Every Time a Tool Works As Good As Its Propaganda

May 28, 2026 Last reply: 1 month ago 2 Replies

I went on about the Fein Slugger carbide chop saw a while back. I have cut a lot of aluminum flat bar with it since then, and it just works. I did have it sounding funny once, and there was a curled up chip weld behind 3 or 4 of the teeth, but it popped right out with no tooth damage. None I could see with my eyes anyway. I probably should buy a couple spare blades for it, but so far this one is cruising along.



I haven't cut a lot of steel with it, but I've cut a little bit. Right now I am making a square to cut the grid on my welding table, and I have some not quite straight 1/2 by 3 inch (13mm by 76mm apx) hot rolled. Probably A36. It was scrap in the back of my dad's hardware store I cleaned up a few months back. I just made two cuts in it for the two parts of a T-square, and I honestly think it cut faster and easier than the 6061 I usually cut with that saw.



FYI: the plan is to make a 48" square with annular cut 5/8 (16mm) holes every two inches, and then make two pin spacers so I can move the square modestly accurately and quickly over the length of my welding table. I know there may be some cumulative error over that many rough gaged moves, but it should be good enough for "most" welding projects. I tend to measure and square by hand anything important anyway.



I've decided its time to get started on my giant work bench project, and I'll build all the leg assemblies in pairs on a fixture on the table.



Anyway, I don't know about the other brands of carbide metal cutting chop saws, but this Fein Slugger was definitely worth the money for me. Well, and I had a 20% off coupon and got free shipping.



As some folks might say, "I was totally chuffed with how it sliced through that steel flat bar." Not the first steel I've cut on it, but it was the first steel the same size as aluminum I regularly cut.



I know I have to stand there holding the handle and the trigger, but it SOOOO MUCH FASTER than either horizontal band saw that I'd just don't care.



Yeah, you all are tired of hearing it. LOL. Sorry, I just get happy when things just work. I wish I had invested in a saw like this a long time ago. My only real gripe is that there are a few pieces of larger stock I use that I still have to cut on the band saw.



I also want to design and build my idea for a "simple" tube notcher that keys into a standard 2 x 2 x 5/8 welding table grid, although that's more an after thought. The idea was the table grid gives you a huge range and adjustability without much loss in accuracy by just moving the clamp on the table.

I also want to design and build my idea for a "simple" tube notcher that keys into a standard 2 x 2 x 5/8 welding table grid, although that's more an after thought. The idea was the table grid gives you a huge range and adjustability without much loss in accuracy by just moving the clamp on the table.

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required