Dry Cut Saws

[Jeff10]

Hey Everyone,

Five or six years ago my wife bought me a re-manufactured Milwaukee dry cut saw. I really liked working with the saw the first couple of years that I had it.

I've been able to spend very little working in the garage the last few years because of bill paying type work.

I am pretty sure that Milwaukee no longer sells a dry-cut saw. I looked around a little and find that there are very few companies that offer dry cut saws. That got me thinking.

Have there been safety issues with dry-cut saws? They produce a lot less by-product from cutting, and I believe the blade revolution is less than a traditional chop saw.

After using one, I'm trying to understand why they aren't more popular, and why Milwaukee stop selling them. And, more importantly, wanting to make sure there aren't safety issues.

Anyone have an opinion?

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[Broncobowsher]

Have not looked into that side of it. I have a dewalt version that I love. They are not tolerant of abuse at all. Blades have always been a bit troublesome. I've had one resharpened at Arizona Carbide, took a couple of new teeth as well. That was many years ago. I'm pretty sure both my blades could be refreshed. I was hoping the price of blades had dropped enough to make replacement more economical then getting them repointed. I know I am missing at least one tooth right now. I don't do much fab work anymore as well, so it gets little use. But I rather have it than a chop saw.

 

[bronkenn]

I have the Evolution saw and it works great. My neighbor just bought a Milwaukee last week and he loves his. My brother has had one for a couple years now and he uses it quite a bit. He says he uses the Diablo blades and gets them online for about 24 bucks. That is for the hand held one. Mine is the chop saw style. Very nice tools if you cut a lot of steel. Ken

 

[hyghlndr]

I know people locally that avoid them due to all of the stuff they throw off when cutting.

 

[jmangi62]

We used a harbor freight saw during my build and we cut a good amount with it. My buddy just got one for cheap from his neighbor who was moving, and he said the guy bought it at HF and put a $26 blade on it. He loves the thing.

 

[Capt.junk&crap]

I have a Trajan that I got from sawblade.com. Super cheap and came with two blades. Zips through steel with no sparks, no kerf. I would highly recommend.

 

[Apogee]

I've been shopping around for a carbide cut-off saw, and the bases seem to be the weakest link, especially if you do a lot of miter cuts. Rigid makes a really nice one with a very good base and fence arrangement, but they want $800 for it, so I may go with the lesser Dewalt unit and do what I can to make the fences and adjustments more reliable and user friendly.

I'll be watching this thread, as I'm curious who has what along with the pros and cons.

 

[bronkenn]

I've been shopping around for a carbide cut-off saw, and the bases seem to be the weakest link, especially if you do a lot of miter cuts. Rigid makes a really nice one with a very good base and fence arrangement, but they want $800 for it, so I may go with the lesser Dewalt unit and do what I can to make the fences and adjustments more reliable and user friendly.

I'll be watching this thread, as I'm curious who has what along with the pros and cons.

Check out the Evolution. I shopped around and settled on it. It has a real stout base and quick release clamp. Very well made saw, does 45 degree angles pretty accurate. The base and clamping fence are pretty heavy duty. Ken

 

[darkmagus]

Which evolution do you have? The rage2 or evo 380? I’m in the market for one. The ironton from northern tool gets decent reviews too.

 

[bronkenn]

Which evolution do you have? The rage2 or evo 380? I’m in the market for one. The ironton from northern tool gets decent reviews too.

I have the 380. Very happy with it. They are a 15 inch saw but come with a 14 inch blade. The 15 inch blade is more expensive but I haven't had the need for a 15 inch blade yet. Still using the original blade that came with it. Ken

 

[kburandt]

I've had an evolution rage2 chop saw for several years, occasional use. I bought it heavily discounted when Lowes was closing them out. I'm still on the first blade it cuts like the day I got it. At first the fence would only go 89 degrees. I had to mill out the track a bit for more adjustment.

It does throw off small chunks of metal. I always wear gloves, long sleeve shirt, and full face mask.

 

[markw]

Hi Jeff,
There is just no comparison to an abrasive chop saw. I use mine all the time. Like others
have noted the blade will send a lot of slivers flying. Full face shield is essential. I've picked enough slivers out of my forehead to make me a believer.
Mark

 

[Jeff10]

Hey Mark,

It's good to hear from you.

I agree about the quality. I just thought it was odd that Milwaukee stopped selling dry-cut saws. A lot less to clean up (on the workpiece and on the ground) with the dry cut.

(Big 10-4 on the full face shield. I learned my lesson using a handheld grinder a few years ago. Good safety glasses with side shields... and still metal shavings on my eyeball. It was not fun having them removed. Who would think that there are so many nerves on the the eyeball. Safety glasses and a full face shield (or smart welding helmet) since that time. Who says we don't learn as we get older?)

Jeff

 

[bronkenn]

Hey Mark,

It's good to hear from you.

I agree about the quality. I just thought it was odd that Milwaukee stopped selling dry-cut saws. A lot less to clean up (on the workpiece and on the ground) with the dry cut.

(Big 10-4 on the full face shield. I learned my lesson using a handheld grinder a few years ago. Good safety glasses with side shields... and still metal shavings on my eyeball. It was not fun having them removed. Who would think that there are so many nerves on the the eyeball. Safety glasses and a full face shield (or smart welding helmet) since that time. Who says we don't learn as we get older?)

Jeff

I don't think they stopped selling them. My neighbor just bought a new one from the Milwaukee dealer in town last week. Called the dealer in the morning and he got it in that afternoon. Ken

 

[phred]

I’ve got an evolution dry cut and it works great. It does throw a lot of chips but the cuts are clean and precise. I don’t use it on stuff larger than 4x4 tube though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Apogee]

Is this the Milwaukie (6190-20) saw that keeps getting mentioned?

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Saws-and-Cutters/Cut-Off-Machine/6190-20

It says that it's been discontinued.