Chop Saw vs. Mitre Saw

[jedens]

I am going to need to cut both construction lumber and rebar. What is the difference between a chop saw for cutting rebar and a mitre saw for compound cuts on construction lumber. Can I put a metal cutting blade on a compound mitre saw and just use that for cutting the rebar??

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Yes, you can use the mitre saw like a chop saw - you just can't use a chop saw like a compound mitre saw. My chop saw will rotate to cut 45 degrees (some won't) to make up to right angle corners, but it can't tilt and cut two angles at once like my compound mitre. But, I don't need the compund action - I use them both like chop saws, one with an abrasive blade for steel, the other with a carbide tipped blade for aluminum. I normally wouldn't have a compound mitre for such work because they cost so much more, but I picked up this one used when a business down the street was closing up, and it was cheaper than a used chop saw.

 

[Inspector507]

My thought is the miter box with a metal cutting blade for the rebar. Depends on how much rebar needs cut. And how often.

 

[Phred]

If you only need ocasional metal cutting, then the miter would likely get the job done. If you need a lot of metal cutting then a chop saw is handy. Also the vise on the chop saws is better for metal stock.

Fred

 

[shado]

I've got both varieties, a 12 inch DeWalt Miter & a Porter Cable Chop saw. It is possible to use the chop blade on the DeWalt, but the blade barely fits up in the Miter Saw, the Guard gets in the way, and the hot metal filings melt some of the plastic components of the Miter Saw. I only did this because of conveinence that the Miter Saw was handy & I would have had to set up another place to use the Chop Saw (including having to go pick it up from another location). I think the Chop Saw also rotates at a higher RPM & there is no brake on the motor. The Miter Saw is also not subjected to 'torque' demands, as the wood usally gets cut a lot quicker (being wood is a lot 'softer' than metal) with the blade not really getting slowed down. So for continuous usage of a Miter Saw cutting metal, I would only do it occasionally out of conveinence.
J.W.

 

[Cdash]

Another thing I have found is that the metal dust from the cutting, does not get along with aluminum very well. It gets into the workings of the table and won't rotate very well. And ditto on the plastic guards melting!

 

[Egon]

The miter saw will work but afterwards it probably isn't the greatest for fine angle work.

Metal cutting takes more power and putts more stress on the saw.
A recipricating saw will work well and not suffer damage like the miter saw will.

Egon

 

[Rch]

MakitaLC1230
This is the cats meou for your needs;

1) 10"carbide blade /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
2) ~1700 rpm /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
3) made for metal with no plastic parts /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
4) The vise pivot is close to the blade so the vise doesn't have to be shifted for 45 degree cuts.( on some, like my Milwaukee abrasive chop saw, the vise pivot is in the middle of the rear fence and angling it for a 45 cut swings the stock away fron the bottom of the blade so you have to use a crummy end wrench to reposition the vise forward or back so the stock is under the blade.) Plus on the Makita LC1230 there is a little lever on the left that loosens and tightens down the vise angling. No tool needed to tighten down, much less moving the vice around /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
5)This is the favorite steel cutter for steel stud framers
6)The cut is much cleaner than an abrasive wheel /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

The downside is the blade is more expensive but with a little attention to using some oil for cutting, it should last through several abrasive blades /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[gerard]

Metal chop saws have sealed bearings, most wood miters don't, so while you CAN cut metal on a wood saw, you will be shortening the life of your wood saw. You could cut wood easily with a metal chop saw but as mentioned the adjustments aren't as quick to use. PS Anyone have a good source for the 14 inch carbide metal cutting blades? Want to buy one - getting tired of the abrasive blades and have heard positive things about the carbide blades.

 

[gmason]

If all your cutting is rebar then make a little investment of a RECIP SAW. Metal cutting blades are good for rebar and it's pretty quick.

But for the really good metal cutting I use dewalt 872

gary