Whether it is for a personal project or for your business, it is a good idea to invest in one if your projects involve a lot of metal cutting.
In this article we will be talking all about metal cutting circular saw and why it is the best tool for cutting any metal types.
RelatedCircular Saw Guide for Safety and Accurate Cutting
Below are the featured products that were chosen based on their performance and value.
7 Best Circular Saws for Cutting Various Types of Metal
| Metal Cutting Circular Saw | Speed | Blade Material | Blade Diameter | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Makita 4131 - Editor's Choice | 3,500 RPM | Ceramic-Metal | 7-1/4 inch | Check Price |
Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW230 | 2,700 RPM | TCT | 9 inch | Check Price |
Milwaukee 6370-21 | 3,700 RPM | Ceramic-Metal | 8 inch | Check Price |
Genesis GMCS547C | 3,500 RPM | TCT | 4-3/4 inch | Check Price |
Evolution EVOSAW180HD | 3,950 RPM | TCT | 7-1/4 inch | Check Price |
MK Morse CSM7NXTB | 3,800 RPM | TCT | 7 inch | Check Price |
Evolution Power Tools RAGE-B | 3,900 RPM | TCT | 7-1/4 inch | Check Price |
What is a Metal Cutting Circular Saw?
A metal cutting circular saw is a type of power saw that includes a circular blade which revolves in order to cut metal. It has a handle that has an on and off trigger switch and some type of arbor nut to hold the blade in place. This type of saw is also designed with guards which protect you from touching the spinning blade.
Some people find that using a regular circular saw with a metal cutting blade also works in cutting metal. You can find lots of 7 ¼ – inch metal cutting blades from plenty of manufacturers, that would fit a traditional circular saw and slap it on. However, metal cutting circular saws are specially designed to handle not just a few but different types of metals.
Note: If you are a left handed person, check this article out for a detailed explanation about left handed circular saws.
How Does It Work?
A metal cutting circular saw works almost the same as a regular circular saw but there are a few small differences that matter a lot. Just like a regular circular saw, the metal cutting models have circular blade and when you activate the machine, the blade would turn to cut the metal. You activate the switch located on the handle to turn it on.
Compared to a metal chop saw, you need to move the saw thoroughly in order to cut the metal. Likewise, you can also cut metal in various angles.
Compared to a wood cutting circular saw, metal cutting saws operate with significantly lower speeds. This matters a lot because if the saw operates in a speed as high as a wood cutting circular saw, it exceeds the recommended cutting speed for metals. You will not get results that are as precise and as clean if you use a regular saw instead of a metal cutting one. Also, this type of saw has a blade designed for metal cutting.
Metal Cutting Circular Saw Reviews: Our Top 7 Choices
Makita Metal Cutting Circular Saw – Model 4131, 7-1/4-Inch – Editor’s Pick
The Makita 4131 features a powerful motor that can cut through various types of metal. This brand has been known as one of the top manufacturers of power tools and this unit is definitely one of the most popular.
The machine provides 13 amps of power in a lightweight unit which makes it more efficient and easier to use. It weighs only 10.6 pounds which is a great advantage compared to heavier models. The Makita 4131 is equipped with a special blade that is CERMET (Ceramic-Metal) tipped which is mixture of ceramic and metal. It means it is heat resistant and can last longer than traditional blades.
The saw features a no-load speed of 3,500 RPM, giving it the power to cut through multiple sheets at once without creating lots of sparks. It is a breeze to clean up because it is designed with a built-in chip collector so you can spend more time on your project than in cleaning.
Specifications
| Motor | 120 V, 13 amp |
| Speed (No Load) | 3,500 RPM |
| Weight | 10.6 pounds |
| Blade Diameter | 7-1/4 inch |
| Bore / Arbor | 5/8 inch |
| Warranty | 1 year limited warranty |
The Pros
- Allows single pass cuts because of its 2 ½ deep cut capacity
- Creates virtually spark-free cuts
- One of the lightest units in the market weighing only 10.6 lbs.
- Powerful 13-amp motor
The Cons
- The blade guard makes it a bit difficult to see where the saw is cutting but it has a minimal impact on performance.
- Comes with a hefty price for budget users.
