2024 Holiday Tool Gift Guide

This year’s TBB’s 2024 Holiday Gift Guide will help you pick out the perfect gift(s) for that hard-to-buy-for tradesperson in your life. Especially if you’re shopping for someone who just wants tools but already seems to have too many. Or that special person talks about tools and hardware even when they know you don’t have a clue what they are talking about. Yeah… we’re here to help!  Whether you need that last small gift or are looking to start off with a big bang, we have you covered. We go through the heartache, pain, and suffering of testing out some of the industry’s uniquest (yep, that’s a real word), most practical, and just plain coolest tools and job site gadgets to create a full-spectrum holiday gift guide.

To help you out, regardless of your budget, we broke down the tools by price categories which are:

• $30 and under:  The Simple gift
• $30-75:  The Perfect gift
• $75-200:  The Surefire gift
• Over $200:  Santa’s REALLY nice list!

And all of the tools in this year’s Holiday Gift Guide are ones that are in our job site kits or our Pros’ workshops. So hang some lights and then get ready to hang out with us for a bit.

$30 and under Gifts | The Simple gift

• Ryobi Titanium 22-Piece Drill Bit Set

You can never go wrong with extra drill bits. And this 22-piece Ryobi drill bit set is an easy choice for a quick gift grab. This titanium-coated drill bit set is an upgrade over a black oxide coated set. The 1/4 in. hex shank is also a must to allow for use in either a drill or impact driver. And the secure case is always nice to keep your bits stored safely and help prevent losing them in a disorganized drawer. They are great for a variety of materials including wood, metal, and plastic so you can’t go wrong.

purchase it here from Home Depot

• Helly Hansen Reversible Beanie

We like staying warm. At the Jobsite. In the workshop. Wherever. And we love the quality Helly Hansen offers with their warm workwear. This reversible beanie is comfortable and easily machine washable. It also comes on 4 different color combo options. It makes an easy and not too expensive gift option that’s worth the price.

purchase it here from Helly Hansen

• Kreg Panel Clamp

Sometimes you see a tool or accessory and immediately know its going to be great. That was our take on this Kreg Panel Clamp and we weren’t wrong; this is a great accessory! The Kreg Panel Clamp allows you to easily and very comfortably + safely lift and carry a 4×8 panel of plywood, drywall, wallboard, etc…  It automatically adjusts for panels up to 3/4 in. thick and holds them securely in place with a solid anti-slide gripping inner surface. The handle is ergonomically comfortable and doesn’t dig into your hand when lifting and carrying panels up to 100 lbs. this panel carrying clamp is awesome!

purchase it here from Kreg

• 5.11 Deploy K-USB Tactical Flashlight

Flashlights are a staple feature of our gift guides. I mean what tool lover doesn’t love a compact, bright, and rechargeable flashlight? The 5.11 Deploy K-USB flashlight definitely fits this mold. It’s a great option to keep on a keychain or in your glove box. At 180 lumens in surprisigly bright and offers good battery life with 2 options – low and high modes. The machined aluminum case looks great and it built to last. And the standard type-C charging port wont make you search for cords to recharge it with.

purchase it here from 5.11

• Gerber Prybar Utility Clip Knife

Another staple item for our gift guides are knifes. These may be the most basic yet useful tool there is. So we again loved the idea of pairing with Gerber to give you some great gift options. The Prybar Utility Clip knife is functional in a variety of settings and offers 8 tools in one. These include a utility blade, cord cut notch, bottle opener, pry bar, large flat head driver, small flat head driver, nail puller, wire stripper. Its made of rugged machined aluminum and comes on 3 stylish color combinations. This is sure to be a loved and often used gift for sure.

purchase it here from Gerber

$30-75 Gifts | The Perfect gift

• Milwaukee 12 Oz. Packout Bottle

This Milwaukee 12 ounce bottle is built for the jobsite for two reasons. First, it actually locks into place with any Milwaukee Packout Components. That means its easy to add to your jobsite kit and get to the jobsite without getting lost or falling. Secondly, its rugged aluminum and double walled construction means it can actually withstand the rigors of the jobsite while keeping hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. Its available in Milwaukee red or black. Oh, and its even dishwasher safe so its quick and easy to clean. Not bad!

