You must be kidding.

This cutter is a heap of poop. I have never seen anything made so cheaply. When I ordered it, I thought the cost was good. When I got it, I thought it was priced 10 times too high.

Preliminary opinion

As the other reviews say, this product performs as advertised (cutting pen tubes). But I bought it "on spec" for other projects that involve solid rod. When I found it inadequate, with the toothed blade provided, for my 3/8" mild steel rod, I did a bit of Googling looking for an abrasive blade. Like many tools this is from an unknown OEM - the TruePower that PSI sells is in orange and gray, the MicroMark is in black and red. But both have the same specs and appearance (MicroMark warns of "cheap imitations", probably as they sell their version at $70). MicroMark does sell abrasive wheels for ferrous metals, and the arbor fits (I'm sure it is the same OEM in different colors and labels - Proxxon, Anaconda, Micromark, etc. are distributors). I will make a specific complaint about the TruePower instructions that PSI ships with this tool. They leave out the blade changing instructions - but I printed the MicroMark ones. That little Allen wrench (that I found on the floor after opening several packages from PSI - and couldn't identify which one it came from) turns out to fit a hole under the casing, and into the drive shaft, so as to hold the shaft for blade removal. Easy when you know how . If I can cut my steel and brass rods with the abrasive blades (which are back ordered at MicroMark) I'll up my rating to 5 stars. I think it is likely that it will work, most ferrous metal cutting blades are the abrasive rather than the toothed. Given that last comment I'd suggest to PSI that they consider making the abrasive wheels available as an option. Sometimes I think PSI thinks we all only make pens (not really, they gave us the lovely TC 12" on which I'm making fine bowls, hollow forms, and shapes). I recommend the saw for the tubes, I reserve my recommendation on other projects. Best, Jon

only an ok tool

A better way to cut the tubes than anything else I have found but you can purchase the identical tool at Harbor Freight for about 1/2 the price. Not as precise as I prefer but what should I expect for $50. Difficult to get sufficient light on the tube to line up the blade to get a precise cut.

Poor Quality Cutoff Saw

The basic Cutoff Saw will do the job after you fix it: The vice had to be dismantled and repaired, the vice bolt would barely turn and the vice itself had to be cleaned up before it could be used. The mitre gauge would not square up to the blade, more modification with the Dremel tool. Bearing for motor acted too tight, left it as is. If you don't mind rebuilding the saw it can be a useful tool.

Mini cut-off saw

I found the saw to be a bit underpowered for the price, and the blade could cut finer. Otherwise, it does a good job cutting tubes without distortion, and the tube jigs work quite well. An excellent alternative to hacksaws and tubing cutters.

Mini Cut-Off Saw

This product is exceptional, easy to use and efficient in it's cut. I would recommend this product to all pen turners.

Save your money

I looked forward to perfectly square cuts, but got better results with my mechanical tubing cutter. Ends were ragged and burred (maybe I just got a bad blade). The jigs should have been made of a soft metal instead of wood. They didn't hold the tubing tightly. I guess you get what you pay for. It was $20.00 cheaper on the manufacturers web site. The owners manual looks like a 10th generation Xerox copy. I requested a good copy from the manufacturer, but never received it. They said the would email a clear copy. Given the extremely high quality of everything I've purchased from Penn State this tool was very disappointing.

mini cutoff saw

Great addition works great.

Mini Cut-Off Saw

This saw was perfect for the job it was purchaed for. It was used to cut the 7mm tubes for pen blanks. Perfect cut every time.

Recently Purchased MTS3

Works as advertised. Could be a little beefier with a better hold down system but a good deal for the price