Cold cut saw

[Rustyiron]

Post a picture of the data plate on the motor and someone here can probably point you to the correct replacement motor or the correct option for a phase converter/vfd.

Aaron Z

This pic is not the best, and the space on the info plat for "frame" is blank. Right now the saw is wrapped up outside in a snowbank.:laughing:

 

[pmsmechanic]

I really don't think you need to change the motor. We run irrigation pivot motors at 480 volts regularly without problems. They are a 440 volt motor.

 

[Sodo]

I'm paying slightly more for cutting with a cold cut but to me the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. The biggest benefit is cold cuts and no abrasive dust or smell.

The thought of that abrasive dust on everything in the shop makes me cringe. For example sticking to the oil on my motorcycle chains. Or on every surface, waiting to fall whenever I assemble a surgically clean transmission or engine.

I run an extension cord far from the shop and use the abrasive saw OUTSIDE, because it makes clouds of dust. But I use the little 4 1/2" cutoffs in the shop often.

For anyone who buys a cold-cut saw. The cuts are so accurate you start using it like a miter box. It's really good. But for that you MUST have a good clamping system. Some of them are terrible; you can set the 90* perfect, but when you tighten the clamp it goes off 90. And the problem amplifies when you set angles, tighten the clamp and it changes a couple degrees at the 45* setting. I have the Milwaukie - it's not too bad, but it doesn't hold the angle perfect upon clamping, it moves! And the Milaulkie has a pretty good cast-steel clamp. Even so; I have to set the angle "slightly off" such that it "trues up 90*" when I tighten the clamp. And then tighten the clamp "the same" tightness every time. This is kind of a PITA. There might be a way to "fix" it, which I will someday.

Anyway, if you choose a cold-cut saw that has a "stamped steel" clamping system you won't enjoy the accurate cuts that the cold-cut saw is capable of. You will get the speed though.

 

[Rustyiron]

I really don't think you need to change the motor. We run irrigation pivot motors at 480 volts regularly without problems. They are a 440 volt motor.

I've been told that slightly over powering a motor (voltage wise) is negligible on the motor, but underpowering one is death. 575v running on 440 is a pretty big spread.

 

[stuckmotor]

So if you guys had to pick between a horizontal band saw or a cold saw which would it be? I've been wanting one but haven't bought yet because I can't decide.

I have had one of the old green Harbor Freight 4x6 metal cutting bandsaws for years and it cuts good enough for my needs. I wish you guys would quit talking about the cold saws. You're liable to make me buy one.
BTW: The Yahoo 4X6 Bandsaw Group is stacked full of tips, tricks, and mods and ways to fix those saws when needed.

 

[gsganzer]

For anyone who buys a cold-cut saw. The cuts are so accurate you start using it like a miter box. It's really good. But for that you MUST have a good clamping system. Some of them are terrible; you can set the 90* perfect, but when you tighten the clamp it goes off 90. And the problem amplifies when you set angles, tighten the clamp and it changes a couple degrees at the 45* setting. I have the Milwaukie - it's not too bad, but it doesn't hold the angle perfect upon clamping, it moves! And the Milaulkie has a pretty good cast-steel clamp. Even so; I have to set the angle "slightly off" such that it "trues up 90*" when I tighten the clamp. And then tighten the clamp "the same" tightness every time. This is kind of a PITA. There might be a way to "fix" it, which I will someday.

Anyway, if you choose a cold-cut saw that has a "stamped steel" clamping system you won't enjoy the accurate cuts that the cold-cut saw is capable of. You will get the speed though.

The Milwaukee was discontinued. Not sure why, everyone said it was a good saw. I looked at the 14" DeWalt and the 12" Makita. I ended up buying the Makita for the clamp issue that you describe. I have a Dewalt abrasive saw that's virtually identical to the Dewalt cold saw and I always felt the clamp was junk. Like you describe, it's fine for clamping at 90 degrees, but it wouldn't hold an angle worth a flip. The Makita has a really nice clamp and the 12" will still cut all the material sizes that I plan to cut.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I got the Makita 12" for the same reasons after doing the same comparisons.

 

[handirifle]

I'll contact them, but I think the 575v is the problem. That's more of a Canadian voltage from what I understand, and not available (used) here in the US. Thanks:thumbsup:

Oh missed the high voltage. Yea that is a tough one.

 

[handirifle]

As for clamping issues, would a hold down clamp added on work?

 

[DaveK OR]

A vise would work better. Harbor Freight has a couple.