Evolution 230 HDX vs. Milwaukee 6370

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I am new to welding, and just got a MM 211 this week.  I am starting on a couple of projects (that's right, a table and a cart first, and then I have about 19 others on the farm!), and I want to get a saw.  I read a thread about the Evolution miter and chop saws, but I am thinking that a circular saw might be more versatile, since it can cut plate as well as flat bar, angle, tube, and pipe.  I would welcome any comments on that idea, and I am wondering if anyone has any experience or opinions about the Evolution 230 HDX or the Milwaukee 6370?  The guys at my LWS like the Milwaukee, but they do not carry the Evoilution.  Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Reply:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=60147Backed my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Thanks for the reply, Killdozer11.  I had actually read this thread before posting my question, but it seemed to be all about the Evolution miter and chop saws, and I am wondering about the handheld circular saws (the 230 HDX and Milwaukee 6370).
Reply:I have a Milwaukee 6370. it is a great saw for plate, but i would find it lacking for cutting box, angle, and flat. a chop saw will be 100 times easier to use, get better quality cuts, and longer blade life from.Dynasty 200DXPassport plus w/ spoolmate 100victor 315c oxy/(act and prop)Miller digital elitemilwaukee power tools
Reply:Sorry i'm not familiar with those tho i have seen demo video of those  and one guy did mention that he had one and used it for cutting sheets of even thick steel with his .He licked the clean straight cut but it slowed with increased thickness as all cutting processes doWhen i say thick steel i mean 120. wall or thickerBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Everyone seems to like the circle saw versions but because of the operator, They use up more blades. Also No-one makes these saws in the USA including Milwaukee who is made in China. I have an Evoulution Mitre and love it for what it is.
Reply:Congrats on new machine!   I think there are a lot of variables in your choice, who's gonna be using it to start with, if its not yours abuse it will get and blades are costly. I bought the cheap Harbor Freight metal cutting circular saw and have gotten my money out of it and still have their blade in it. I found a clamped straight edge is best. If you are cutting big sheets of metal the circular  saw is a must. A chop saw is pretty hard to hurt as long as you don't mind the mess and you can cut about anything.  My old Milwaukee chop saw still cuts square.. I have the Evolution Rage 2  and its nice. I use it for clean metal cuts and it is awesome on flat stock. It's great for like in the basement or garage. Don't rule out a 4 1/2" grinder with cutting wheels either. They have there place too. My barn has my shop in it where a messy chop saw ,burning metal, and loud noise really doesn't matter.I think personal choice is the answer. You can never have enough tools! Start with the chop saw and go from there. We have no proplem spending your money!!!
Reply:I also have the Evolution Rage 2 and it is a very good saw for plate. I have a Milwaukee 14" carbide blade chop saw that is awsome. I dont know how many hundreds of cuts the blade has made through 1x1, 1x2, 2x2 tubing, and pipe up to 3.5" OD. also some solid bar stock 2x2. It still cuts steel like a knife through butter. I need to get me a replacment blade and send my original blade off the be resharpened at some point.
Reply:Thanks for all the input!  After much head scratching, I ordered the Milwaukee 6190 14" dry cut saw, and I ordered a couple of Freud Diablo Steel Demon 14" X 72T blades for it (Thanks to Yorkiepap for his link to cripedistributing.com, and I will need to build a stand for it like his when I have time!).  It should be here in a couple more days, and I am excited to try it out.
Reply:You will like it. I have mine on a wooden stand that I had a planer mounted on at one time. Get some of the roller top supports and a good stand and you are ready to go. I need to order me a couple of extra blades.