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For Evolution EVO355 RAPTOR, 71 customer reviews collected from 2 e-commerce sites, and the average score is 4.4.

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Amazon has 68 customer reviews and the average score is 4.3. Go to this seller.
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31.7.2016

I Recently used my machine to cut 3"x1/4" thick angle iron and it was like a knife through butter. There were some sparks, but nowhere near the light show you get from a friction bladed machine. I think this was due to the rust on the metal more than anything, but the cuts were very 'clean' and precise, with no need to use a small hand grinder to remove any flash afterwards. It was also very easy to use when compared to a large (heavy) hand grinder with a cutting disc fitted. The metal was also cold to touch after each cut, but the edges were not blunt, so wear gloves if the metal just cut is at all heavy to handle.Beware to use a full face visor to prevent small bits of metal hitting your face,especially if you use the machine on a table of some kind.The long removable tray under the blade catches most of the 'chips', but not all, so be aware you need to sweep the floor after use. It is easily used one handed, though you do need to pull the blade down onto the metal as it cuts as the return spring is very strong. This means there is no way the blade can come down on its own unless you want it to, making it quite a 'safe' machine to use when compared to a 9" hand grinder for instance.The blade is un-covered as it comes down ready to cut the metal, making it that much safer to use. With any long piece of metal you do need to prop-up the part sticking out of the sides so as to retain the correct vertical angle of cut, but this is true of any machine, whether it cuts metal or wood so isn't a problem really, just something that the user needs to be aware of. I use either a support stand with a roller on top for this, or pieces of wood the correct thickness when cutting shorter lengths.This is a powerful machine and more suited too thicker metal than the other machines in the Evolution range (wood cutters which cut metal as well) so if you are cutting metal with a wall thickness more than 3mm (1/8" in old money) on a regular basis, I have no hesitation in recommending this machine. If you are cutting metal that is thin i.e. 3mm or less, I doubt you will feel ANY resistance as the blade cuts, such is the power of this machine and the ease with which the blade cuts metal.I have used a 9" grinder many times to cut metal as the years have gone by and I have found this machine to be very easy to use for the same job, while also being much safer and very accurate. It weighs quite a bit to carry about but the blade should last twice as long as a similar "wood cutting" version. It does take a little time to set-up the metal for cutting, but the resulting cut and ease of use make it worthwhile using one of these machines, rather than using a hand grinder. The result is also repeatable and accurate, which is not really possible with a hand grinder.I have no hesitation in highly recommending this machine for DIY use, or in a workshop cutting thin wall metal box etc.UPDATE DEC. 2017 - It appears that while my version of this saw (RAPTOR) still works as good as it did from new, the new version (EVOSAW) has a number of quality control issues and ISN'T of the same overall quality of build, with blade alignment problems and clamping issues. Be aware and try to get the original RAPTOR version. I have recently used my machine to cut 3" x 6" x 1/2" thick angle iron (2 cuts) and the blade had no problems with cutting this thickness of steel. However, I would not use a machine of this size for cutting metal this thick on a regular daily basis, as at the end of the day it isn't an industrial sized tool.Those type of machines do cost thousands of pounds though and usually run on 3 phase electricity, so are not cost effective for DIY use. you would be better off looking at some type of band saw for cutting metal that thick on a regular basis I think.
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9.3.2017

I purchased this saw due to the good reviews. It arrived in good condition, and box had not been opened. HOWEVER, they sent the "newer model RAPTOR 355 instead of the EVOSAW 355.The difference is that it's a slightly cheaper build, gney have done away with the wayQuick slide flip over cover for the vice on the RAPTOR, now you have to wind it all the way in, whereas on the EVOSAW you just flipped the back cover, slid the vice forward, then flipped the cover the other way, and screwed the last bit for tightening.It doesn't really affect the functionality, but is annoying as it's time consuming when you have lots of bits to do.Also, the saw is mounted off centre,so when you bring it down its saws a little into the side of the slot, which could potentially push the cut slightly out.mounted another 1/4"-1/2" to the right, and it would have been almost dead centre.probably won't affect functionality (it is after all a metal cutting saw) it's still shoddy workmanship, and not what I expected.will see if I can maybe disassemble it, and move it with some washers or tubing to act as a spacer, and get the saw blade away from cutting into the base.And all that before I even use it. Had it not been for that, it would have gotten 5 starsHowever, as stated, I expect it will work well, blade is sharp, and it appears sturdily built, and comes with an adaptor to hold tubing, angle iron, or square section on an angle in the vice, plus a spare set of carbon brushes for the motor.
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19.10.2018

First the pros:I am using this saw for mild steel tubing and some wood.It cuts both easily and leaves a nice clean edge.The cast iron base and clamping system are sturdy.The motor and body look to be heavy duty and should last for many yearsCuts produce very little sparks or dust and does not heat up the material significantly.Now the cons:The angle gauge is not even close to accurate. I set it to 90 degrees and used a square to ensure the guide was perpendicular to the body, but the cut is a few degrees off. I think this is due to the motor and saw mount being a bit off.At 45 degrees on the guage it cuts more like 50-55 degrees.I was able to adjust it to 45 degrees and marked the guage with a scratch awl.There is no light on the saw to illuminate the piece. They could at least have used a small LED or something there.I was running the saw off of a 16 amp, type "B" breaker. It would trip the breaker over and over. I purchased a type "C" breaker which allows for a higher inrush current upon startup of inductive loads like the motor in the saw. This solved my problem and was a cheap easy fix.There is no quick release for the clamp so you have to screw it in and out all the time which can get a bit tedious.Overall though, for the price, I think it's a decent value. The only big design flaw is the inaccuracy of gauge to the angle of the cut. The company should really consider better quality control as this is one of the most important aspects of a saw.
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9.3.2020