The Bottom Line
The Makita 4131 is a reliable power tool that gives you blur-free and clean cuts. It is lightweight and durable so it is highly manageable despite having a lot of power.
Evolution Power Tools Steel Cutting Circular Saw – Model EVOSAW230, 9-Inch
The Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW230 offers a high-grade industrial metal cutting strength. It cuts cold and does not require any coolant. Its cold material allows you to handle your work immediately. It features a 48-tooth carbide tipped blade and can outperform abrasives.
This metal cutting circular saw is ideal for cutting various types of metal, especially designed for industrial work. It cuts longer because of the steel blade with TCT (Tungsten Carbide-Tipped) which can cut up to 250 feet of a half inch steel plate before you need to replace it. The blade also cuts cooler and it leaves an instantly workable burr-free finish.
The saw produces no heat, burrs, or sparks. That means you can cut the material and handle it quickly instead of waiting for the metal to cool down compared with abrasives. It cuts faster, cutting through 6 inches of half an inch-thick mild steel plate in only 12 seconds.
It features adjustable cutting depth which lets you adjust the saw’s base plate through the adjustment lever. So, this is perfect for profile sheeting applications. The 0 to 45 degrees bevel tilt function lets you cut a bevel along the length of a skirting board and a miter across the end. It has a high torque gearbox and durable blades and motor.
Specifications
| Motor | 120 V, 15 amp |
| Speed (No Load) | 2,700 RPM |
| Weight | 13 pounds |
| Blade Diameter | 9 inch |
| Bore / Arbor | 1 inch |
| Warranty | 3 year limited warranty |
The Pros
- Solid construction from the housing to the blade guard
- More than adequate motor power which allows effortless smooth cuts
- Suitable for heavy duty use
The Cons
- The accuracy could be improved but it cuts faster than other models
The Bottom Line
The Evolution Power Tools EVOSAW230 offers a lot of power without causing sparks or burrs. It allows you to work efficiently because it cuts cool so you can handle your work immediately. This saw is ideal for those who want to cut and work fast.
Milwaukee Metal Cutting Circular Saw – Model 6370-21, 8-Inch
The Milwaukee 6370-21 is a powerful tool that features an innovative dry-cut technology. That means you will get faster, cleaner, and cooler cuts each time. It runs at 3,700 RPM no load speed with a blade diameter of 8 inches.
This saw delivers cooler metal cutting because it produces virtually no sparks or scorch. It doesn’t require post-cut finishing so it increases your efficiency. You can handle the material almost immediately after cutting so there is no downtime. It is equipped with a full grill of razor-sharp teeth that are designed with CERMET tip so you can cut without hesitation.
Aside from that, it also produces less waste because it keeps the metal shavings effectively contained in a blade shield then goes to the saw’s integral chip tank. It is highly durable and can withstand heavy duty use so you can cut all day and can handle more extreme cuts even up to a ¾ inch steel plate.
The Milwaukee 6370-21 has been tested to last 25 times more than the standard abrasive type saws. Make faster plunge cuts and operate with ease with its firm but comfortable grip. The blades cut faster and stay sharp longer. When it’s time to change the blades, you can do so easily because of the fast release shield latch.
Specifications
| Motor | 120 V, 15 amp |
| Speed (No Load) | 3,700 RPM |
| Weight | 13.3 pounds |
| Blade Diameter | 8 inch |
| Bore / Arbor | 5/8 inch |
| Warranty | 2 year warranty |
The Pros
- Can effortlessly cut through a 1.5 inch solid round and cuts 1 inch metals without any trouble
- Great value for the price because of the quality and durability
- Produces straight cuts consistently
- Efficient and time-saving
The Cons
- A little on the heavy side but provides a lot of power
The Bottom Line
The Milwaukee 6370-21 offers excellent performance and ease of use. It saves you time and effort while cutting and after cutting since it doesn’t require any coolants. You can handle your work immediately because of the cool cuts. It’s a great value for the money and is a great investment for the long run.
Genesis Circular Saw for Metal Cutting – Model GMCS547C, 4-3/4-Inch
The Genesis GMCS547C allows you to cut mild steel, aluminum, along with other nonferrous metals. It produces almost no sparks or smoke and it doesn’t require any coolant. This metal cutting saw offers power and flexibility, built for the metal worker.
