This thing is awesome. It cuts steel like butter. Very few sparks but lotsa noise. Nice clean cuts. The chip tray slides out the back. If it slid out the front dumping it would be much easier. It could use a clamp that presses down as well as the one that is included. All in all a very fine tool.

I purchase tools all the time, like everyone else, my decision is based on quality vs dollars - getting the best deal. When this reconditioned cold saw came up, I couldn't pass it over. Awesome saw for a fraction of the price. For this saw, heavy duty, means, heavy duty. Very smooth and quiet. Lots of torque to glide thru metal. The stock blade is fine for aluminum. You can also cut aluminum with a standard chop saw - but this is designed from metal. Other reviews said the blade dulled out when cutting steel. As with most other metal working tools, either slow the blade down (can't do it with this saw) or add mist or fluid cooling. As for being rebuilt, my saw came out of the box looking "almost new" and it come with a warranty. Some far, no problems. I also switch to a Milwaukee circular saw (used to own only Porter Cable and Makita). Another great product.