purchase it here from Home Depot

• Crescent Tongue and Groove Plier Set

Having a well-built, adjustable, and comfortable set of pliers is a must. These Crescent Z2 pliers have some great design features that help them stand out… They are designed easy one-handed adjustability with Cresent’s “auto bite” lever. They also have a slim jaw design allowing them to more easily fit into tight spaces. This set includes 10 in. and 12 in. pliers for a wide range of applications. The grips are comfortable and feel built to last. They are alloy steel forged and have an anti-rust coating to help them stay in better shape longer. So, whether you’re looking for a new set or to gift someone an upgraded set of pliers, these are a great option.

purchase it here from Home Depot

• Kreg Corner Routing Guide Set

Leave it to Kreg to design such a useful and sturdy jig. This corner routing guide allows you to use both a trim router or router table to shape perfect rounded corners on your next woodworking project. It’s got a sturdy handle to prevent slippage and keep your hand safely in place. You can adjust the stainless steel alignment feet to match the material you’re working on and get clean lines on your finish project. This set comes with 8 snap-in profiles (5 radius and 3 chamfer) that securely store in an included holder. And at $40 it’s well worth the purchase.

purchase it here from Kreg

• Holex Multi-Function Electrical pliers

Electrician’s pliers are one of those tools that always come in handy, whether tackling bigger electrical installations jobs or doing basic home repairs. These Holex pliers feature a variety of crimps, threaded cutters, and wire stripper sizes. The plastic-dipped handles and powder coated finish keep them feeling and looking good. And from a trusted brand like Holex you really can’t go wrong giving these as a gift to your tool love or homeowner gift getter.

purchase item here from Hoffman Group

• Hilti USB Charger Adapter

When we’re on a jobsite we can never have enough options to keep devices going. Hilti’s charging adapter furthers this cause by allow you to turn any 22V Nuron battery into a mobile device charging station. It features Type-C (16W) and Type-A (18W) USB charging ports as well as a wireless phone charging (up to 10W) capability. It also sports an integrated flashlight feature. Better yet, you aren’t limited to charging one device at a time… it can simultaneously charge multiple devices at once. So if your worker is using Hilti tools, then this should be a no brainer!

purchase item here from Hilti

• 5.11 Deploy PL-USB Tactical Flashlight

Not everyone wants a tactical flashlight small enough to fit on their keychain. For those who want a slightly larger (and brighter) option than the 5.11 K-USB light, check out the 5.11 PL-USB flashlight. It checks in at a max of 300 lumens or up to 9 hrs 40 mins in low mode. It also features a rugged anodized aluminum body and USB-C charging port for ease of use. Plus the PL-USB light has a removable pocket clip if that’s your preference. You really can’t go wrong with this tactical flashlight.

purchase it here from 5.11

• Pittsburg Manual Tire Changer

Most of us have changed a tire before but if you want to give someone the ability to mount a tire… well that requires a different skill set. Or at least a different tool. The Pittsburgh manual tire changer is a cost-effective way to mount or remove your own tires from a rim. This can save you some serious cash and perform basic tire repairs at home. It’s also a great starting point before committing bigger bucks on a more expensive, automated version. It doesn’t take up a lot of room and works great on all types of tires… from trailer to automobile.

purchase item here from Harbor Freight

• Ryobi Heated Seat Cushion

No one likes to be cold, whether on a jobsite or relaxing off the clock. Ryobi’s heated seat cushion is a game changer in this department. It’s a plush 3 in. thick pad with three heat settings. magical. You can load either 1 or 2 Ryobi USB rechargeable batteries for up to 5 hours of heat. It has an integrated LED indicator as well so you can easily check how much battery life you’ve got left with the touch of a button. Oh, and there’s also a USB port to allow you to charge mobile devices while you’re recharging off having some fun.

purchase item here from Home Depot

$75-200 Gifts | The Surefire gift

• Milwaukee 18V Rover Light

When you need hours of hands-free light outside or in a dark crawl space, the Milwaukee Rover light is a great choice. First, it connects right onto a Milwaukee M18 battery. It’s super compact and checks in with a max of 1000 lumens. It also has 4 modes and boasts up to 110 hrs of light in high-efficient mode. The light is adjustable throughout a 300 degree range. It also has built in USB-A and USB-C ports (one each) so you can turn your M18 battery into a combo light and device charging station. And best of all it has an integrated metal rafter hook so you have even more mounting options in a variety of settings.