You can plow through mild steel plate and cut through up to a ¼ inch thick metals. It is built with heavy duty constructions so it’s meant to last. The blade viewing area will allow you to head in the right direction for you to achieve more precision.
The great thing is that the Genesis GMCS547C doesn’t need any messy cooling fluids. It cuts dry and produces clean cuts without burr and it doesn’t generate warmth like conventional metal cutting saws or grinders. It’s designed with a watch over grip which fits your hand and feels comfortable so you can focus on the cutting and have precision even with one hand only.
This circular saw is compact and it comes at a great price which is a great value for your money. It also saves you time from cleaning because of the chip collection system. The powerful motor offers 5.8 amp with 3,500 RPM. You can adjust the cutting depth easily as well.
Specifications
| Motor | 120 V, 5.8 amp |
| Speed (No Load) | 3,500 RPM |
| Weight | 5.9 pounds |
| Blade Diameter | 4-3/4 inch |
| Bore / Arbor | 3/8 inch |
| Warranty | 2 year warranty |
The Pros
- Cuts fast and accurate, better than a plasma cutters
- Blade lasts longer than expected
- No sparks and the metal chip collection bin make it easy to keep the work area clean
- Very competitive price with excellent quality performance
- Compact and lightweight so it’s easy to handle
The Cons
- The sight or viewing area could be improved.
- Metal chips are not always collected in the chip collector
The Bottom Line
The Genesis GMCS547C is a great affordable alternative and is perfect for those who want a more compact unit. It’s easy to handle and allows one hand operations. This metal cutting circular saw provides sufficient power in a compact machine and saves you not only time but also money.
Evolution Steel Cutting Circular Saw – Model EVOSAW180HD, 7-1/4-Inch
This metal cutting saw performs at an industrial level. It features an adjustable cutting depth so you can customize your cuts by using the depth adjustment lever which lets you adjust the saw’s base plate. It’s great for profile sheeting applications.
You can tilt the bevel from 0 to 45 degrees with the tilt function. This allows you to cut a bevel along a skirting board length and across the end of a miter. It has excellent accuracy which produces clean and consistently smooth cuts on all mild steels. It’s a powerful tool with a high torque gearbox and blade system that lengthens the life of the motor and the blade.
Create fast, precise, and cold cuts without burrs because there is almost no heat, sparks, or grinding reworks. Using the Evolution EVOSAW180HD would greatly increase your productivity in your workshop because the cuts’ depth remains constant throughout the life of the blade.
Specifications
| Motor | 120 V, 9 amp |
| Speed (No Load) | 3,950 RPM |
| Weight | 13 pounds |
| Blade Diameter | 7-1/4 inch |
| Bore / Arbor | 3/4 inch |
| Warranty | 3 year warranty |
The Pros
- Cuts with ease through a variety of steel and metals
- The quick-detach and quick-tighten design makes it convenient to use
- Beginners found it easy to handle and use
- Has a solid performance and produces clean cold cuts
The Cons
- Angle cutting is a bit challenging
- There were issues of the blade wobbling for some users but it was still manageable
The Bottom Line
The Evolution EVOSAW180HD is an efficient metal cutting tool which performs above the average among the models in its price range. It offers industrial metal cutting strength and accurate cuts at a price that won’t bust the banks. This saw outperforms abrasives and cuts faster. Best of all, the blade along with the unit itself lasts longer so it’s also a great investment. It has a clean design and looks professional.
MK Morse Metal Cutting Saw – Model CSM7NXTB, 7-Inch
The MK Morse CSM7NXTB is an efficient instrument for metal cutting. It features a low speed but high torque performance with its 11 amp motor. This saw allows you to maximize its durability and versatility with the quality of its cuts. It works with a no-load speed of up to 3,500 RPM.
The handle is designed with a sure-grip which helps you keep your hand steady while cutting so you can focus on making precise cuts. It offers a safer and cleaner way to cut metal. The blade cuts through steel and other tough metals almost as efficiently as a soft pine 2×4. You can move through the metal faster than traditional tools such as abrasives.
