The best power tools can cut through metal with minimal effort with dedicated metal cutting saw blades. Unfortunately, you may still run the risk of purchasing a dud that can spoil your project. But that won’t happen if you look through our construction team’s list of tried and tested blades.
Reviews of the Top Metal Cutting Saws
1. Makita XSC02Z
The Makita metal cutting circular saw is lightweight, sturdy, and reliable. Metal is no match in the face of the XSC02Z, and a large part of it is thanks to the automatic speed change technology. The advanced ability allows the metal cutting circular saw to perform at the speed and torque that you choose, which gives an overall optimum performance.
The circular saw has a large cutting capacity and the brushless motor gives the Makita XSC02Z the strength to go even longer while remaining cool and maintaining a longer life.
The battery life is also optimized up to 50% longer for every full charge.
What We Like
- Automatic speed change technology
- Brushless motor
- Large cutting capacity
- Suited for every metal cutting task
- Creates accurate cuts
- 3900 RPM
- Longer battery life
- Very lightweight
- Compact and ergonomic
- Matches with 5-⅜” metal cutting blades
- Cordless design
What We Don’t Like
- Can be a little loud
- Not as powerful as some corded models
2. KAKA BS-712R
If you’re in need of an industrial metal-cutting band saw, then look no further than the Kaka BS-712R. The machine is very heavy duty and is one of the toughest band saws our metal experts came across.
The belt drive motor powers the saw with a ton of force and gives it 4 cutting speeds to suit various projects. You can swivel the bow of the metal cutting band saw to give you more versatile cuts between 45 to 90 degrees.
What’s another perk about the BS-712R is it can be used both vertically and horizontally. The sizing device will also stop it automatically once it has cut through the material.
What We Like
- Heavy-duty band saw
- Has an onboard sizing device
- 4 cutting speeds
- Belt-drive motor
- The bow swivels
- Has a cooling system
- Can cut through thick metal
- Can be used vertically and horizontally
What We Don’t Like
- Might not the best for everyday homeowners
- The cutting process needs to be stabilized
3. DeWalt DWE305
While our team’s second best metal cutting saw isn’t recommended for everyday homeowners, the DeWalt DWE305 sure is. The little handheld tool is a breath of fresh air for those who are used to full-sized units with a heavy-duty steel base.
A small handheld power tool is also usually more affordable, which is also the case for these DeWalt metal cutting saws. Don’t let the small footprint fool you, the small saw can cut metal pipes, be used to prune trees, cut wood, and works for most smaller projects.
It has a 12-amp motor, which was a big surprise to our team considering our first impressions of the size.
What We Like
- Powerful 12-ampere motor
- Small but can cut metal
- 2900 SPM
- 4-position blade clamp
- 1-1/8" stroke length
- Variable speed trigger
- Quick and easy blade changes
- Small but powerful
- Good price
What We Don’t Like
- Better for light to medium duty
- A little heavy
4. DeWalt DCS373B
The DeWalt metal-cutting circular saw was a big star during our tests. It has a 3700 RPM motor, which made it a great choice for metal cutting. It comes with a 5-½-inch carbide-tipped blade that cuts quickly and evenly through metal construction materials such as a steel pipe or a steel plate.
You will have full visibility of your workpiece with the help of a bright LED light that turns on within 20 seconds after trigger release. The DeWalt DCS373B‘s sight line window will further ensure that nothing blocks your view while you hold the oversized comfort grip while you work.
What We Like
- Powerful motor
- 5-½-inch metal cutting saw
- Bright LED light
- Rubber overmold grip
- Comes with a 30-tooth carbide-tipped blade
- Sight line window
- Steel shoe to prevent chip buildup
What We Don’t Like
- Tool only
- DeWalt blades can be expensive
5. Anbull Portable Band Saw
We have another metal cutting band saw that’s smaller than our number 2 choice. Portable band saws have an edge over their larger counterparts, and that is the lighter weight.
Even though Anbull Portable Band Saw is smaller, it still has a 5-inch maximum cutting depth, which was an eye-opener for many members of our team. The saw was strategically balanced for more accurate cuts with a comfortable soft grip back handle to reduce fatigue.
The small unit has a removable alloy steel base to transform it into a handheld device for more range of movement.
What We Like
- Superior balance
- Removable base
- Large cutting capacity
- 10-amp motor
- Variable speed dial
- Serviceable steel shroud
- LED light
- Comfortable handle
- Variable speed dial
- Portable design
What We Don’t Like
- More recommended for small projects
- May not come with an owners manual
6. WORX WX427L
Circular saws have compact versions as well, one of which is the WORX WX427L. Even if the power tools you choose are small, they can still be considered one of the best metal cutting saws on the market.