purchase item here from Home Depot

• Crescent Craftsman Rawhide Backpack

Tools are great. And so are ways to get them to and from the jobsite. On those occasions you don’t need a rolling or stackable toolbox, then the Crescent Craftsman Rawhide Backpack is a great option. It’s got plenty of room for all your tools. It looks as nice and its feels too which is a plus. the 30+ pockets/sleeves provide a place for everything and the predominantly open-bottomed sleeves mean your bits and small parts won’t get lost at the bottom of a deep pocket. the water-resistant base provides extra moisture protection in wet conditions too. Add in some integrated magnetic storage spots and it got it all. This is a great, portable tool carrying option.

purchase this item at Lowe’s

• Vulcan Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

We take safety seriously… and a poor performing welding helmet is a hazard we avoid at all costs. This Vulcan Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet is a great cure for that curse. It’s features REALVIEW Lens Technology with an overall 1/1/1/2 optical clarity rating, offering great visibility of weld puddle while reducing eye strain. It’s got four independent arc sensors delivering super-reliable arc detection for out-of-position welding. Plus its lightweight and looks great with the modern American flag design that exudes patriotism. This is a definite winner!

purchase it here at Harbor Freight

• Helly Hansen Oxford Soft Shell Jacket

Helly Hansen’s Oxford Soft Shell Jacket is the perfect blend of comfort, warmth, and style. It features a soft fleece-pile lining and ribbed hem and cuffs help keep the wind out and heat in. This jacket also has a removable hood with a built-in draw string. It’s also got heavy-duty YKK zippers throughout. The 2-tone color option in green combined with the 2-material finish give it a great look. And being easily machine washable makes it super easy to clean up after getting it dirty while working. This jacket is definitely another winner in Helly Hansen’s Workwear lineup.

purchase it here at Helly Hansen

• Ryobi 18V Stick Vacuum

If your tool lover is good at making messes then maybe they need another option to help clean up said messes? Ryobi’s 18V ONE+ Stick Vacuum is a great and versatile option to help out. It has 8 different cleaning configurations from a standard roller vacuum configuration to a hand vacuum perfect for a work truck. The roller bar easily comes out for cleaning as does the washable filter. Its impressive suction worked great on sawdust and pet hair alike. Plus emptying the cyclone suction cup is as easy as it gets. And since it’s part of Ryobi’s 18V lineup you’ll have no shortage of batteries if you’re already a Ryobi owner.

purchase it here at Home Depot

• Gerber complEAT Cooking Set

We fully support the “work hard play hard” mantra. So we quickly highlighted the Gerber ComplEAT cook wear set as a great holiday gift guide option. This portable cooking set easily packs into your truck or camper when you need a quick weekend getaway away from civilization. It features 16 pieces of stainless-steel cook wear and durable polypropylene eating ware (that might be a real word). Gerber included a Saute pan; detachable handle; basting dome lid; stock pot; slim lid; 4 plates; 4 bowls; mixing bowl; hot pad; and storage bag. The set features volumetric markings and triple ply construction on the stainless-steel item bottoms making them highly versatile and built to last. Lastly, it’s lightweight and easy to clean up as well so there’s nothing not to love!

purchase it here from Amazon

$200+ Gifts | Santa’s REALLY Nice List!

• Hilti 22V Nuron Caulking Gun

We were pumped to include Hilti’s 22V cordless caulking gun in this year’s gift guide. While a battery powered caulking gun may not be the first cordless tool to come to mind, they are fantastic when you need to lay feet of beads with an even finish. It limits waste and has a drip free stop feature to limit messes too. The LED light is well placed and bright to make sure you can clearly see where you’re working. But best of all the even finish comes with the added bonus of reduced fatigue. If your tool lover already owns Hilti 22V Nuron products then this is a great addition to their shop or kit.

purchase it here from Hilti

• Milwaukee 18V Compact Drill & Driver Kit

There is no way we can have a gift guide with including a drill or impact driver. This year, Milwaukee was the top choice with this great deal on their M18 drill and impact driver kit. We’ve been using these in our shops for a while and have only great things to say about both tools. They perform exceptionally well, are built to last, and are ergonomically excellent choices. Plus, a new and drill and impact driver are always a welcomed sight after the old set has been put through its paces. If you are looking for a gift set to start someone of on a cordless brand you can’t do better than this Milwaukee set.