It has a retractable blade guard on the saw which keeps the blade safely covered when not in use and easily retracts when cutting so you can have a better view of your cut. The enhanced blade alignment guides keep waste from any missed cut at a minimum. This tool allows you to work on ferrous metals.
The MK Morse CSM7NXTB includes an overload switch, spindle lock, length adjuster, side handle, a hex key. The set also comes with safety goggles, ear plugs, and a carrying case. It also comes with 9 inch and 14 inch blades.
Specifications
| Motor | 120 V, 13 amp |
| Speed (No Load) | 3,800 RPM |
| Weight | 18 pounds |
| Blade Diameter | 7 inch |
| Bore / Arbor | 20 mm |
| Warranty | 1 year warranty |
The Pros
- Cuts fast and users found that it cuts a fraction of the time when using traditional cutting tools
- The cuts are cool to the touch so you can immediately handle your work
- Suitable for large projects
- Get clean and precise cuts at different angles
The Cons
- Some found nicks on the edge of some of their cuts which is most likely caused by a side movement
- There is no laser light but you can add one on the unit if preferred
- It is heavy compared to Makita 4131 and Evolution EVOSAW180HD
The Bottom Line
The MK Morse CSM7NXTB is a versatile metal cutting circular saw that could be useful for professionals and hobbyists alike. It’s suitable for larger projects because it cuts efficiently. It produces clean and precise cuts. You will also save time cleaning because of the included chip collection system. It is much heavier than its closest competitors but it doesn’t affect its performance.
Evolution Power Tools Multipurpose Cutting Circular Saw – Model RAGE-B, 7-1/4-Inch
The Evolution Power Tools RAGE-B is a versatile metal cutting tool that lets you cut a great variety of metals. It uses an innovative technology that allows the saw to cut through steel, aluminum, even wood with nails, and plastic. Use all these features without having to replace the blade because one blade can do it all.
It cuts cool so you get an instantly workable finish. The saw produces no heat, burrs, or sparks despite its powerful motor. That means you can cut different materials and handle them quickly instead of having to wait for them to cool down as required when you use abrasives.
The diamond blade is a useful accessory that lets you cut tiles. It makes the Evolution Rage-B the complete cutting package for all your projects. This special blade will enable your saw to cut most natural stones, concrete, paving slabs, and unglazed ceramics effortlessly.
Unlike abrasive blades that create excessive dust, fumes, smoke, and fire, this metal cutting circular saw has blades that produce almost zero sparks. It produces very little heat and is an overall safer alternative to abrasives.
The bevel tilt feature lets you adjust the bevel from 0 to 45 degrees. The tilt control is easy to access so you can quickly adjust the depth of the cuts which makes the saw even more versatile. You will also get a clear line of sight so you can ensure accurate cuts every time.
It is designed with an ergonomic handle to give you the ultimate cutting comfort and control. This design along with the powerful 10.5A motor lets the saw easily cope with the requirements of multipurpose cutting. Best of all, it comes at a significantly lower price than other models but produces good quality cuts.
Specifications
| Motor | 120 V, 10.5 amp |
| Speed (No Load) | 3,900 RPM |
| Weight | 9 pounds |
| Blade Diameter | 7-1/4 inch |
| Bore / Arbor | 20 mm |
| Warranty | 3 year limited warranty |
The Pros
- The arm of the saw slides smoothly which makes it convenient to cut
- Comes at a great price with visible great quality results
- Cuts through a lot of different materials which makes it a very versatile tool.
- Has a slow turning motor and unique blade design that let you cut a range of metals
- The saw has a good solid construction and the blade lasts longer than expected
- Provides lots of options with angles and depth
The Cons
- Could be a little bit messy when working on some types of metals
- Some assembly is required on first use because it has more parts than other units
- Other users experienced that there is a delay when starting the saw but once you learn the proper technique, it should come easy
The Bottom Line
Despite the assembly required in the beginning, the Evolution Power Tools RAGE-B 7-1/4-Inch Multipurpose Cutting Circular Saw is a worthy contender for its more expensive competitors. It’s a good solid saw that comes at a great price and produces great quality cuts. The one blade that can cut through a variety of materials including wood and plastic makes this a great value for the money since you would not have to buy any additional blades. It has a solid construction even for the price and offers a few extra features that you don’t usually find in less expensive models.
