Have you tried the HF metal cutting Circ Saw?

[Corm]

I saw a friend of mine yesterday. He mentioned he was going to PA over Thanksgiving to see his DAD, and added he would be stopping at the HF store nearby! He asked if I wanted anything, and I quickly told him Yes! So, next weekend I'll have one of these metal cutting skill saws. I have a project that will require me to cut out some pieces of 3/16" steel, so it will be a good test of the new saw.

Corm

 

[Brad_Blazer]

Nice, I've actually got a 20% off coupon that I've been looking to spend.
This saw looks exactly identical to the one that Northern Tools sells (I'm sure it is just re-branded) FREE SHIPPING Northern Industrial 7 1/4in. Metal Cutting Saw | Circular Saws | Northern Tool + Equipment
Seems to have good reviews there too, may have to pick one up this week. Got a steel project in mind that this will work good for.

The last time I checked out the Northern version, it had a non-standard 20mm arbor. The HF version has a 5/8" arbor and their blades at $17.99 are 1/2 the price of Northern's. TSC sells one too that is just like the HF saw except color and price.

 

[Skyco]

There has been a 20% Off coupon in the American Rifleman magazine for the past four months. One more reason to join the NRA.

Also in America's First Freedom if you prefer a defensive gun magazine as an NRA member

The other nice thing about the magazine coupons, besides being 5% more off than the emailed ones, is you have a month or more to use them instead of having to get there in the next 3 or 4 days.

 

[dcyrilc]

There are a number of manufacturers for these types of saws now and I'm surprised they don't seem to be more popular. I haven't used the HF saw but I bought a blade for Milwaukee's version of metal cutting saw and use it w/my regular circular saw and it works awesome.

I have a skill worm drive - where can I get one to fit that saw?

 

[Mgrove]

This weeks TV guide has a 20% coupon. 11/23/09

 

[eastexan]

What do you guys that recently bought these saws, think of them now?
What are your likes and dislikes?

Is it intended to be used on mild steel only?
I would think stainless steel, high-carbon steel, cast iron, or brass would be too hard to cut with that type of saw. But how about copper or aluminum?

Thanks,
Ronnie

 

[Kernopelli]

I have a skill worm drive - where can I get one to fit that saw?

If harbor Freight has them for $17.99 that's a bargain. It's hard to image they are as good as Milwaukee, Porter Cable, Dewalt etc but for 18 bucks they're sure worth a try. I know the Milwaukee's are designed to be used on worm drive/left hand drive saws but can be used on any standard circular saw..just have to be sure to turn it around when putting it on a right hand drive. I purchased mine off eBay. I know our local True Value Hardware store carried DeWalt and Milwaukee brands. Try this link, you want to stick with the ferrous metal blades. Ferrous metal cutting blade - Shop sales, stores & prices at TheFind.com

 

[dex3361]

I will let the ability of the saw speak in this pic. the first post has a pic and this is a close up of it. The horizontal plate is 1/4" and the saw handled it without a grunt. The red vertical plate is 3/4" thick except at the bottom where it cut through a weld. This was the limit of the saw. The blade still is cutting well and I will continue use it instead of my chop saw. I cant speak for how it would do in aluminum or brass though.

 

[eastexan]

Very impressive, looks good.

 

[dex3361]

Keep in mind though that 3/4" is thicker than the stated cutting capacity of the saw. I believe it is rated for .275". I sometimes will push thing a little.