I've never used one of these before, and thus this involved some research to arrive at this particular one.This is what I define as a small industrial machine, thus a degree of common sense and realization of what your dealing with is required.I'd read quite a few reviews and decide on this Evolution model as it had good all round reports compared to other Evolution Chop Saw'sThe blade can cut through metal, wood etc, and with careful use the blade will last a reasonable time.Due to the nature of the machine, it is (which is common sense) advisable to invest in good protective goggles and noise reduction head phones. When you use this machine, particles of whatever your cutting are going to fly everywhere.The machine itself,cuts very well. I've only cut 1" square metal tubing with a 1.5mm wall and solid metal rods, and it cuts through with no issues. It also cut wood and timber, and creates a lot of mess in the process, which is part of it.Overall, having never used one, I'm very pleased with it's abilities, and even though I'm a home user with no workshop or garage, thus all my cutting is performed outside, I'm still very pleased I made the investment, and took the time to research this particular model.As I commented at the start, I've never used on of these machines, so I watched a lot of videos to have an understanding what it would achieve and how.
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2.9.2018

Many cuts performed on various metals. Alum sections cut like butter. No problems with blade clogging. Very very close to square cut with little finishing needed. Mild steel round, solid 10 mm plate, 50 mm square tube cuts easy. Obviously you take it a bit slower with harder materials, but the saw pretty much laughs at it. Most chips go into the container. Blade guard action is nice. The clamp is really good - solid and easy to use. Not quick release type, but I favour this arrangement as I feel it's safer and there's less to go wrong. Bed is chunky and rugged. Nicely stowed hex wrench means no need to waste time looking for it. I love this machine and I am genuinely in awe of it.My only niggle is that as a lefty the safety switch is almost impossible. It's not a big deal for me and I have become right handed when using it. Very happy buyer.
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29.1.2020

I've had this saw for close to two years now, the pros: It cuts steel very quickly and accurately, the blade is durable so long as you clamp the material well, good value for money, plenty of power.Cons: It is very loud!, the clamp could be better, a quick release clamp as they have on the US version would be a great addition, also the clamp squeezes the material forward when cutting at angles, the locking nut for the angle adjustment could be better placed it is a little arkward to get at, it also flings a small ammount of chips back out at the user so wear glasses.Overall a very good saw, with a better clamp and an inbuilt light giving you a shadow cut line on the work piece would make it perfect,would recommend this saw.
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29.1.2018

I bought this saw after reading a lot of review and comparisonI choose a refurbished item from Amazon because it was 20£ less than full priceAbout the saw, it does the jobIt is easy to use and the cut are very smoothYou can cut from 0° to 45°To be the perfect product I listed here below the thing that would be better :- A laser on both sides of the blade like on the Fstool Kapex to adjust the cut easily- The angle should be check every time because the indicator is not really accurate- A "quick release" system to set the angle as the one you have on the guide of the Festool Kapex- In Europe, this saw does not have the "quick release" system for the vice,why not ?But even of all the points I would buy it again
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14.11.2016

I can't believe how good this saw is. For years I've been using abrasive cut off discs and living with the mess they make and filing off the burrs left behind. This is clean cutting, little metal swarf chips rather than dust everywhere. Accurate and easy to set up. It does ring when you're cutting so make sure you have ear defenders on when using. Locks in the down position to store or transport. I'm not sure how long the blade will last, but it's still going strong. Great price from Amazon - significantly cheaper than Machine Mart. Did I say that I like it?

18.7.2017

good machine, easy to use. the carbide tipped blade that come with it cuts very nicely, but not suitable for mine. we manufacture roof purlins , reason i bought this machine is to angle cut 10degree 4" roof channels, for my customer who wants to build chicken farm, i broke few blade tips in less than 10cuts because my product is too thin 1.6mm thickness , its nothing to do with evosaw just that my product is not suitable. evosaw works great. i changed the blade to rage 355mm blade and it works out perfect.

15.1.2020

After almost giving up on Evolution Power Tools after 2 table saws broke within 2 weeks of ownership, I decided to give this thing a go. My expectations where low and I thought it would have some at least some issues. How wrong I was as this machine is a beast it cuts perfectly little to no burring at all. I use it everyday and clean it cover it to prolong its life span. I hope that this keeps on going because it is a brilliant machine and its the best Evo tool I have had for a long time.

26.8.2016

This is a super price for an amazing saw. I've previously only worked with abrasion saws, and the first cut with the Raptor through a 50x50x3mm square tube was like slicing a hot knife through butter. Not only are the cuts smooth, but there are virtually no burrs left which reduces edge cleaning/grinding time by 90%. Mitre cuts are equally clean. I can definitely recommend this product!!

5.9.2016

i am a hobbyist. after using it for a little while for home projects i am absolutetly satisfied with this saw. it is very well made and robust. it has a very sturdy vice which is a breeze to adjust for different angle cuts. the saw is strong and fast and the cut quality is superb. very very clean cuts. the chip tray is a very neat detail. hands down i would recommend this saw to anyone.

9.12.2018

Perfect for fabricating in steel. I bought it to speed up batch production. It's a big upgrade from having to mark every peice and then cut with an angle grinder. Takes a bit of patience to get the angles right for mitre cuts. With patience and ingenuity it is possible to do compound cuts, even on awkward steel.

28.5.2019

nice machine to use, works easily, but be aware of the accuracy, you have to control it several times, delivered with an english plug, so you have to replace it or buy an adapter to use it in europe, overall i am satisfied with this purchase.

23.2.2020

Surprised how good this actually is! Was going for the makita one but swung by the extra cutting depth, used it heavily last couple of days fabing some tractor attachments out of 100mm box (5mm) saved me hrs!

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