How to Select the Best Cold Saw

Selecting the best metal cut off saw for your metalworking shop is essential to ensuring efficient, accurate cuts. But with so many different types of cold saws on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.

Unlike a hacksaw or other hand-powered saws, a cold saw uses electric power to drive the blade, which makes it much faster and easier to cut through thick pieces of metal. There are three main types of cold saws: manual, automatic, and semi-automatic.

At Penn Tool Co., our metalworking experts have been curating, reviewing, and upgrading cold sawing equipment for nearly 6 decades! In this article, we offer several tips on how to select the best saw to cut through metal.

Cold Saw Tips

When choosing a cold saw, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Cutting Capacity
• Blade Size
• Motor
• Weight
• Price

Cutting Capacity

The cutting capacity of a saw is determined by the thickness of the workpiece it can cut. Choose a saw with a blade that is appropriate for the material you will be cutting. If you regularly cut thick materials, choose a saw with a large blade.

Blade Size

The blade size will determine the maximum width of the cut that can be made.

Motor

Consider the size of the motor when choosing a saw. The motor is responsible for powering the blade.

More powerful motors can handle thicker materials and make longer cuts. However, they also tend to be more expensive.

Weight

Heavier saws are typically more stable and easier to use than lighter models. If you will be using the saw frequently, it is worth investing in a heavier model.

Price

Don’t break your budget, but also, don’t hesitate to invest in the right solution for your operations.

Choosing the Best, Manually Operated Cold Saws

If your metalworking shop only cuts occasional small batches of metal, a manually operated cold saw is likely your best option.

Manually operated cold saws are less expensive than their automatic and semi-automatic counterparts, making them a good choice for budget-conscious buyers.

In addition, these saws are typically smaller and more compact than other types of cold saws, making them easier to store and transport.

• Cutting Capacity: Most manually operated cold saws can handle materials up to four inches in diameter. If you regularly cut larger pieces of metal, you will need to choose a saw with a higher cutting capacity.

• Blade Size: Most manually operated cold saws come with 14-inch blades, but some models are available with larger blades.

• Weight: Manually operated cold saws range around 450 pounds in weight. This makes them a good option for those who do not have a lot of space in their shop, as they are not as large as automatic or semi-automatic cold saws.

• Price: Manually operated cold saws typically cost between $200 and $700. Higher-priced models usually have more features and higher cutting capacities.

Choosing the Best Automatic & Semi-Automatic Cold Saws

Automatic and semi-automatic cold saws are more expensive than their manually operated counterparts. However, they can handle larger pieces of metal and make longer cuts.

If your metalworking shop cuts large quantities of metal on a regular basis, an automatic or semi-automatic cold saw is a better option. These saws are more expensive than their manually operated counterparts, but they can handle larger pieces of metal and make longer cuts.

In addition, they typically have higher cutting capacities and larger blades.

• Cutting Capacity: Most automatic and semi-automatic cold saws can handle materials up to six inches in diameter.

• Blade Size: Most automatic and semi-automatic cold saws come with 14-inch blades, but some models are available with larger blades.

• Weight: The average weight range for automatic & semi-automatic cold saws is typically 900 – 2,500 pounds.

• Price: Semi-automatic cold saws cost between $8,000 – $20,000, while reliable automatic cold saws cost between $40,000 – $50,000.

Find Cold Sawing Equipment for Your Shop at Penn Tell Co.

To find the best manual, automatic, and semi-automatic cold sawing equipment for your workshop, reach out to our team today.