DeWalt 14 in. (355 mm) Chop Saw

I put the DeWalt 14-inch chop saw to work the way most shops and jobsites will: repetitive cuts on mild steel studs, angle, and tubing with the occasional heavier section thrown in. After several weeks of use, I have a clear sense of where this saw shines and where it asks for some patience.

Build, controls, and setup

The chassis is mostly metal with a sturdy base and a plastic motor shroud. Fit and finish are what I expect at this price: nothing fancy, but solid. The D-shaped handle is comfortable in the glove, and the integrated top handle makes it easy to carry the 35 lb unit around. The footprint (about 22 × 14 × 17 inches) stores cleanly on a cart or under a bench.

The quick-lock vise is the productivity feature here. It slides and locks fast for repeat cuts, and the screw winds down with enough clamping force to keep stock put. The fence pivots to 45 degrees for miters; the angle scale is serviceable, but as with most abrasive saws, I trust a machinist square more than the printed markings. I trued the fence before first cuts and check it again after swapping wheels.

There’s a spindle lock for wheel changes and the included wrench lives on the base. Swapping wheels is straightforward. My unit is the 220 V variant rated at 15 A (2300 W), no-load speed of 4000 RPM. Double-check voltage compatibility before you buy—there are regional versions.

Cutting performance

For the work it’s designed to do—metal studs, EMT, rebar, light to medium wall tubing—the saw is in its element. It comes up to speed quickly and holds RPM well provided you let the wheel do the work. I ran it through:

• 20–25 ga galvanized studs and track: fast, clean for abrasive, manageable burrs.
• 1/8-inch angle and flat bar: steady feed, square cuts with the fence dialed in.
• 1–1/2-inch square tube with 0.120-inch wall: respectable cut times, minimal chatter.

On heavier sections—thick-wall tube, 1/4-inch angle, and especially solid bar—the motor will let you know if you’re pushing too hard. There’s overload protection, and you’ll hear it sag before it trips. The fix isn’t complicated: back off pressure, keep the wheel dressed and fresh, and make sure you’re using a wheel spec’d for the material. Abrasive chop saws are about wheel selection and feed technique as much as raw motor.

The maximum listed capacity (5 inches round, roughly 4 × 7-5/8 inch rectangular) is realistic for thin-wall stock; with thicker materials the wheel diameter loss as it wears means you approach the limits faster. Plan on a slower, more deliberate feed for those cuts.

Ergonomics, vibration, and noise

The handle position feels natural for long sessions, and the return spring and guard motion are predictable. Vibration is well contained for an abrasive saw—there’s still the expected shudder as you break into the cut, but it settles once you’re tracking. The base sits flat and resists walking, though I still prefer to bolt or clamp it to a bench when I can.

Noise and sparks are part of the abrasive game. This is a loud machine; hearing and eye protection aren’t optional. The spark stream is forceful, so think about your surroundings—keep flammables away and use a spark bucket or shield.

Accuracy and repeatability

Out of the box, my fence was a hair out. Five minutes with a square and a test cut had it dialed. After that, 90-degree cuts are reliably square, and 45s come out clean if you take the time to align the fence rather than rely solely on the stamped indicator. The vise has a bit of backlash at light clamping loads, typical for this class. For repeat lengths, I set a stop block; that’s faster and more consistent than micro-adjusting the vise.

Do note that abrasive wheels wear as you cut, so your cut line and angle can drift if you don’t maintain a steady feed and allow the wheel to track. If I need precise miters for fabrication, I rough with this saw and finish on a belt sander or switch to a dry-cut saw.

Portability and jobsite use

At 35 pounds with a balanced top handle, the saw is easy to relocate between stations. The corded design means consistent output—no battery swaps or voltage drop sag. On a site, the quick-lock vise and pivot fence speed up common cuts like stud cross-cuts and 45-degree frame members. The integrated handle is genuinely useful when navigating stairs or getting it in and out of a van.

Consumables and maintenance

You get a 14-inch abrasive wheel and a wrench in the box. The spindle lock makes wheel changes quick, and the guard design gives decent access. Consumable life varies wildly with material and technique. For light studs and EMT, a single wheel lasts a long time; for heavier stock, you’ll go through wheels faster. Choose the correct abrasive spec (ferrous vs stainless), and don’t be shy about replacing a wheel once it glazes or reduces in diameter to the point it slows your workflow.

Keep the base clear of swarf, check the vise threads for grit buildup, and give the pivot a periodic clean and lube. The motor has overload protection; still, avoid binding the wheel to keep heat in check.

What could be better

• Torque headroom on heavy sections: It will bog if you force it through thick-wall or solid stock. That’s inherent to abrasive saws at this price, but worth noting.
• Angle fidelity: The pivot fence works, though I wouldn’t chase perfect miters without verifying with a square. No detented stops beyond the markings.
• Small part workholding: The vise is versatile, but holding very short offcuts safely can be fiddly. A sacrificial backer and stop block help.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they set expectations. If you’re cutting 2 × 2 × 1/4-inch angle or solid bar regularly, a dry-cut (TCT) saw or bandsaw is a better primary tool. For studs, rebar, and general fabrication stock up to 1/8-inch wall, this chop saw is quick and dependable.

Tips to get the best results

• Let the wheel cut: steady pressure, don’t lean on it. You’ll keep RPM up and extend wheel life.
• Match the wheel to the material: stainless needs the right abrasive; don’t mix.
• Square the fence and mark your angles with a protractor for critical miters.
• Use a stop block for repeat lengths; it’s faster and more accurate than fiddling the vise every time.
• Mind the power: verify voltage (this model is 220 V) and run it on an appropriately rated circuit.

Warranty and value

The three-year limited warranty is a nice backstop. Build quality and the component choices—metal base, solid vise, and a serviceable guard—line up with the asking price. You’re paying for a reliable, no-frills abrasive cutter, not bells and whistles.

Final recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 14-inch chop saw for anyone who needs a durable, straightforward abrasive cutter for light to medium-duty metalwork—think framing studs, conduit, rebar, and common fabrication tubing. It’s comfortable to use, quick to set up, and portable enough to move around the job. Be realistic about its lane: abrasive wheels, by nature, mean burrs, heat, noise, and slower progress on thick stock. If your workflow leans heavily on 1/4-inch wall and solid bar, step up to a dry-cut saw or bandsaw. For everything else, this saw earns its keep with dependable cuts, simple maintenance, and sensible features that speed repetitive work.