March 2005 -
I've owned two Milwaukee 6176-20 chop saws, both purchased from Home Depot. Both had problem after problem - two switches, a broken arm, broken handles and finally a burned out motor. So when I decided to replace the dead unit, I looked at some reviews and my first choice, a DeWalt unit, was not highly recommended. So I checked, reluctantly, into what Milwaukee has to offer. On Milwaukee's website, they listed a new unit, the 6180-20 so I went ahead and purchased the unit.
I'll jump right into it - this is without a doubt a much better chop-saw. Some of the highlight are:
* A higher and heavier base - That keeps it from running the wheel into the floor when you use it on the ground and you have a new wheel. It also seems more stable since it's a overall slightly larger saw.
* The pivot point of the arm is raised up - This keeps the centerline of the wheel even when it comes down at it's lowest point.
* The arm (I broke one on my last saw) seems much sturdier.
* The handle is now "D" shaped and allows easier down-pressure on the arm than the typical pistol style grip.
* The lock to keep the arm down when transporting it isn't a chain now, it's an actual pin that is easier to set and un-set. It seems to me to be questionable since the pin rests up against the arm without much backing, though I'm sure someone tested this.
* The motor seems to be more powerful, I noticed it pop-ed a 15amp breaker that the old saw could not. It also cut quite a bit faster (though not nearly as fast as a dry cut saw).
* It's completely tool less. The backing plate slides up and down to allow for larger stock just by pushing down on a spring loaded pin (though it is a bit hard to do with gloves on). The angle is also tool less, though it could have been designed with a bit more thought, though it does work. Don't expect precise setting of the angles, you will still need a protractor or framing square to get it right 100% of the time.
* The quick release is also improved, it's now just a simple lever that turns 180 degrees to allow quick adjustment of the clamp. The clamp release/screw is even better - it isn't just a L shaped section of rod that you struggle to open when it's tighten down, it's now a nice flatten section of metal and the overall size is bigger, allowing it to me more easily opened.
* The warranty is now 5 years... though it does say at Milwaukee's discretion, you mileage may vary. It is still better than the old 1 year warranty.
Overall I am very happy the unit so far, though time will tell if it holds up.
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Dec 2006 - Update....
I've had this chop saw for over a year now. I would guess that I have run 15 or more blades through it in that period of time. I've done some pretty thick material - 2" solid square stock, stainless and small items. I've cut extremely tight cuts (32"nds) in square tube and through it all this saw has been a performer. Other than the weight of the saw - this thing is a real performer. I've only had one problem with the unit during this time - I tried to use pliers to tighten the "tool-less" arbor nut and it broke. I can now see that you shouldn't use pliers on it. They did have them in stock for $25 at the dealer though. Still I highly recommend this saw to anyone looking for a metal chop saw that is better than just a "once a year" tool. I've also noticed that if you perfer a "dry cut" saw with teeth instead of an abrasive cutoff wheel, they sell the unit 6190-20 also. The advantage (other than ongoing costs) is they don't leave that "layer" of abrasive black dust all over your shop and cut area. I personally find them a little more dangerious. Milwaukee 6180-20 15 Amp 14-Inch Abrasive Cutoff Machine
If you're only doing 90° cuts the 6176-20 is okay, but I needed 45° on square stock. The cuts were badly oblique because the stamped steel vise was not square vertically. I returned the 6176-20 and got 6180-20. It has a machined vise which is much better than the stamped steel one on the 6176-20. The motor has more has more power and the handle is a better orientation as well.
Previously had a cheap chopsaw and it worked great but the motor was going bad, so I decided to spend the bucks on a Milwaukee.
Had a problem from the start after recieving chop saw. Blade was already installed with the "FIX-Tec" nut, and I checked to make sure it was tight by hand.
I put in a piece of 1/2" round stock and started to cut. I got about 1/4" into it and the blade started flopping all over the place. I checked the FIX-Tec nut and it was a little loose so I removed it and saw that the metal band in the center of the wheel had come out and was distorted. Bad wheel or FIX-Tec nut?
Luckily they also put a bag in the box with a spanner wrench and nut to use in place of the FIX-Tec nut so I went to town and got another wheel.
The saw works ok but still bogs down as bad as a cheap chopsaw.
I emailed Customer Service and they were great about sending all the parts that got screwed up (new wheel, FIX-Tec nut, wheel flanges).
Time for a new cut off saw.My Mikita saw gave me twenty good years.Needed a new saw that didn't bog down or kick out circuit braker.This unit had five horsepower.All the other brands had only three horsepower.Best price I could find was from Northern tool catalog for $220.Amazon as always, had the lowest price at $195....and another $25 off for sale over $150.So I spent over $300 to take advantage of sale (spend $300 or more and get off $50) bought a new Wilton bench vice and Wilton bench grinder.This saw cuts like butter and I like all the features that I read in all the customers reviews.
I do allot of metal fabrication for farmers and build skid-steer attachments. Purchased this saw to replace a Jet band-saw. Having read others reviews I purchased this saw with no regrets. Performs real well with plenty of power. My shop if full of Milwaukee tools and this one too is an excellent product. Would highly recommend and would certainly purchase again. - Metal Cutting - Chop Saw - Milwaukee - Cutoff Saw'
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