Saw Parts
A metal cutting saw consists of a number of parts including the blade and the handle.
The motor housing protects the motor that gets the blade running and the motor is usually on top of the blade. There is the handle set which lets you grip the saw with your hand and it’s best when it is ergonomically designed so that it doesn’t hurt your hand while you work. The on and off switch or trigger is usually on the handle as well.
The blade guard covers the blade when the circular saw is not being used and it retracts when you activate the machine to use the blade. It also has a foot plate or shoe which allows the saw to remain steady against the piece you are working on. The depth adjustment allows you to adjust the cut to different thicknesses.
You may also find a lock off lever which prevents the saw from accidentally turning on. Depending on the model, it may include the cord to plug the unit with unless it is a cordless saw.
What to Look for Before Buying a Metal Cutting Circular Saw?
If it’s your first time to buy a metal cutting circular saw, here are some important things to consider.
Weight
It is important that your metal cutting circular saw is light enough for you to operate. If the saw is too heavy, you may have difficulty in balancing it in your hand as you cut through the metal and it will create uneven cuts and edges. A lightweight saw also prevents accidents. A good weight for a metal cutting saw is about 13 lbs. but some models may be a bit lighter like the Makita 4131 which only weighs 10.6 lbs.
There are also more compact units available but of course, they are suitable for smaller projects. Choosing the weight of your metal cutting saw would depend on the type of projects that you would like to work on. A lighter saw would make it easy to focus the blade and some models allow for one hand operations.
Grip
The grip on the handle must be ergonomically designed not just for your comfort but for precision and safety. Look at the shape of the grip and see if it is contoured to fit the grip of your hand. The material also matters. It should not easily slip your grip or be too rough so it does not hurt you while working.
Blade
The most important thing to consider when choosing a metal cutting circular saw is the blade. The right size of blade depends on your needs and preferences and the type of projects you would be working on. It should be easy to clean and should require less sharpening over time.
Some blades are more advanced than others. You can find blades that are more versatile because they can cut through a variety of materials like wood and plastic. If you work on a lot of projects and not just metal-cutting, this type of blade may be more suitable for you. Other blades are specially designed to cut through tiles and stones. So, consider the materials that you use.
No matter how durable the blade is, you would still be required to change it at some point so check if it is easy to take out the blade and replace it. The accuracy of the blade is also crucial because it would determine the precision of your cuts.
Motor Power Capacity
For your circular saw to cut metal with prescription, it needs to have higher amps and volts which give it more cutting power, and more torque. The ideal RPM should be around 2,700 – 3,900 because higher than that would mean the blades would turn too fast and that reduces the precision in cutting metal. Lower than that and it may not cut through at all.
As for multipurpose metal cutting circular saws, the RPM may only be ideal for metal. That means you would just have to adjust your own speed when cutting. When cutting through wood with a multipurpose blade, work slower to avoid chips on the wood.
Versatility
If you would be working on projects that involve cutting various types of metals, your metal cutting circular saw blade should be versatile enough to cut those varieties. Some models may have limited cutting capacities which prevents you from cutting thicker metals.
Safety Features
Check for safety features such as a lock off lever which protects the saw from accidentally being turned on when not in use. The motor housing should be made of high quality materials to prevent the unit from overheating. You should also look at the blade guards and check how efficient they are so that the blades are secured when not in use.
Brand
There are a variety of brands or manufacturers of metal cutting saw blades. Trusted brands include Makita and Milwaukee but other brands also offer quality models. Choose a brand based on the company’s reputation in quality and warranty and compare prices to see which one gives you the best value for your money.
It’s good to read customer reviews so you can have a better idea of which brands produce the best products.
Price and Warranty
The average price of a full-featured metal cutting saw blade ranges from $250 to $350 but it doesn’t mean that you won’t find more affordable ones that also offer quality results. You can find some models at about $80 to $150. When considering the price of the unit, think about how often you would be using it and how long you want it to last.
The higher priced models usually include better warranty which makes them a good investment in the long run. If your profession requires the equipment, it is a wise decision to invest in a more durable model even if it means spending an extra $100.
