# General Metals - Chop Saw

Evolution S355 MCS

# Manual(s)

- [https://store.evolutionpowertools.com/products/evolution-s355mcs-mitre-chop-saw-heavy-duty-metal-cutting](https://store.evolutionpowertools.com/products/evolution-s355mcs-mitre-chop-saw-heavy-duty-metal-cutting)
- [S355MCS\_Instruction\_Manual.pdf](https://wiki.protohaven.org/attachments/245)

# Member Notes



# Resources



# Tool Tutorial

## Introduction

<span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">The Evolution S355MCS Mitre Saw is a powerful tool designed for cutting various materials, including mild steel, and aluminum.</span>

## Notes

### Safety

**Read and understand the instructions.** <span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Before operating the saw, thoroughly read the [instruction manual](https://manuals.plus/evolution/s355mcs-mitre-saw-manual) to familiarize yourself with its features and safety measures.</span>​

**Remove all adjusting keys and wrenches.** <span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Always check that all adjusting keys and wrenches are removed from the tool before turning it on.</span>​

**Maintain a clean work area.** <span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Keep your work to reduce the risk of accidents. Cluttered areas invite accidents.</span>

### <span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">PPE</span>

<span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">**Always wear safety glasses and ear protection:** the machine may cause flying debris, and the motor is very loud. Dust masks may be worn to protect against dust.</span>

### Common Hazards

Proper use of the clamps and good workholding technique should keep materials from flying out of the machine. Feeding the saw too quickly can cause parts to go airborne. Always wear safety goggles in case of flying debris.

### Care

Do not force the blade into the workpiece; let the cutting teeth do the work. Putting too much pressure on the blade can break teeth, reducing the life of the blade and introducing a safety hazard.

### Materials

Permitted materials:

- Mild steel
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Bronze

## Parts of the Tool

### Annotated Image(s)

### Part Description

### Part Description

### Part Description

## Basic Operation

### (Special topics)

### Setting Up

1. **Inspect the blade** to make sure there are no missing teeth and the saw is in good condition.
2. <span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">**Ensure the workpiece is firmly secured** using both the front and top clamps.</span>​ Not all cuts can support both sides of the work, use extreme caution when one side is not clamped.
3. **Check the blade position.** Make sure the blade is positioned correctly front to back.  
    *If needed, adjust the slide at the back of the saw. See the diagrams below for proper positioning.* It is preferable to have the centerline of the blade directly above the part or slightly behind. If the blade is in front of the part, the blade can lift the part up.
4. **Check Blade Path Clearance.** <span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Before making a cut, ensure all clamps are fully clear of the blade path and that the cutting head has full range of motion.</span>​ <p class="callout warning">When making a mitre cut, it is possible to cut through a clamp. Pins have been added to try and prevent this from happening; always be carful not to damage the clamps.</p>
5. **Perform a Test Run:** <span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Without the blade spinning, perform a test rotation of the cutting head to ensure there are no obstructions.</span>

### Workholding

[![chop_saw_metal-workholding.png](https://wiki.protohaven.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-04/scaled-1680-/chop-saw-metal-workholding.png)](https://wiki.protohaven.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-04/chop-saw-metal-workholding.png)

### Using the Tool

1. **Start the Motor.** <span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Slide the safety lock on the left side of the trigger switch to the left, then depress the main trigger switch.</span><p class="callout danger"><span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Never start the saw with the cutting edge of the blade in contact with the workpiece.</span></p>
2. **Make the Cut.** <span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Gently lower the cutting head to the material, applying light pressure to prevent the blade from grabbing.   
    *Do not force the machine; let the saw blade do the work.*</span>*​ It helps to have the right hand pulling down on the handle and left providing some upward support to the handle, to prevent too fast of a feed.*
3. **Complete the Cut.** <span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Release the trigger to turn off the motor.</span>

### Cleaning Up

###   

# Tool Tutorial - Notes

**Safety-Oriented User Guide for the Evolution S355MCS Mitre Saw**

<span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">The Evolution S355MCS Mitre Saw is a powerful tool designed for cutting various materials, including mild steel, and aluminum.</span> To ensure safe and effective operation, please adhere to the following safety guidelines:​<span class="" data-state="closed"><span class="ms-1 inline-flex max-w-full items-center relative top-[-0.094rem] animate-[show_150ms_ease-in]">[Owners Manual](https://manuals.plus/evolution/s355mcs-mitre-saw-manual?utm_source=chatgpt.com)</span></span>

**1. General Safety Precautions:**

- **Read and Understand Instructions:** <span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Before operating the saw, thoroughly read the instruction manual to familiarize yourself with its features and safety measures.</span>​
- **Remove Adjusting Keys and Wrenches:** <span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Always check that all adjusting keys and wrenches are removed from the tool before turning it on.</span>​
- **Maintain a Clean Work Area:** <span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Keep your work to reduce the risk of accidents. Cluttered areas invite accidents.</span>​

**3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):**

- <span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Always wear appropriate PPE, such as safety glasses, ear protection, and dust masks, to protect against flying debris, noise, and dust.</span>​

**4. Preparing to Make a Cut:**

- **Inspect the blade:** Make sure there are no missing teeth and the saw is in good condition.
- **Secure the Workpiece:** <span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Ensure the workpiece is firmly secured using both the front and top clamps.</span>​
- **Check the blade position:** Make sure the blade is positioned correctly front to back. If needed, adjust the slide at the back of the saw. See the diagrams below for proper positioning.
- **Check Blade Path Clearance:** <span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Before making a cut, ensure all clamps are fully clear of the blade path and that the cutting head has full range of motion.</span>​ **During a mitre cut, it is possible to cut through a clamp, pins have been added to try and prevent this from happening.**
- **Perform a Test Run:** <span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Without the blade spinning, perform a test rotation of the cutting head to ensure there are no obstructions.</span>​

**5. Operating the Saw:**

- **Starting the Motor:** <span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Slide the safety lock on the left side of the trigger switch to the left, then depress the main trigger switch. Never start the saw with the cutting edge of the blade in contact with the workpiece.</span>​
- **Making the Cut:** <span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Gently lower the cutting head to the material, applying light pressure to prevent the blade from grabbing. Do not force the machine; let the saw blade do the work.</span>​ It helps to have the right hand pulling down on the handle and left providing some upward support to the handle, to prevent too fast of a feed.
- **Completing the Cut:** <span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Release the trigger to turn off the motor.</span>​

By following these safety guidelines, you can ensure a safe and efficient cutting experience with your Evolution S355MCS Mitre Saw. For more detailed information, refer to the full instruction manual.

### **Proper clamping and cutting techniques:** 

[![image.png](https://wiki.protohaven.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-03/scaled-1680-/ba2image.png)](https://wiki.protohaven.org/uploads/images/gallery/2025-03/ba2image.png)