purchase it here at Home Depot

• Kreg Loose Tenon Jig

Sometimes when we see a tool in action the results are a thing of beauty. And other times the tool itself is a work of art. In the case of the Kreg loose Tenon Jig, both hold true. This Kreg jig lets you cut loose mortises on two faces and then use a floating tenon to make tight and perfectly aligned joints. It does this using a standard drill and ensures a smooth finish via an automatic step-down design so only 1/16 in. of material is removed at a time. It comes with an integrated work surface pre-fabricated with clamp cutouts. It’s built to last featuring all-aluminum-machined components in an anodized Kreg-blue finish.

purchase it here from Kreg

• Evolution EVOMAX Metal Chop Saw

The last (and priciest) gift in this year’s guide is Evolution Power tools newest metal cutting chop saw. The EVOMAX 14 in. chop saw (model S14CPS) has two notable upgrades over previous versions; a redesigned motor with an extended life and an independently tested 14″ blade delivering over 3500 cuts in mild steel. It still features the quick clamp and release system, precision shadow line, and automatic safety stop brake. And it provides super clean and accurate, weld-ready cuts time and time again. This is worth every penny as an upgrade if your gift target is still using an abrasive cut off saw. They will thank you every time they use it for sure. We’ve also pictured this mounted on Evolution’s exception chop saw stand if they need a place to securely mount it as well.

Purchase it here at Evolution Powertools

HAPPY HOLIDAYS… | 2024 Holiday Gift Guide!

We know shopping for tool lovers is definitely a labor of love. It makes you ask “What do you get someone who seems to already have everything?” Just trust TBB’s 2024 Holiday Gift Guide to give you some great suggestions whether you are looking for the perfect small gift or that one unbelievable, big gift. Happy Holidays from the Tool Box Buzz Team!

2024 Holiday Tool Gift Guide is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Evolution Powertools 14 in. Metal Cutting Miter Saw, 120V/15A (Model S355MCS)

Evolution Powertools 14" Metal Miter Saw

5/5

Manufacturer: Evolution Powertools
Model number: S355MCS
Power source: 120V (Corded)
Motor size: 15 Amp
Weight: 77 lbs.

Features and Specifications | Evolution Powertools Chop Saw

Features:

• Pivoting cutter head saves space and decreases overall material handling
• 3-position cutter head can be adjusted for various materials
• 3x Quick release clamps (1x top & 2x front) w/ slide on V-blocks
• Height-adjustable front clamp rail
• Removable ‘V’ block for secure clamping of round & square tube
• Ambidextrous handle design
• Material is secured by knurled fence & base includes bench dog holes

Specifications:

• Motor: 120 Volts/15A
• RPMs (No Load): 1450
• Bevel Range: +/-46 degrees
• Positive Stops (+/-): 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 30°, & 45°
• Blade diameter: 14 in.
• Mild Steel Plate (Max Thickness): 1/2 in.
• Square Tube at 90°: 4 3/4 x 4 3/4 in.
• Square Tube at 45° (ML): 4 x 4 in.
• Square Tube at 45° (MR): 1 3/4 x 1 3/4 in.
• Rectangle Tube at 90°: 6 1/2 x 4 in.
• Rectangle Tube at 45°: 4 1/2 x 1 3/4 in.
• Round Tube at 90° (D):  4 3/4 in.
• Round Tube at 45° (D):  4 in.
• Tool body weight: 77 lbs.

Power & Performance

Torque and Motor Performance

Sustained power and torque and critical factors in metal cutting since blade slowdown or torque loss can have a variety of negative effects. Since the Evolution Powertools Metal Cutting Chop Saw (Model S355MCS) is a corded, 120V 15A tool, we expected consistent power from the motor. That’s what we got. This saw smoothly cut all shapes and sizes of steel we used it on. The motor never bogged down or seemed to strain to cut. The lower RPMs helped optimize the torque in this respect. So when Evolution Powertools explains that they found 1450 RPMs to be just right for mild steel cutting, the performance backed it up. In addition, the motor didn’t get overly hot even during prolonged cutting periods.

