metabo 601786000 Review

Cutting metal by hand is a slow, physical, and often imprecise affair. A hacksaw takes minutes per cut and leaves you with an aching arm and a cut that is rarely square. An angle grinder with a cutting disc is faster but demands a steady hand and produces cuts that wander off the mark unless you use a guide. When you are working with steel profiles, pipes, solid bar, angle iron, or cast iron sections — the kind of materials that go into structural frameworks, fabrication projects, vehicle repairs, and industrial maintenance — what you need is a machine that combines the speed of a powered abrasive disc with the accuracy of a fixed work table and a precision mitre guide. This is exactly what a dedicated metal cut-off saw delivers. The workpiece is clamped securely in place, the cutting head descends on a rigid arm that keeps the disc perfectly square to the material, and the cut happens in seconds rather than minutes — clean, repeatable, and at whatever angle the job demands. For metal fabricators, welders, maintenance engineers, and serious DIYers building anything from a gate to a go-kart, a quality chop saw turns steel stock from an obstacle into a material you can work with precision and confidence.

Metabo is a German power tool manufacturer with a reputation built on professional-grade metalworking equipment — grinders, magnetic drills, and cut-off saws that are found in fabrication shops and engineering workshops across Europe. The CS 22-355 is a classic abrasive cut-off saw design: a powerful 2,300-watt motor spins a 355-millimetre abrasive disc at high speed, while the material to be cut is held in a heavy cast base with an adjustable mitre fence. The key performance metrics for any chop saw are motor power, which determines how quickly the disc cuts through different steel sections without bogging down; the disc diameter, which governs the maximum cutting capacity; and the rigidity of the pivot arm and base, which directly determines cut accuracy and repeatability. A sloppy pivot produces cuts that are not square, wasting material and creating extra grinding work before welding.

In this review we examine the CS 22-355 in detail — the cutting performance on steel profiles, solid bar, pipe, and angle iron; the accuracy and repeatability of the mitre system from -15 to 45 degrees; the build quality of the base, pivot, and clamping system at 19 kilograms; and the safety features including the rotating guard, spark deflector, and safety switch. We also assess whether this Metabo represents good value at approximately £204 compared to competing chop saws from brands like Evolution, DeWalt, and Makita, and who the tool is genuinely suited for in terms of usage volume and working environment.

The Metabo CS 22-355 is a corded 230-volt abrasive cut-off saw powered by a 2,300-watt motor that drives a 355-millimetre cutting disc at high rotational speed. This combination of power and disc diameter gives the saw the capacity to cut through solid steel bar, thick-walled pipe, angle iron, channel sections, and cast iron profiles — materials that would overwhelm a smaller saw or take far longer with a handheld grinder. The motor is built to Metabo's professional standards with thermal overload protection, meaning it can sustain repeated heavy cuts in a production environment without overheating or tripping. The 4-metre power cable is practical for workshop use, giving enough reach to position the saw on a bench without needing an extension lead immediately. The spindle lock mechanism enables fast, tool-free disc changes — press the lock button, loosen the clamping nut with the included wrench, swap the disc, and re-tighten.

Build quality is where Metabo distinguishes itself from budget chop saws. The CS 22-355 sits on a large, robust cast base measuring 55 by 36 centimetres with a 41.5-centimetre height — substantial enough to remain stable during cutting without needing to be bolted down, though bolt holes are provided for permanent bench mounting. The pivot arm is engineered for rigidity, eliminating the side-to-side play that causes cuts to wander off square on cheaper saws. The mitre fence adjusts continuously from -15 to 45 degrees with a clear angle scale, and the clamping system holds the workpiece firmly against the fence. A large transverse handle spans the full width of the cutting head, giving you excellent leverage and control as you bring the disc down through the material — the handle position transmits power efficiently from your arm to the cut. An adjustable depth stop lets you set a maximum cutting depth, useful for making partial cuts or notches without going all the way through.

Operating the CS 22-355 reveals the difference between a professional tool and a budget alternative. The 2,300-watt motor spins the disc up to speed quickly and maintains RPM when it bites into the steel — there is no labouring or bogging down mid-cut, which is when discs glaze over and cutting efficiency drops. The mitre adjustment is smooth and locks securely, and the angle markings are accurate enough that a test cut comes out within a degree of the target. The quick-release clamp holds round, square, and irregular profiles securely — a crucial detail, because a workpiece that shifts during cutting can bind the disc and cause it to shatter, creating a serious safety hazard. The integrated storage compartment on the machine table holds the hex key for disc changes, so it is always where you need it rather than buried in a toolbox. At 19 kilograms, the saw is heavy enough to stay put during use but manageable for one person to lift onto a bench.

Safety features on the CS 22-355 reflect Metabo's experience with professional metalworking environments. The rotating protective guard covers the top portion of the disc and can be adjusted to direct sparks away from the operator and towards a workshop wall or spark shield. An adjustable spark deflector at the base of the cutting area directs the stream of hot particles downwards into a collection area — essential when cutting in a workshop with other flammable materials nearby. The rubber base feet isolate vibration from the workbench and prevent the saw from creeping across the surface during repeated cuts. A safety switch prevents accidental start-up: the trigger cannot be engaged without deliberately pressing the safety release, reducing the risk of injury during setup and material changes. The saw ships with a 355-millimetre abrasive cutting disc, support flange, clamping nut, and hex key — everything needed to start cutting immediately out of the box.

The Metabo CS 22-355 measures 55 by 36 by 41.5 centimetres and weighs a substantial 19 kilograms. It is manufactured in China to Metabo's quality specifications and carries CE certification. The warranty is described as a limited warranty — Metabo's standard professional tool coverage. Customer feedback, while limited in volume, is perfect: a 5.0 out of 5 stars rating from 10 reviews, with the saw ranking at number 3 in the Metal-cutting Saws category on Amazon. At approximately £204, it sits in the upper mid-range of the chop saw market — more expensive than entry-level saws from generic brands but significantly less than premium alternatives from brands like Fein or high-end cold saws that cost over £500. For a professional-grade tool with a 355-millimetre disc and 2,300 watts of power, the price is competitive and represents a sound investment for anyone who cuts steel regularly.

The Metabo CS 22-355 is the right abrasive cut-off saw for metal fabricators, welders, maintenance engineers, and serious metalworking hobbyists who need a powerful, rigid, and accurate machine for repetitive cutting of steel profiles, pipe, bar, and angle iron in a workshop environment, valuing Metabo's build quality over the lower cost of entry-level alternatives.