Cutting metal requires the right blades and a strong motor. The WX427L is a corded tool, which gives it a slightly more powerful edge over cordless models. It works one-handed and has a laser guide function with easy depth and angle adjustments.
The small saw gives you a comfortable grip and even has an integrated dust port to hook up to a shop vac to clean up metal dust and debris.
What We Like
- Works one-handed
- One of the smallest metal saws
- Essential tool for cutting wood and metal
- 4000 RPM motor
- Easy depth and cutting angle adjustments
- Laser guide
- Comfortable handle
- Good price
- Lightweight
What We Don’t Like
- The grip is wide
- No lever lock
7. WEN 94396
The WEN 94396 is another handheld power tool that offers a huge cut capacity of 5 inches wide and deep. You can choose to go at the metal with between 60 to 420 feet per minute with the adjustable speed trigger. The 10-amp motor will make sure the abrasive blade will glide through the material like a not knife through butter.
At 14.5 pounds, the WEN 9436 band saw is still considered lightweight and portable, and it comes with various features such as ball bearing guides and an external blade tensioning lever, to make it one of the most equipped saws on the market.
Pros
- Variable speed operation for cutting metal
- Adjustable front handle
- Lightweight
- Large cutting capacity
- Powerful 10 amp motor
- 60-420 feet per minute
- 2-year warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t come with a case
- Only one color
8. Makita LC1230
Chop saws are also great metal cutting tools. The Makita LC1230 is a metal cutting saw that puts other chop saws to shame with a factory carbide-tipped blade that lasts at least 50 times longer than others.
Do you need repeat cuts? This metal unit can do it with a quick release vise that holds the metal still while you operate. The Makita saw makes blade changes easy that can be done with a single wrench. The quick-release support fence allows up to a 45-degree miter adjustment.
We saved the best for last – the Makita metal cutting chop saw has an unbelievable 15 amp motor.
What We Like
- Powerful 15 amp motor
- Shavings collection tray
- Better factory blade than other metal chop saws
- 1700 RPM
- Reliable and durable power tools
- Can cut metal easily
- Quick-release tool-less guide
- Large cast aluminum base
- Lock-off button
- 2-finger trigger
What We Don’t Like
- A little heavy
- Not recommended for wood cutting
9. Milwaukee Electric Tool 6370-21
Circular saws are among the most versatile saws on the market, which is why they appear so many times. The 6370-21 is designed for faster, cleaner and more powerful metal cutting.
It comes with a carrying case, which is something many of the other metal saws lack, and a factory blade. For your safety, the Milwaukee 6370-21 metal cutting saw has a blade shield that collects sparks and hot chips.
It’s not all about safety as the performance is just as important. The plunge lever lets you create fast plunge cuts with Dry Cut Technology for smooth edges.
What We Like
- Blade shield
- Dry Cut Technology
- Clean and fast metal cutting
- Comes with a carrying case and metal blade
- Includes accessories
- Quite lightweight
- Plunge lever for plunge cuts
What We Don’t Like
- Not cordless
- Front saw to shoe mount is a little weaker
10. DeWalt DWM120K
The DWM120K is a DeWalt metal cutting band saw capable of deep cuts with a 10-amp motor. DeWalt equipped the saw with the industry’s best components to withstand heavy jobs despite being a portable model. To bolster the power tool against any damage, the unit has a serviceable steel shroud and rubber bumpers.
The DeWalt DWM120K‘s 5-inch cutting capacity can accommodate round and rectangular stock while the LED light illuminates the cutting path so you never go wrong. Go from 100 to 350 with the variable speed dial to power through the likes of metal and wood.
What We Like
- Powerful motor
- Variable speed control
- 10-amp motor
- LED light
- 5-inch cutting capacity
- Ergonomic features
- Blade tracking adjustment
- Has a hanging hook
What We Don’t Like
- The factory blade may not be the best
- No carrying case
Metal Cutting Saws Buyer’s Guide
Just how difficult is it to find the best metal cutting saw? It can be tough if you don’t know what to look for. It all depends on what you’re cutting, such as sheet metal or soft metals, and the space you have among other things. To help you sort through the unsuitable options, our team has listed important points below.
What is a Metal Saw?
What is a metal saw? The short answer is a power tool that can cut through metal. However, there are other saws that can still do the job with the right set of metal blades. Be aware that using other saws to cut metal may be much tougher and require much more strength, effort, and time on your part. If you had to pick one over the other, our construction team says to go with dedicated models.
You can use these power tools to cut through materials ranging from metal sheets to pipes. Metal saws are designed to not only slice through metal effectively but also generate fewer sparks and are more resistant to heat.
