Metal cutting chop saw blade questions
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- Track T 2411
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Metal cutting chop saw blade questions
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?
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
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"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.
- Lucien Harpress
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Re: Metal cutting chop saw blade questions
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.
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.
1997 Valkyrie- Light Cutomization, but Too Busy Riding
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1972 CB750- Broke the Chain And Ate the Motor
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All advice I give is only valid until an expert corrects me.
1980 KZ1300- Bike's Haunted
1976 GL1000 (Yellow)- It Runs (Poorly) and Doesn't Leak (Mostly)
1974 Velosolex 3800- Better Than Walking
1972 CB750- Broke the Chain And Ate the Motor
1969 CT90- The Most Fun You Can Have on 90ccs.
1965 CA77 Dream- Needs a Full Teardown, but Complete
All advice I give is only valid until an expert corrects me.
- Whiskerfish
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Re: Metal cutting chop saw blade questions
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.
"Agreement is not a requirement for Respect" CDR Michael Smith USN (Ret) 2017
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
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and a whole garage full of possibilities!!
Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
1975/6/7/8/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
and a whole garage full of possibilities!!
Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
- robin1731
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Re: Metal cutting chop saw blade questions
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.
.
But I would check the saw speed as compared to the recommended blade speed also.
.
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
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1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
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1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
- Liam
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Re: Metal cutting chop saw blade questions
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.
- rcmatt007
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Re: Metal cutting chop saw blade questions
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
-Rodger-
all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
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all it takes for evil to prosper is the want of a few good men to do nothing-Edmund Burke
The question is not how much time do you have, it is what you do with the time that you have Gandalf
"One of the greatest dignities of humankind is that each successive generation is invested in the welfare of each new generation." Fred Rodgers
"it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert" ancient saying
78 constantly modified/customized since 1978, BOTM June 2015 de-evolving this very moment viewtopic.php?f=30&t=65511
76 Ltd "cookies bike" ALMOST DONE
79 project, finished, FOR SALE
'86 1200 (Beth's)(FOR SALE) with motorvation sidecar (sidecar sold) , July 2017 BOTM
'17 HD Road king and 08 HD Heritage softail (Beth's) (FOR SALE). I guess you can say we have MBS
- Track T 2411
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Re: Metal cutting chop saw blade questions
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.
"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.
- Whiskerfish
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Re: Metal cutting chop saw blade questions
Track T 2411 wrote:SNIP Having done a bit more research, I realize I need to do more research, lol! SNIP
Awesome Statement
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"Agreement is not a requirement for Respect" CDR Michael Smith USN (Ret) 2017
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
1975/6/7/8/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
and a whole garage full of possibilities!!
Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
1975/6/7/8/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
and a whole garage full of possibilities!!
Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
-
- Zinc Member
- Posts: 51
- Joined: Mon Jun 29, 2020 9:31 pm
Re: Metal cutting chop saw blade questions
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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