Slugger by Fein 14" Metal Cutting Saw - 1,800W Low-Speed, High-Torque Motor, Cast Aluminum Base, Chip Collection, Eye Protection Plate & Depth Stop - 72905361120

Purchased the Jancy Slugger off of Amazon relying on the good product reviews. I didn't really know what to expect as the only other cutting tool I have in my shop is a bandsaw and of course angle grinder cut off wheels. This saw is so spectacular that you'll seriously wonder how you got by without it. IT IS A GAME CHANGER!!First let me say that setup out of the box is very easy and simple. There's not too much to the saw, but do read the instructions as it gives you orientation guidelines for cutting metal. The blade it comes with is for cutting mild steel only. There are optional blades for cutting ferrous materials and stainless steel. Cold saws aren't great at cutting stainless so if that's your need I'd go back to a bandsaw. For everything else this is the saw!For all the complaints you read on amazon about various saws and their vice problems it's great to find a saw that has an excellent vice. I've had absolutely no problems with the vice on this saw and it's extremely strong. Your work is not going anywhere. The amount of safety and expertise that has gone into this saw is apparent out of the box. There are nearly a dozen different metal cutting saws on Amazon, many are cheaper but they are all inferior to this product. First let me say that you definitely need the 14" capacity as it comes in very handy when cutting deeper stock which is very likely during fabrication. Secondly I've found the blade length on this saw to be excellent. As long as you don't force it and let the blade cut through the steel gently then you'll get an enormous amount of use out of each blade. Be careful to orient the steel properly in the vice. You want to avoid cutting large flat surfaces whenever possible. Flat stock should be held upright. You will need to use hearing protection as it is loud, but no real louder than any other chop saw out there.This saw will cut anything you can fit under the guard. No problems cutting 1" Square or 2" Square or greater material. I just cut a bit then bring the saw a little out of the material to keep the blade cool when cutting super thick material. It can cut several times faster than a bandsaw which greatly reduces fabrication times. You can also cut literally any length off the material without deflection, cutting 1/16 or 1/32 off some material is no problem at all. And there is no heat in the blade nor heat in the material whatsoever. The cut is bright and mirror smooth with virtually no clean up. There's also no smoke or dust from the saw which is of incredible benefit. All the hot cut saws produce nasty dust and smoke from the wheel that is a known cancer causing carcinogen. With this saw there is none of that, only tiny little chips that are very easy to clean up and are too heavy to get airborne.One of the first heavy jobs I did with my saw was cut hinges for my shop doors. They are 5/16's thick plate steel that are 5" wide x 10" long. This is some hefty material. Did I mention I needed a dozen of them! The saw made short work of all these cuts and the blade is still razor sharp. Truly amazing. I'd be there literally all day to cut this material on my bandsaw and the Slugger did it in about 30 mins. You do still have to take time to align the cuts. ;-)Here in the picture you can see the stack of plates. If you add up that material it's 5" wide x 4" thick! Now that's one hefty brick of steel the Slugger cut through without issue. Blade still sharp as the day I got it. Buy the Slugger, you won't be disappointed. All the other cheaper saws are junk.The only con I found with the saw is that the hold down mechanism is antiquated. Basically there is a chain and a hook to hold the saw down when not in use. Why they couldn't just figure out a locking pin is beyond me. But I rarely lock the saw down unless you're going to move it or travel with it. The guards prevent you from contacting the blade.All in all I would give this saw a 10/10 for it's usefulness, it's precision cutting, it's small form factor, the depth of cut, and the longevity of the blade. The Slugger really knocks it out of the park. It really changed the way I fabricate and sped up my pace dramatically.UPDATE 3/23/18 I think I finally started to slightly dull the blade (though still has some use left in the blade) after six long months of cutting endless amounts of 5/8's blade, 1"-2" solid bar, rounds, angle iron, tubing and everything else that would fit under the guard. You can get blades for $80-$150 depending on the blade. Certainly worth the money when you can get hundreds of cuts out of it. Also much easier to change a rotary saw blade then changing blades on a horizontal or vertical bandsaw imo as guides always need to be readjusted on bandsaws as well as tracking and down feet, etc. Jancy Slugger is the future of metal cutting and now is the corner stone for my shop. My next purchase will be some sort of table to mount the Slugger too.

Someday, many years from now my sons son will use this saw. I am confidant he too will revel in it's ability to precisely and quickly cut metal. This saw is incredibly well built. It's cuts are super clean and very accurate. The metal is cool enough to touch immediately after the cut and I experience virtually no sparks.The vise is thick and stout. It clamps the metal really well. I really like the vice screw handle. The handle is like a handle on a regular vice where it can slide to give better leverage. Nice touch!The shavings catch is a lot bigger than I expected. It is the full length of the saw blade and catches the vast majority of the shavings. The shavings catch is held in place by a small easy to tighten wing nut.The hinge of the saw is super stout and well built. I am really impressed with the hinge design. It's the type of hinge an engineer would appreciate. The spring easily lifts the saw to full height.I've seen other reviews that give the chain latch system down scores. But in my opinion the chain latch does exactly what it is supposed to do, and that is to make it easier to carry the saw. Other than carrying the saw, this chain latch serves no purpose. For carrying the saw, it is well suited for the task.The blade guard mechanism is really cool. The double guide double action nature feels very strong and reliable. The guards snap to attention each and every-time without fail. It's fun to watch.There are two large heavy duty rubber pads under the front of the saw. None on the back of the saw. I mounted the saw on a large metal table and found the two rubber feet held the saw in place just fine.The handle fits my hand just fine. I find it easy to hit the safety switch before activating the saw. I like that it has a double action switch on the handle. No chance this saw will accidentally be triggered. Which is important.I've used DeWalt and Makita carbide metals saws, and can say with 100% confidence that this Fein metal cutting saw saw is better than any other saw I have ever used in every regard. I am extremely satisfied with the purchase. Highly recommended.