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The chop saw is simply a lightweight circular saw mounted on a spring-loaded arm that moves up and down unless the miter chop saw version is being used. These saws are mounted to a solid metallic base. Chop saws can deliver very accurate, square cuts if the operator knows ways to use it correctly.

There are basically two sorts of original chopsaw. The abrasive stationary metal cutting chop saw and the older version wood cutting miter chop saw. Both will cut metal or wood providing the proper blade is installed, but each saw was specifically designed to perform its unique functions.

The most popular makes and models have proved to be long-lasting and dependable Chop Saws. The only differences are price, weight and owner opinion.

A true Chop Saw just cuts at 90 degrees and is intended to cut hard materials such as all types of metals or other very hard substances.

The cutting action is done by an abrasive blade, just like a grinding wheel and has the cutting wheel and motor mounted on a pivoting arm attached to a fixed base plate.

More often than not a composite friction disk blade is used to roughly cut through steel. The disks are disposable items as they can wear down to nothing throughout the cut.

The abrasive disks for those saws are normally 14 in. in diameter but larger saws can house a 16 inch diameter blade. Most of the suppliers have a variety of blades which are rated and matched to the various materials cut.

The Chop Saw or transportable metal cutoff saws are lightweight and powerful saws. Most of the steel fabrication previously handled in workshops can be done on-site. Abrasive saws have replaced more costly and risky acetylene torches in lots of applications, such as cutting re-bar and stock steel.

The real distinction between the Chop Saw and a Miter Chop Saw is that one can actually cut the miters and the other is a stationary right angle cutting machine.

Chop saws will cut through metal with slight resistance. Do some research before you choose to purchase a metal cutting chop saw. Learn the functions and limitations about the specific saw you require. Ask friends if they know somebody that has used these saws or try web forums for recommendation.

The Miter Chop Saw will be a much lighter unit and will only have the capacity to house a 12 in blade. The abrasive chop saw can use up to a 16 inch disc for cutting operations.

The benefit of owning a miter chop saw is that the arm can swivel in both directions and make miter cuts as much as 50 degrees. The main arm assembly is stationary and doesn't slide as with compound sliding miter saws.

This kind of saw is much more compact, lighter and can come in handy when doing quick repairs or last minute installs of baseboard or other trim substance.

The Miter Chop Saw is best suited for woodworking. It doesn't have a built in clamping system but some models do provide accessories capable of clamping wood to the fence. This kind of saw is always less expensive than the much better Compound Sliding Miter Saw.

Do some research and make sure you purchase the saw that will do all the things you actually need taken care of. There is nothing worse than purchasing a power tool and finding out later that it can only do a fraction of the work. Get the proper Chop Saw for the job.