A chop saw is a common power tool to find in workshops and on construction yards the whole world over. But what is a chop saw? What makes it different from a miter or chop saw? You may be a novice DIYer and know what a saw looks like. But what about all the different saws available at Home Depot?
Its important to have the right tool for the job, and that goes doubly for saws. You can’t go back once you have cut. A chop saw is the best tool to make straight, square cuts every single time. A chop saw is a heavy power tool that spins a circular saw blade at dangerously fast speeds (so make sure to always wear your safety gear). The saw is pushed into position by you. Once the wood is laid on the support table, the saw will be cut. The chop saw is similar to other saws, but it serves a very specific purpose.
What’s A Chop Saw Used For?
Chop saws are primarily used for crosscutting boards in straight sections. This is handy for making perfectly square cuts and flush corners. Cross-cutting or rip cutting are the two main methods of woodcutting. Lumber is cut so that the wood grain runs longways along each board. A cross-cut refers to a cut that is perpendicular or parallel to the wood grain.
Chop saws are not built for rip cutting. For that, youll want a traditional circular saw. A chop saw is a better choice to make your boards shorter and squarer.
Types Of Chop Saws
You should be aware of the four types of chop saws available. Each one is designed for a specific purpose. All have a rotating blade that slides into the lumber while you cut. They also all feature moveable platform surfaces so you can cut horizontally at different angles. Now, lets check out the differences:
The Standard Chop Saw
These are the simplest chop saws youll find at the hardware store. These chop down straight down and only down. However, while the blade itself doesnt swing around, the support table still moves around.
The Compound Chop Saw
A compound chop saw can do everything that a standard one can. These blades can be tilted to one side so you can cut two different planes using the same saw.
The Dual-Compound Chop Saw
These are a step up from the standard compound chop saw. These can be tilted or stood straight up, but you can now tilt the blade in any direction. This allows you to easily velve the lumber without turning it on the saw.
The Sliding-Compound Chop Saw
Slider-compound saws offer a greater range of motion than other types. The blade and the machinery can move in both directions when cutting. This allows you to cut larger sections of wood in one go.
Which Chop Saw Is Best For My Job?
Good question! While standard chop saws arent the most common choice anymore, theyre still perfect for simpler jobs like the basic home renovation or small workshop projects. The primary advantage is that theyre more affordable and come with less moving parts. As a result, theyre less prone to breaking down and require less overall maintenance.
If you are looking for larger projects, such as building a wooden porch or a barn, then a sliding-compound saw will be more suitable. If you don’t have the budget for a larger unit, these units can prove prohibitively costly. We recommend that hobbyists start with a standard model chop saw.
Make sure that you get the right saw for the job. Although chop saws may look similar to other types, they serve a unique purpose.