The right metal saw will have beautiful finishes that are clean and accurate as well. Circular saws, as our experts mentioned, are among the most reliable and versatile models, and they are very popular among those who need to cut metal. You know a saw is capable of cutting metal if they have a carbide-tipped blade or one with ceramic elements.
Types of Metal Cutting Saw
Speaking of circular saws being one of the best options for metal cutting, there are more options than that such as a metal cutting chop saw. The chop saw is recommended by our construction engineers because it is fast, accurate, and leaves a clean finish.
It’s important to know that this kind of chainsaw is bigger than other types of saws and therefore more stationary. If your purpose for purchasing a metal cutting saw is to take it with you from jobsite to jobsite, then our experts do not recommend this one. They are good metal saws to keep in your larger workshop for bevel and straight cuts on metal.
If you don’t have a miter saw, a chop saw can also come with miter capabilities, which is a good point to note for people who engage in miter cuts.
A circular saw that cuts metal is great for size and efficiency. If you want a portable unit, then this is what our team suggests. Circular saws have abrasive blades and work much like a table saw, except the blade works from the top down instead of the bottom up.
There are also miniature circular saw options that give you even more versatility and mainly work with lighter materials.
You then have the reciprocating saw, which our team has also included on our list. If versatility for materials rather than application is your goal then our metal workers suggest a reciprocating metal cutting saw. It can cut through rebar and a variety of materials, aside from wood. However, because it is reciprocating, meaning it operates in a forward and backwards motion, the cuts the reciprocating saw provides are not as clean as some other saw types.
Lastly, we have the band saw, which was featured multiple times. A band saw is heavier duty than the other types. It mainly handles long and heavy stock with the horizontal operation, although we have included a model that can operate vertically as well.
We’re sure you will be able to find the best type for you within the four metal cutting saw options. The saw types can be further split into handheld models or corded and cordless designs.
Blades
Other than the type of saw, the blades are the other side of the equation that determines the quality of your cut.
A common type of blade is an abrasive blade. These blades are designed to be long-lasting, but they are not without flaws. For example, they can run hot and produce a lot of sparks, which is not what most people want. The name comes from the high friction this type of blade uses, which makes it unsafe for soft metals.
Abrasive blades are lightweight and affordable, which our experts recommend for beginners, DIYers, and hobbyists. Most of our team members prefer cold saw blades, which have opposite features of the abrasive ones in the sense that they do not generate many sparks and it doesn’t require extra measures such as a coolant to keep the blade cool.
Instead of abrasive blades with high friction, cold saws adopt a metallic-toothed blade that cuts faster as well.
The finish from a cold saw blade is much cleaner than the abrasive options, but the downside for these blades are the weight and the price tag. The best metal cutting saws can take both types, so you can try them both out to see which you prefer.
The blade size is also another factor to remember. Metal cutting saw blades can come in various sizes depending on the saw you pick. When you’re purchasing your new power tool, look at the size listed. The size listed isn’t the length of the saw, but the diameter of the blade.
The blade size you pick also has to do with the type of material you intend to work with. How big are the pieces of metal and how thick are they? A 12-inch blade is great for smaller projects and household projects, but you may need a 14-inch option for heavy-duty tasks and industrial jobs.
A 7-inch blade is great for small handheld tools and can usually deal with most sheet metals, but if you want the most versatile choice, our construction experts suggest going with a 12 inch.
Saw blades can also feature various tooth counts. The teeth are what slice through the materials, and our team says you need 60 to 100 at the very least to have cleaner finishes. For a metal cutting saw, you will find carbide-tipped teeth, which help to prevent sparks and remain strong and sharp for about 100 cuts.
Motor Power
Much of your choice for metal cutting saw really depends on your work. The motor power of your power tools needs to be strong enough to power the blade through the material in question.
You can find 10 to 15 amp [1] motors on the market, and our experts say to go for 12 as the standard.
Users have their pick of a gas-powered metal cutting saw, an electric-powered metal cutting saw, or a battery-powered one.
Gas-powered metal cutting saws aren’t the most eco-friendly, but they are the most powerful. These power tools can deliver high speeds and high torque and power blades through a wide variety of materials. Aside from not being the most green, gas-powered saws are also heavier and more cumbersome.
Electric-powered, or the corded models, are lighter in weight compared to the gas-powered options and much easier to handle. They can still tackle heavy-duty jobs and they are more eco-friendly, but they are still less powerful than the gas-powered saws. Another setback you may encounter with corded electric models is the limited range due to the constraints of the power cord.
If you find yourself moving around often with your metal cutting saw, then our team has one more suggestion that could solve your range problem, and that is battery-powered options or cordless saws.