As a general fact (and as explained in a previous review on the S380CPS) cold cut saw blades vs. abrasive cut off saw are quite expensive ($80+ vs $6-8). But you get what you pay for… and for a few reasons:

• Longer Life. The 14 in. Evolution blades provided have Tungsten-Carbide tips and are very easy to load
• Cleaner edges. This is because the blade doesn’t flex mid cut like a 14 in. abrasive cutoff wheel. This produces accurate and ready-to-weld cuts
• Heat dissipation. Heat is transferred to the metal shavings vs. the blade. Extends blade life and creates less warpage over prolonged use

Blade Alignment

One of the issues we’ve noted with other metal chop saws is the blade alignment. They are sometimes not centered on the blade slot. This makes eyeball alignment trickier. The Evolution S355MCS blade was about 1/16 in. left of center from the blade recess slot. The S355MCS also doesn’t yet have a laser or shadow line alignment feature integrated into the saw. After a few cuts we were mentally calibrated to the 1/16 in. off set and were cutting within 1/64 in. without individually blade-measured cuts in no time. For the $850 price point, we would love to see Evolution Powertools add in an alignment system for increased (measured) cut accuracy. As currently designed however, operators can quickly be repeatedly accurate with minimal training.

Miter Gauge Performance

This earned its own section for a reason since this is what sets the Evolution Powertools Metal Chop Saw (model S355MCS) apart in the metal cutting business. The ability to use pre-set detents to accurately and quickly adjust your cutting angle is something previously offered by a high-end, liquid cooled cold saw or metal cutting band saw. Those cost much more that the S355MCS.

And the accuracy of the miter gauge is spot on. We used our handy digital angle finder to double check the S355MCS’s accuracy out of the box and found it to be 90.0° on the dot. Equally impressive is the vertical gap minimization. Simply out, this exceeds any accuracy required for an immediate production-quality tack and weld.

Even more so than a wood miter saw, the mitering function of the S355MCS is a real time saver. Why? Because moving comparatively heavy pieces of steel is not as easily done as their lighter wood counterparts. And until this saw was introduced a saw operator had completely remove the material, adjust the cutting fence, and then reload and secure the piece of metal to be cut. It was time consuming. And it meant handling heavy materials (and usually support stands) more frequently.

Material Size Limitations

There is one drawback to the miter design when cutting full 45° cuts with the saw blade tilted to the Right. And it first caught our attention when looking at the saw specs. The S355MCS can’t cut material wider than 1 3/4 in. on this side because unless the motor is set to the furthest back position the saw head protrudes past the fence. This is an issue when cutting angle since cutting mirror angles in any angle over 1 3/4″ wide will require you to flip and brace the piece to cut the opposite angle. To Evolution Powertool’s credit this is not a hidden but flaw but an openly acknowledged design limitation. We’d also like to point out that the standard chop saw design with an adjustable fence (not cutter head) only adjust in a single direction. So even with the limited range on the right side its still a great upgrade.

Key Design & Ergonomic Features

3-Position Cutter Head

Not only does the cutter head pivot to each side but it also adjusts forward and backwards. Before you make too many comparisons to a wood-cutting miter saw though, it does NOT slide. It can be locked into one of three positions. These positions increase overall safety and maximize the material size to be cut. You just adjust the blade so it’s as centered as possible on the material. Changing the position is extremely easy (and tool-free). First, release the locking lever and pull the spring-loaded pin back while sliding the cutter head assembly. The back balance foot also serves as a rail endcap to prevent the operator from sliding the cutter head off. Its a simple but very secure and effective design. Centering the blade greatly reduced material chatter keeping the operator as safe as possible. We like that!

Quick-Release Clamps

The quick release clamps on the S355MCS are one of the best features of the whole saw. They offer adjustability like no other clamps we’ve used. The clamps are fully adjustable in both height and horizontal positioning. They accomplish this by sliding along a front, height-adjustable rail. The height is adjusted via thumb screws so there is no tool to lose. The posts also have detent markings every 1/4 in which makes evenly aligning both sides very simple.

Our favorite aspect is that both clamps can be secured on the same side of the blade. This means that a piece of metal can be secured at 2 points on the same side of the blade. Dual clamping severely reduces moving and rotating of the piece during cutting. This means a much cleaner and safer cut. All 3 clamps also include a slide on/off v-block which works wonderfully to secure round or angled materials for cutting!

The hold-down clamp is ALSO quick release and can be mounted in one of five positions. We wish the wood miter saws would incorporate this feature, although truth be told we don’t use a hold down clamp when cutting wood nearly as much as when cutting metal.

