Metal cutting saw

J_J · Sep 17, 2009

You can save a lot of money by looking on Craigslist, or Ebay.

captjack · Sep 17, 2009

J J is right on with the DeWalt saw - my friend has one - we make our own trailer hitches and just about any thing else we need - that little saw cuts through 2 inch receiver stock like its butter.

I forget the blades he has, but they are very expensive. His get resharpened. He works for a big welding company.

oldgrizzlybear · Sep 17, 2009

I have a Dewalt chow saw. Looks identical to the one JJ has but it came with, I've only used abrasive blades (wheels). Throws a very pretty string of sparks. I"ve had the saw for along time. Its limited in size so won't cut sheets, but will handle most angle, tube, channel,etc that I'll ever care to cut.

I remember seeing and just check that Craftsmans has a saw like the dual saw but for $150.

J_J · Sep 17, 2009

oldgrizzlybear said:
I have a Dewalt chow saw. Looks identical to the one JJ has but it came with, I've only used abrasive blades (wheels). Throws a very pretty string of sparks. I"ve had the saw for along time. Its limited in size so won't cut sheets, but will handle most angle, tube, channel,etc that I'll ever care to cut.

I remember seeing and just check that Craftsmans has a saw like the dual saw but for $150.

I don't know for sure, but I think you have the old Dewalt chop saw that uses abrasive blades to cut metal, and turns at a higher rpm, 3800 rpm.. The new carbide teeth metal chop saws run at a lower rpm. 1800 rpm. You should not interchange blades.

Several manufacture have these. Good for sheet metal, rebar, whatever.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Milwaukee-6320-...in_0?hash=item35a3822b40&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

sal64 · Sep 17, 2009

1800rpm way to fast for cutting steel saw should be variable speed 250 500 rpm also fludded with oil or carbide teeth will were out very quick.

J_J · Sep 17, 2009

sal64 said:
1800rpm way to fast for cutting steel saw should be variable speed 250 500 rpm also fludded with oil or carbide teeth will were out very quick.

With all due respect, I have to disagree with you on this.

These are dry cut saws, and I and many others have been cutting with them for many years. The teeth are ground special to take advantage of the carbide.

http://www.dynamic-saw-blade-sharpening.com/circular-metal-cutting.html

Be sure and watch the videos.

oughtsix · Sep 17, 2009

I think Sal is referring to a cold saw.

Does anyone have a hands on comparison between a cold saw and a dry saw?

I have always been under the impression that a cold saw is better but I don't know why (they seem to cost 10 times as much at least!). I would guess blade life????

J_J · Sep 17, 2009

Cold saw - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

They are the same thing.

jenkinsph · Sep 18, 2009

J_J said:
I have cut a bunch of steel, all shapes and sizes, and it is still sharp. The blade life will depend on what you are cutting. Stainless steel needs a different blade. The teeth angles and rake are different. I lost one tooth by lowering the saw to fast. I have seen 14 in blades as low as $30.

You should be able to cut angle iron all day.

Metal-Cutting Circ Saws

JJ is right on, I have used the DeWalt chop saw with the metal cutting blades to cut pipe for a large indoor sprinkler job and it works great. No problem cutting 4" steel pipe for the main feeder and as JJ says very few sparks too.

Steve

tjack75 · Sep 18, 2009

I use a regular 7 1/4 " skil saw to cut sheet metal (and resonably thin plate. The secret is to flip the blade over so the blade is running backward! use one of your discarded blades, 'cause sharp don't matter here. Be sure to use eye and ear protection! It's LOUD!
Cuts as easily as plywood. Cheap, too! Good luck.