Can I use a miter saw for steel ?

[sd455dan]

Thanks flusher... I think I just found the excuse to use to convince the wife why I need a plasma since I already have a chopsaw with abrasive wheel! :thumbsup:

Good Idea The plasma is a nice addition to a 14" cut off saw.

They both have their place, I really enjoy now having a plasma cutter- but for cutting any kind of tubing, still prefer the saw. But for sheet, complex cuts or really thick metal, the plasma is great.

I convinced my wife that It was (Essential) so i could part out and cut up a car we needed some sheetmetal from- and that she could do ornamental metal art with it, and that the limited time sale could end at any time... It worked for me.
Hope she doesn't read this...

 

[dickfoster]

As long as we're talking high end stuff maybe you should look into a cold saw. Those are great if you have a lot of tubing to cut. I had a friend who had one in his shop, I loved using it to cut tubing and most other stuff. Good clean cuts to exactly the length I needed and even angle cuts are a snap. They ain't cheap but they sure are great to use. I used his shop so much I broke down and bought him a Miller plasma cutter one day. It was the least I could do.

 

[Xfaxman]

As long as we're talking high end stuff maybe you should look into a cold saw. Those are great if you have a lot of tubing to cut. I had a friend who had one in his shop, I loved using it to cut tubing and most other stuff. Good clean cuts to exactly the length I needed and even angle cuts are a snap. They ain't cheap but they sure are great to use. I used his shop so much I broke down and bought him a Miller plasma cutter one day. It was the least I could do.

Not an industrial cold saw, mine is a Alfra metal cutting saw.

And a chop saw.

And the band saw that also cuts in the vertical position.

 

[ddbackhoe]

I have limited space and a limited tool budget . With that said I am needing something better than a skil saw and a speed square for wood and an abrasive wheel on a grinder is getting old for steel. My question is " Can I use a miter saw for wood with an abrasive blade to cut steel ? " It won't be used a lot , just for repair and maintainance . I am open to any advice or suggestions.

Not with an abrasive blade. They do make metal cutting blades that work very well. I've used the lenox ones for up to 1/4" plate. Most of the time, I use my reciprocating saw and lenox lazer blades. Plasma is nice (miller 375), but takes longer to get set up.

LENOX Metal Cutting Circular Saw Blades
RECIPROCATING SAW BLADES | LENOX Tools

 

[dragoneggs]

Not an industrial cold saw, mine is a Alfra metal cutting saw.

View attachment 459272

Hey X, where did you get that Alfra cold saw and how much? Looks to be a nice German made tool but don't see it for sale on line after a quick search.

 

[Trials]

In high school metal shop class we had a power hacksaw:

I was the only one allowed to use it, everybody else kept breaking blades.

 

[dragoneggs]

In high school metal shop class we had a power hacksaw:

I was the only one allowed to use it, everybody else kept breaking blades.

Never seen one of those... doesn't seem nearly as efficient as a horizontal band saw. Rather a big tool with not much capability... just my initial thoughts. Interested to know if there are benefits vs. a band saw?

 

[Big Barn]

In high school metal shop class we had a power hacksaw: I was the only one allowed to use it, everybody else kept breaking blades.

I'd love to have an industrial saw like that! I only have a little import one that I "re and re'd".




Terry

 

[Xfaxman]

Hey X, where did you get that Alfra cold saw and how much? Looks to be a nice German made tool but don't see it for sale on line after a quick search.

Got it several years ago at a welding supply place in Oklahoma City.

Seems like just over $300, with an extra blade.

Amazing how good it cuts and with very little heat.

 

[dragoneggs]

Yeah I saw a couple youtube videos on cold cut saws and I am impressed. I wish I would have been edgemacated, and bought one of those instead of my abrasive wheel chop saw.