One note however is that when mounted in the left side holes, the hold down post obstructs the motor housing, preventing the saw from completing a cut. We’re not sure why a hold location was included here… We were able to complete all our tasks using the vertical hold down mounted on the right so it wasn’t a deal breaker.

Knurled Fence

In addition to the clamps, the Evolution Powertools Metal Miter Saw (S355MCS) features a knurled fence. This is more than a visual feature. A knurled fence increases the overall contact pressure of the material against the fence. This creates a more secure hold and also gives a better gripping texture. This is an excellent safety feature when cutting round metal. As the blade teeth “bite into” the material some of the rotational force is transferred from the blade to the material. If not securely clamped there is a risk of the material spinning in the saw. Not good! The knurled fence greatly reduces this risk and makes for a cleaner cut too.

Chip Deflector

The S355MCS is designed with a chip deflector as opposed to a vacuum port. This is not a knock on this saw. Because flying pieces of metal are heavier than smaller pieces of sawdust, they often have enough force to escape the vacuum suction zone. Even for a high CFM rated dust collector. They also pose a greater risk to a vulnerable human eye. The chip deflector is designed to project the chips away and downward from the operator. Evolution Powertools also sells a magnetic pick up tool which is the preferred option for collecting ferrous metal chips.

With this being said, the deflector worked ok keeping the chips away when cutting. It might work a bit better if the back was angles more aggressively downward with a bigger exit port. Our estimate that about 85% of the chips ended up behind and under the saw. Of the 15% that ended up in front, few were directed upwards towards our faces.

Blade Replacement Design

The blade replacement design is pretty standard for a chop saw. And thankfully Evolution Powertools includes on-tool storage for the required Allen wrench. It is a 2-part process. First, free up the arbor cover plate. Then use the locking pin to secure the blade from rotating and loosen the Allen bolt holding the blade in place. We like the arbor cover plate as it helps keep the Allen bolt hole cleaner from debris.

Portability & Versatility

The S355MCS is not a light saw at 77 lbs. But it is definitely light enough to bring on a job site as required. It is also designed to fit onto a universal miter saw jobsite stand. Evolution Powertools has yet to release one specifically designed for this saw… but it’s coming. If we get the chance to mount this on one we’ll add additional comments then. For now, be confident that this is an easily portable (via a rugged top carry handle) and stand-mountable saw that can be used on a jobsite with minimal effort. Also be aware that it does NOT fit onto the Evolution Powertools Universal Chop Saw Stand. So if you already have one or have looked at one you will need to go another route.

The last versatility feature we would be remiss in not mentioning is the integrated bench dog design. The base, on both the left and right sides have a total of 7 benchdog holes built into them. This gives the user even more options for securing material during cutting. We were pretty impressed with the clamp system though and didn’t use them in the course of our jobs. But they are there and may pay dividends in different circumstances.

Final Thoughts | Evolution Powertools Chop Saw

The Evolution Powertools Metal Miter Saw (model S355MCS) is a no brainer for any metal fabricator or PRO builder who finds themselves cutting metal on the jobsite. It allows for repeatable and accurate cut on par with any wood cutting miter saw. The cut edges are burr-free and installation or weld ready with no grinding required. This means considerable time saved and work completed. The pivoting head also means less material handling in constricted spaces. And the highly-adjustable QR clamps combined with the knurled fence keep your materials firmly in place so you can cut with peace of mind. At $850 this is a great value and one that we think many of our followers will thank us for making!

Evolution Powertools Metal Miter Saw Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Evolution Powertools 14/15 in. Metal Cutting Chop Saw (Model S380CPS)

Evolution Powertools Metal Chop Saw (Model S380CPS)

4.5/5

Manufacturer: Evolution Powertools
Model number: S380CPS
Price: $480
Power source: 110V
Motor size: 15A
Weight: 62 lbs.

