal cutting blade on it.

Don't use a good saw - it will melt and the guide plate/shoe gets all scratched up.

Not as good as a dedicated chop saw, and you do have to be real careful about kickback, but it works.
 

[old]

Ya I buy old circular saws at auctions when I can get them cheap and use them to cut metal. I bet over the years I have burned out at least 10 of them but that was before I had a chop saw or a band saw and I have 2 chop saws now and one band saw but for big bulky stuff like sheets of metal they work just fine
 

[bg/mo]

Get a chop saw it will cut better and safer, the circular saw ideal is not for pipe or anything thicker than sheet metal.
 

[JDseller]

Dewalt makes two different models. The difference is about $50 and the better one has a cast base.