These are the least powerful, but perfect for small jobs and hobbyists. A lot of the battery-powered models are also handheld which make them great for quick jobs as well. The key to finding one that’s long-lasting is to look at the battery size and capacity.
Lithium-ion batteries are our recommendation for longevity but do keep in mind that the runtime is limited by the charge. So if you pick battery-powered metal cutting saws, keep the charging cord handy.
Size and Design
Do you need a full-sized model, benchtop type of metal saw, or a handheld version? Our team suggests looking at your needs. For example, if you often work outside of your workshop on contracts around the city, we would suggest a benchtop model or a handheld one if the job isn’t as heavy-duty.
A large and powerful full-sized version is the best option for metals if your shop has the space. If you can, look for cast iron construction for the most reliability.
The next part is the design of the saw. What features does the saw have and what can it do? Other than basic straight cuts, some metal cutting saws can create miter cuts like a miter saw can do, and others can even have bevel cut capabilities, and adjustable miter gauges and angles.
Speaking of angles, an adjustable angle fence will also keep your workpiece in place for more accurate cuts at an angle. Look for units with a quick release material clamp as well so you can move and place your workpieces quickly and efficiently. A quick-lock vise is another handy feature to have that will clamp down materials.
Dust Collection System
A dust collection system or port may not be present on all saws, but it’s definitely a feature you want to look out for. Our metal workers and woodworking team noticed a shortened cleanup time with devices that have a dust system and your workspace will always remain clean and your line of vision free of debris.
What most people don’t realize is a constant cleanup means the dust and debris will less likely accumulate within the crevices of your cutting metal saw, which will increase its longevity.
Spark Deflector
It’s no secret that metal cutting saws can generate plenty of sparks, especially if you go with abrasive saw blades. However, with the help of a spark deflector, your saw will actually shield you and your surroundings from these flying specks. These additions are very nifty components to have on a metal cutting saw.
Laser Guide
The fence on a miter saw or table saw acts as the guide for straight cuts, but you’ll usually find a laser guide on a metal saw.
The laser guide is not necessary for all, but it is crucial for those who want very precise cuts. The laser guide is basically a laser light that acts as a guideline for your saw blade. You simply cut along the line for clean and consistent cuts each time.
You can try to eyeball your cuts but you won’t get the same uniform results each time.
Safety Features
The safety features apply when you’re using your saw, or even when the blade is stationary and not in use. A spindle lock will lock the chuck on a metal saw, making it safe for you to remove pieces of metal without injury.
Blade guards are also incredibly useful to keep your fingers away from the blade. Our team reminds readers to look for a transparent blade guard if possible, so having this safety feature won’t come at the cost of your blade visibility. Better yet, look for a retractable blade guard.
Price and Warranty
In general, pricier metal cutting saws from big brands can offer lengthier warranties that are more comprehensive. Unfortunately, the brands do also signify the quality of the product, which is also reflected in its warranty.
Ironically, the better quality a product is, the better the warranty because there’s no skin off of the manufacturer’s back to offer better coverage if their product is top quality. The opposite concept applies to poorer quality products and shorter warranties.
Our experts say that it is entirely possible to still get top-notch products from lesser-known brands, so don’t let that dictate your choice entirely.
As for the price, metal saws can come at different price ranges, just make sure you find one within your budget that offers all the above features.
Safety Tips and Reminders
We know you’re eager to try out your new saw, but before you take it to an angle iron or pipe, our construction professionals have a few tips to offer.
The first important action is to wear the proper protective gear, with the most important one being protective goggles. Sparks may fly, and you definitely don’t want to end up with one in the eye.
There should be no jewelry, no loose clothes, and no fingers too close to the blade. If you have long hair, always secure it behind your head.
Operate the saw blade within the recommended speed. You not only risk damaging the blade if you push it above its suggested SPM, but you also risk injuring yourself.
Lastly, always check your power tool before powering it on. Are the teeth chipped? Is the blade properly secured? Check your work surface and surroundings to make sure everything is either in place or out of the way.
FAQ
Can you use a metal cutting saw to cut wood?
Some metal cutting saws may be able to cut wood, but the quality of the cut and the finish will not be as refined as a dedicated wood saw. You should also note that using incorrect blades on improper materials will either wear down the blade very quickly or rough up your workpiece.
What is the difference between a metal chop saw and a miter saw?
A chop saw is known for its ability to cut a right angle cut, but miter saws are used for right angle bevel cuts and crosscuts. Brilliant manufacturers have now integrated miter features into some chop saw units to make a great 2-in-1 unit.
Which is the easiest metal to saw?
Lightweight metals such as aluminum and copper are no match for even an everyday metal cutting saw. If you want to make sure your saw has an easy time, choose non-ferrous metals over ferrous ones.