Features and Specifications | Evolution Powertools Chop Saw

Features:

• Cast base w/ integrated wear plate
• Quick-release vice with 0° – 45° miter detents & locking pin
• Top-mounted carry handle
• Chip collection tray
• Ergonomic, ambidextrous trigger
• Revmovable ‘V’ block for secure clamping of round & square tube

Specifications:

• Motor: 120 Volts/15A
• RPMs (No Load): 1450
• Bevel Range: 0-45 degrees (left)
• Blade diameter: 14 in. (supplied)/15 in. (max)
• Base material: Cast Aluminum
• Mild Steel Plate (Max Thickness): 1/2 In.
• Stainless Steel Plate (Max): 13/64 In.
• Square Tube at 90° (Mild Steel): 5 x 5 In.
• Square Tube at 45° (Mild Steel): 3-1/2 x 3-1/2 In.
• Rectangle Tube at 90° (Mild Steel): 3-3/4 x 7-1/8 In.
• Rectangle Tube at 45° (Mild Steel): 3-1/8 x 4-3/8 In.
• Round Tube at 90° (Mild Steel):  5-1/8 In.
• Round Tube at 45° (Mild Steel):  4-1/8 In.
• Minimum Cut Off Piece Length: 5/16 In.
• Tool body weight: 62 lbs.

Power & Performance

Torque and Motor Performance

Sustained power and torque and critical factors in metal cutting since blade slowdown or torque loss can have a variety of negative effects. Since the Evolution Powertools Metal Cutting Chop Saw (Model S380CPS) is a corded, 120V 15A tool, w expected consistent power from the motor. And thankfully that is what we got. We cut 1/2″ mild steel plate and 11GA stainless steel sheet pieces with no issues. The S380CPS has no cut speed or resistance indicator light. These are often designed into cordless abrasive cutoff saws as a battery and consumables protection feature. But the S380CPS doesn’t need one. And since this saw draws from a 120V power supply, the torque remains constant regardless of material (within the provided specifications). Note – We didn’t test any materials outside the company specifications on our applications.

Blade Performance

As a general fact, cold cut saw blades, as opposed to an abrasive cut off saw are quite expensive ($80+ vs $6-8). But you get what you pay for… and for a few reasons:

• Longer Life. The 14 and 15 in. (more on this in the optional accessory section) Evolution blades provided have Tungsten-Carbide tips and are very easy to load. (15 in. Blade mounted on Evolution S380CPS pictured below.)

• Cleaner edges. This is because the blade doesn’t flex mid cut like a 14 in. abrasive cutoff wheel. This is especially important with massive time savings from accurate and ready-to-weld cuts. What does a ready to weld cut look like? Well, we took a pic of a S380CPS edge vs. a standard 14 in. abrasive cutoff saw edge pic. The results are pretty clear we think…

• Minimal Sparks. Hard to fathom a spinning metal blade on metal won’t make sparks but it doesn’t. And it’s pretty nice not getting spark burns. I thought it would be helpful to include a comparison picture of a standard 14 in. abrasive cut off saw cutting the same piece of angle for comparison…

Evolution S380CPS Sparks

Standard 14 in. Abrasive Cutoff Saw Sparks

• Heat dissipation. Because the heat from cutting is transferred to the metal shavings the blade remains heat free (hence a “cold cut” saw). Which means longer life and less warpage over prolonged use. Which leads to consistently accurate cuts.

Blade Alignment

One of the issues we’ve noted with other metal chop saws is the blade alignment. They are sometimes not centered on the blade slot. This makes eyeball alignment trickier. The Evolution S380CPS blade is though and it was a small detail that was greatly appreciated.

Miter Gauge Performance

This earned its own section for a reason since this is the major upgrade over the less expensive Evolution Powertools S355CPSL. The adjustability was great, and the accuracy was spot on. I cut a couple a number of 45-degree angles and used my corner clamp to hold them in place while welding. The angles were consistently gap free and smooth.

Moving the miter gauge forward and backwards (it has 3 settings) was also a breeze. Like other competitor models, there it features a 2-point locking design. There is a right mounted bolt that passes through a tighter fitting pivot hole and a curved slot with a internal spring tensioned adjustable lever. These combined to make for easy adjustments and secure positioning when tightened into place. The detent and angle markings were also easy to read and spot on!

Key Design & Ergonomic Features

The Quick-Release Vise

We love it. Again, it’s the details that matter. And 2 stuck out after extended use. First, the vise pivoting (front) fence is comfortably close to the tool base. This matters a lot because when clamping metal with uneven top and bottom clamping (Most commonly — angle iron) it does a better job of keeping the material vertical and flush against the back fixed rail. This is critical for accurate miter angles and the S380CPS did well in this area.

The Miter detent adjustment knob also features an offset locking pin. To engage you simply pull the pin up, turn 90 degrees, and let the pin catch in the molded grooves. It’s a small thing but when you have to frequently change miter angles its great no tot have to hold the pin up while setting the angle. It also prevents a tensioned pin from gouging the base if you got lazy and didn’t keep it pulled up after releasing the detent.

