Metal cutting chop saw blade questions

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Track T 2411
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Metal cutting chop saw blade questions

#1

Post by Track T 2411 »

I recently picked up a free 10 inch miter saw with the intention of 'converting' it for use as a metal cutting chop saw. I've used both the abrasive and the 'toothed' style blades a few times in the past, and am wondering if anyone with more extensive experience might have any insights or pointers to share. I would typically be using the saw for square tubing, L-channel, etc. Which blade would be better?
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Lucien Harpress
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Re: Metal cutting chop saw blade questions

#2

Post by Lucien Harpress »

I can't speak for what's "better", mostly because my chop saw experience is limited to the year I worked at a sign shop, and I only used the abrasive type. That being said, given the choice I would lean towards the abrasive kind anyway. I don't like the idea of a tooth catching the metal at high speed, even IF you're clamping the metal down like you should.

The opposite result, of course, being the possibility of a high-speed detonation of an abrasive wheel, which is also not good. But PPE is kind of expected around a chop saw, so the trade-off (for me) is pieces of flying cutoff wheel vs pieces of flying metal and equipment.

But I'll wait for experts to chime in who use it more than I did.
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Re: Metal cutting chop saw blade questions

#3

Post by Whiskerfish »

Saw a surface grinder stone blow up once. That was quite spectacular and scary!! Sorry no experience using a chop saw. In the metal shop I played around in we had Vertical and Horizontal band saws for most of our cuts.
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Re: Metal cutting chop saw blade questions

#4

Post by robin1731 »

I've only seen the toothed blades used at very slow speeds. With cutting fluid for cooling. That would not work with a regular miter saw. So abrasive, I believe, is the only way you could go on a "converted" saw.

But I would check the saw speed as compared to the recommended blade speed also.

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Re: Metal cutting chop saw blade questions

#5

Post by Liam »

I have a purpose built circular saw for cutting metals. It has a blade for cutting aluminium fitted and it gives a nice cut. It will cut steel but it would mean using a different blade. The blade speed is slower than a wood cutting saw. I also have a makita compound mitre saw for wood, and although they are available I would not dream of putting a metal disc of any kind into it to cut metal. Angle grinders larger than 4" scare the heck out of me anyway and I avoid using them. This is since a neighbour of mine lost his life tragically a number of years ago after removing a guard from an angle grinder and fitted a larger disc which I can only suppose for economic reasons. Blade disintegrated and a large piece hit him in the abdomen. I do have a horizontal bandsaw in the workshop which I use for cutting so I suppose I am spoiled. Watch the speeds of any blades you use. Using a blade in a tool rated for a higher speed is a lethal combination, as the centrifugal force could cause the blade to disintegrate under load. Whatever you do, be careful.
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Re: Metal cutting chop saw blade questions

#6

Post by rcmatt007 »

make sure there is no plastic bits as you will throw off a LOT of sparks.... having used a chop saw to cut metal (with abrasive blade) when I was younger and dumber
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Re: Metal cutting chop saw blade questions

#7

Post by Track T 2411 »

Thanks for the replies. Having done a bit more research, I realize I need to do more research, lol! I didn't realize there was such a difference in RPM between a wood cutting miter saw and a metal cutting chop saw. On a side note, there are some really crazy home made tools out there!
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
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Re: Metal cutting chop saw blade questions

#8

Post by Whiskerfish »

Track T 2411 wrote:SNIP Having done a bit more research, I realize I need to do more research, lol! SNIP

Awesome Statement lolol lolol action1 action1 action1 action1 action1 action1


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and a whole garage full of possibilities!!

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Re: Metal cutting chop saw blade questions

#9

Post by shopguy »

I absolutely love my cold cut "Evolution" brand. much more accurate cuts IMHO. Abrasive disk flex causing crooked cuts many times. Best options: thick stock, horizontal bandsaw. thinner stock and shapes and tubing, cold cut saw.
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