metal cutting question

redhorse0 · Jan 26, 2012

I was wondering if I changed the blade in my chop saw to a metal cutting blade, would I be able to cut angle iron and flat stock? thanks

sal64 · Jan 26, 2012

redhorse0 said:
I was wondering if I changed the blade in my chop saw to a metal cutting blade, would I be able to cut angle iron and flat stock? thanks

no speed to fast blade will burn up.

gengine · Jan 26, 2012

Along with speed being too fast, the motor isn't shielded against the metal "dust" and can lead to a motor burn out. I wouldn't recommend it.

weldermike · Jan 26, 2012

redhorse0 said:
I was wondering if I changed the blade in my chop saw to a metal cutting blade, would I be able to cut angle iron and flat stock? thanks

You can use a abrasive wheel if your saw is high speed, only downside is it is very dusty, but it will work fine. Also throws sparks real far so take fire precautions. Wear a dust mask as well, that taste is horrible and will ruin dinner for ya!

Scotty Dive · Jan 26, 2012

I had an old Makita chop saw that I did this too...but I didn't care if I killed it....it has so far worked well for me

crash325 · Jan 26, 2012

redhorse0 said:
I was wondering if I changed the blade in my chop saw to a metal cutting blade, would I be able to cut angle iron and flat stock? thanks

Know I will get flamed, but OH Well, not the first time.

If you go slow you can cut mild steel with your carbide tipped blade. Does shorten the life a little. But have done it for years. One contractor I know cuts conduit that way all the time.

In certain cases the rock blades also work, sometimes better than the metal diamond blades.

Go slow, be careful, & have fun. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

troutsqueezer · Jan 26, 2012

Just buy a cheap angle grinder from Harbor Freight along with a 10 pack of metal cutting disks and have at it. The larger, thicker wheels on chop saws have a tougher time going through thick metal.

PILOON · Jan 26, 2012

troutsqueezer said:
Just buy a cheap angle grinder from Harbor Freight along with a 10 pack of metal cutting disks and have at it. The larger, thicker wheels on chop saws have a tougher time going through thick metal.

On this topic I tried a very thin blade on my 12" chopsaw and while it cut fast much faster and did not bog down as the thicker blades often do, I found that it simply would not cut a nice 'square' cut. Seemed to wander.

weldermike · Jan 26, 2012

PILOON said:
On this topic I tried a very thin blade on my 12" chopsaw and while it cut fast much faster and did not bog down as the thicker blades often do, I found that it simply would not cut a nice 'square' cut. Seemed to wander.

Thats why I prefer the thicker blades with a chopsaw, and you still have to go slow or they will drift. Also I let It run a little after I cut thru, just to let the blade walk itself back and square off the cut.