Chip Guard – Safety Feature 1

We appreciate chip guards, although we might not love them as much as OSHA does… So we were glad to see a very basic and transparent chip guard included on the Evolution S380CPS Saw. A chip guard on any metal cutting circular saw is good at blocking some of the chips but don’t expect any guard to block them all. This guard met that basic goal. But having an all-plastic guard on a metal cutting saw is asking for it to get broken. We recommend that Evolution looks into a metal framed polycarbonate guard. This would make it more durable while retaining the ability to see where your cutting – a critical safety practice this saw still allows.

Handle 2-Stage Switch – Safety Feature 2

Good news… The Evolution S380CPS features a 2-stage handle. This means that you must press the toggle lever on the inside of the trigger before you can actually pull the trigger to engage the saw. Bad news… its optimized for Right-handed users. We aren’t throwing too many spears at Evolution though because with the blade side-mounted to the motor they really didn’t have any other option. This is a different consideration on a true blade-pivoting style miter saw though. But not on your standard chop saw. We did test out the saw left-handed anyways and it was okay since the vise worked so well.

Integrated Chip Tray

This feature, much like the chip guard, falls into the “it works, but manage your expectations category.” Again, not really a big spear at Evolution as it’s tough to control flying metal pieces from a high-speed spinning saw blade. But we can say that after using the saw, many of the chips DID end up in the tray. And some others made their way onto the floor around the saw. Not a huge deal. That’s part of life when you’re fabricating… But it was nice to catch and empty some of them from the tray. We would recommend Evolution gets rid of the Allen lock. It makes for a very unnecessary step of having to pop the Allen wrench out. We think they should just put a grippable knob and make it easier for the user.

Also, the tray is 16 in. long so you have to pull the saw 17 or so inches away from the wall to get it out. We wondered if there was a way to make it slide out from the side vs. the back to make tight space installation easier.

Optional Accessories

The S380CPS came with a couple great accessories – the 15″ Blade and the Collapsible table. I loaded the 15″ blade up right off the bat. What does it give you? Easy. A greater cutting capacity and a slightly longer lasting blade. Both are a function of basic math. A bigger blade has a larger radius and circumference. Bigger radius = bigger cutting depth. Bigger circumference = longer cutting area per revolution.

The universal table (easily works with other saws) has excellently designed clamping feet. They clamp along both the X & Y axis, or downwards and inwards. Another nice detail was the threaded through bolt combined with a secondary lock nut. The threading action kept the bolt in place while adjusting and then the locking nut secures everything with zero chance of coming loose. It’s a great design.

it also has easy to operate lever releases for leg closure. We appreciated no need to pinch your fingers trying to push the locking pips in directly. The levers made taking down and setting up the table very simple!

However, it’s worth noting that the indents designed into the S380CPS don’t necessarily match up perfectly with the table locking feet/pads. We know this because after initially locking down the saw and loading up the first piece of steel angle to cut we had issues. The locking foot prevented the angle from resting continuously along the fence. It was an easy fix to readjust the locking foot locations though. So this really isn’t a knock on the S380CPS. Just something to be aware of during initial set-up.

Recommendations

So we’ve discussed a few recommendations already, but we’ll add one more. The design of expanding the support arms on the universal table was one of our least favorite parts of this test. it requires the operator to reach under the table at an awkward angle to turn the locking knobs. We’ve seen other stand/table designs that have top-mounted levers or knobs that work much better.

Final Thoughts | Evolution Powertools Chop Saw

The Evolution Powertools Metal Chop Saw (model S380CPS) is a sweet saw that is worth every penny. Does it cost more? yes. but it is worth the investment just for the time saved from the simple and fantastically accurate cuts that are immediately ready to weld. It is also more than worth it for the increased safety – minimal sparks or chance of broken cut off wheel pieces means more peace of mind. But there are great secondary considerations too. Like the ability to easily move the saw around the shop or to a jobsite when needed – something not easily done with a larger horizontal bandsaw. While there are minor areas for improvement such as more detents and better shavings collection designs, these are very minimal critiques. We can’t say enough great things about the overall value and performance of the Evolution Powertools S380CPS!

Evolution Powertools Metal Chop Saw Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz