The 5 Best Dry Cut Metal Saws – [Top Reviews & Rankings]

A dry cut metal saw, also known as a miter saw, or drop saw, is a power tool designed to make quick and accurate cuts on a workpiece at a particular angle. The best dry cut metal saw will be high power, very efficient, and highly portable (Source).

A dry cut metal saw has a blade that is mounted on an arm that can be pivoted left or right, producing an angled cut. The precision provided by a dry cut saw is what makes the tool so powerful. The blade is attached to a sturdy arm on a weighted body, so cuts can be fine-tuned down to the width of a blade (Source).

With a dry cut metal saw, you can shave off little bits of material until you get a perfect fit. That level of stability makes dry cut metal saws safer than other power cutting tools.

It can be difficult for the average person to find the time to do the required research on a tool that has so many options and is made by so many manufacturers. Before you buy a dry cut metal saw, first consider the blade compatibility, cost, and weight. It’s also important to consider it’s build quality, blade diameter, and warranty.

In this review, we will examine the top dry cut metal saws. All of the dry cut metal saws that we will go over will cut metals cleanly and easily, whether you are an experienced metal worker who does this all the time, or you’re performing a one-time repair where metal cutting is required.

How Much Do Dry Cut Metal Saws Cost?

Dry cut metal saws can come with many different possible features, making it important that you educate yourself on the market before you are able to find the best dry cut metal saw for your needs.

As we mentioned, a dry cut metal saw costs between $250 and $1000. Of course, the exact features and quality of the model you choose as a whole can affect this price.

What Is A Dry Cut Metal Saw?

A dry cut metal saw enables you to cut mild steel, aluminum, and wood, with a single blade. Dry cut saws outperform abrasive saws as they get the job done much faster. Additionally, one blade can last longer than multiple abrasive discs. Finally, these saws allow you to cut mild steel with no sparks, heat, or burrs.

Comparing the Top 5 Models

Best Dry Cut Metal Saws: Our Top 5 Picks

1. Makita LC1230 12” Metal Cutting Saw – Best Overall Dry Cut Saw

The Makita LC1230 has a wonderful set of specifications and an above-average efficiency and level of durability. For this reason, we see this as the best overall dry cut saw.

Best of all, this product proves that you can have a high standard of quality and a reasonable price tag. The miter fence adjusts anywhere between 0 to 45 degrees and is included with an ergonomic handle which makes the model very easy to use.

If you want a nice dry cut saw for cutting materials like pipes, iron, conduit, and so on, this model is sure to deliver. With 15 amps of power and a 12-inch blade, your jobs will always be finished in a timely manner.

2. Ironton Dry Cut Metal Saw – The Most Affordable Option

The Ironton Dry Cut Metal Saw is a great option for anybody on a tight budget. As this model proves, it is possible to have both a nice set of specifications and a reasonable price tag.

For example, this model has a strong 14-inch carbide-tipped blade that will slice right through tough metal materials. It also has a quick-release vice making it easy to both do repeat cuts and to keep your pieces secure while being cut.

This model also boasts a nice 15 amps of power, which is more than enough to handle the requirements for cutting hard metal materials. Since it has such an affordable price tag, many people will right away see this as the best dry cut metal saw.

3. FEIN Slugger MCCS14 Metal Cutting Saw – The Most Powerful Option

If power and efficiency are two of your most primary concerns, then this might just end up being your final choice. With an impressive 18-amp motor, this model is inherently a lot more powerful than a typical dry cut metal saw.

Just like other top dry cut metal saws, this model has a miter fence that will help you make cuts anywhere between 0 to 45 degrees. It also resists heat pretty well, making it great for those who need to use this product for large chunks of time.

There is also an included retracting safety guard with this model, giving the user a much safer experience than a typical dry cut metal saw. If you want lots of power and efficiency, this is a great choice.

4. SKILSAW SPT62MTC-01 Dry Cut Metal Cutting Saw – Best Balance of Price and Features

This model is a great choice for anybody who wants a nice balance between having lots of features and a reasonable price. Although this isn’t the most affordable option you will find, the extra included features help make it a great deal.

For example, this model has a strong 15-amp motor and is designed to minimize the number of sparks that fly after making each cut.

Weighing at only 38.2 pounds, this model is also considerably lighter than many of its competitors. If you are a mobile contractor, then, this might be a wonderful option for you to consider in order to minimize your workload.

The only potential deal-breaker we find in this model is that the blade is only 12 inches. If you have a job coming up which needs cuts deeper than this is capable of, you might be best off with a chop saw, or a dry cut metal saw with a 14-inch blade.

5. RIDGID 71687 614 Circular Dry Cut Saw – The Best Overall Durability

If durability and long-lasting design are more important than anything else, than this model from RIDGID might end up being your top choice. Although slightly more expensive than average, this model holds up very well for years of hard use.

Perhaps what stands out the most with this model is that it has thread oil which keeps your parts cool throughout hours of use. Other models can tend to get really hot after being turned on for a long period of time.

This model also comes equipped with a spindle lock and a dust collector, making it much easier to clean and maintain. If you are willing to spend a little extra to receive plenty of features, then, this might be the best option for you to consider.

Dry Cut Metal Saw Brands

Since there are so many great manufacturers of dry cut metal saws, it’s important that you understand which brands tend to stand out the most. While you shop around for just about any sort of product, the manufacturer of the product can often imply certain things about it.

Makita

Makita is a Japanese manufacturer of various types of power tools and other construction-related products. Founded all the way back in 1915, they are now acclaimed around for their wonderful quality and efficiency.

The Makita LC1230 12” Metal Cutting Saw, for example, stands out as the overall best dry cut metal saw on the market right now. This is due to its impressive durability, efficiency, and reasonable price.

Northern Tool Ironton

Few people in this industry know-how to make high-quality dry cut metal saws in this industry like Ironton. In fact, this is one of the most critically-acclaimed manufacturers. Strength, quality, and durability are some of the reasons they are so popular.

The Ironton Dry Cut Metal Saw definitely holds true to this claim. Another reason this product stands out, in particular, is that manages to balance out a nice set of specifications with an affordable price tag.

FEIN

FEIN is one of the longest-standing members in this niche of products. With a history dating back all the way to 1867 and the invention of the first electric hand drill, they still continue on their path of innovation and success today.

The FEIN Slugger MCCS14 Metal Cutting Saw, for example, is the strongest and most efficient dry cut metal saw you will find without investing too much money.

SKILSAW

Founded back in 1924, SKILSAW has nearly a century of experience under their belt in this industry. Today, they are widely recognized as one of the top-quality dry cut metal saw manufacturers all around the world.

The SKILSAW SPT62MTC-01 Dry Cut Metal Cutting Saw is a great example of this. Especially if you want a high-quality dry cut metal saw that has a nice set of features with an overall reasonable price to back it up.

RIDGID

RIDGID prides itself the most on being the inventor of the modern-day pipe wrench. Since this time, they have never failed to continue in the tradition of innovation and above-average expertise.

The RIDGID 71687 614 Circular Dry Cut Saw demonstrates how their innovation and ingenuity never quite withered away. With cooling technology and some of the absolute best durability on the market, this is also one of the best dry cut metal saws.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Dry Cut Metal Saw

Before you can easily decide which metal cutting saw best suits your needs, budget, and expectations, you need to first start by knowing what to look for. For this reason, we will help you understand which factors matter the most while narrowing down your options.

Although the price is probably your top concern, the features you pay for the price tend to vary. Realistically, some of the most expensive models don’t even match up to a lot of the cheaper ones. Here are the factors you need to consider first before buying a dry cut metal saw.

Power of the Motor

The power of the motor is one of the absolute first things you need to look at. Usually, a dry cut metal saw motor will express its power in terms of amps. Generally, a dry cut metal saw will have at least 15 amps of power.

However, there are also cases where the power of the motor will be a little more or less. As a general rule of thumb, though, you shouldn’t settle for any option which is less than 15 amps.

Size of the Blade

The blade size is another important feature to consider while you find the best metal cutting saw for your needs. At the bare minimum, a high-quality dry cut metal saw blade will be at least 12 inches long.

Depending on the needs of your job, though, you might need to get a model that has a larger blade. Without resorting to purchasing a chop saw, the largest blade you can get on a nice dry cut metal saw is typically 15 inches long.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of the model are more important to some than they are to others. However, these specifications will help you get a greater understanding of how portable and mobile the product is as a whole.

If you only want to keep your table saw in one place for its lifetime, larger models probably won’t be too much of a problem. However, those who want to minimize the space they use or take the product on the road should try to get one of the more portable models.

Extra Features & Accessories

Depending on your budget and needs, you may or may not need to have lots of extra features and accessories for your model. There are models, for example, which are designed to eliminate sparks, keep the parts cool for long periods of use, collect dust, and so on.

How to Use a Dry Metal Cutting Saw

Learning how to use a dry cut metal saw is really not much different than learning how to use a chop saw. Or, just about any other type of power tool. As with any sort of potentially dangerous task, though, the first priority will be your safety.

1. Get All Materials Together

Before you can start planning out your cuts and positioning your miter fence, it’s important that you first start by cleaning off your workspace and gathering all your materials. Keep everything you need close by to ensure that things go smoothly.

2. Use the Miter Fence and Plan Your Cut

Once you have all your parts together, go ahead and plan in your head how you will make your cuts. Use the miter fence (if necessary) to adjust the angle. Make sure that everything is aligned and perfect before you turn on the motor.

3. Clamp Parts Down and Finish the Cut

Now that you know what you are doing, and are ready to start making cuts, finish by clamping all your pieces down. Once the pieces you will cut are completely secure, go ahead and slowly make your cuts. Remember to cut away from your body so that you don’t accidentally cut yourself.

Ready to Use a Dry Cut Metal Saw for Your Next Project?

Getting one of the best dry cut metal saws is usually not that hard once you know what to look for. If you know what features to expect, what a fair price is, and so on, you can easily sift through the many options that exist to find metal cutting saw that best suits your needs.

In most cases, we suggest that you start by checking out the Makita LC1230 12” Metal Cutting Saw. If you have a little extra money to invest in a greater level of quality, though, you should consider the RIDGID 71687 614 Circular Dry Cut Saw.

Anybody who is on a tight budget will have a hard time turning down the Ironton Dry Cut Metal Saw. In any case, if you know what you want and where to look it is easy to get the best dry cut metal saw for your needs.

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