best cutting tool for the trade?

Since I am cheap, I have so far managed to avoid using any type of power tool for scrapping -- other than my station wagon. However, it seems that I have to buy some type of power metal cutter. What would be the best tool for the job, in terms of price (both of the tool and blades), ease of use, versatility, and reliability? I have seen sawzall mentioned here a few times, but are there better alternatives?

I do small scale scrapping focusing on copper and aluminum. So the type of cutting I would be doing -- I think -- is cutting off copper piping, cutting open appliances, removing blades from fans of various types to get the motors etc. I will not be cutting huge amounts of steel since I am trying to stay away from scrapping it, just to get through it to other metals.

Thanks

I use a Sawzall and a large angle grinder. But I already had them. My wife bought me the Sawzall for Christmas because I was doing a lot of demolition-type work. I'd bought the grinder for auto body work. For what you're talking about, a pair of large sheet metal shears should work. The Sawzall works great for things like fan blades and cutting electric motors out of appliances. I haven't found anything - even 1/4" channel iron - that can stand up to that angle grinder.

I have 3 tools. A sawzall, a Cordless drill and a pair of wire snips. If you get a sawzall, DON'T buy cheep blades. You will get what you pay for. Get Milwaukee or dewalt blades. They will last 10 times as long.

Thanks for all the advice. I am leaning toward getting a saw second and a grinder third. But first... It occurred to me that I already have a cordless drill. So the obvious question is: can I buy some type of attachment for it to turn it into a grinder/saw of sorts? I already use it regularly for sanding -- so it seems there should be a similar gizmo for grinding/cutting metal. What would you recommend?

you could get a carbide blade for it but I wouldn't recommend it. You will burn through batteries and probably burn out the motor in the drill trying to cut with it. They just arent made for that kind of constant stress.