metal cutting question

[redhorse0]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Soundguy]

yep.. pressing too hard makes the non square cut. just let it work it's way thru and keep the rpm up and it will be a decent cut..

 

[eastexan]

no speed to fast blade will burn up.

I read where some have used a router speed control on different brush type motors to slow them down. I've thought about buying one for my drill press for drilling steel since even the lowest speed seems a little fast.

This may be an idea for someone wanting to slow down their chop saw or skil saw. :confused3:
Router Speed Control

 

[Soundguy]

very affordable too!

 

[goldenwings]

Another thing to consider is that this is probably going to melt any plastic blade guard that the saw may have. Don't ask how i know.

 

[redhorse0]

thanks for the input, I have an extra saw and thought it my work, atleast save some money.:thumbsup:

 

[Hollow]

thanks for the input, I have an extra saw and thought it my work, atleast save some money.:thumbsup:

Yes, I've been using one to cut angle, tubing and flat steel for years. It might give out on me tomorrow but so far its worked great.

 

[Mace Canute]

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

Are you talking about installing an abrasive blade in a chop saw for wood or are you talking about installing a metal cutting blade in a chop saw for metal that uses an abrasive blade? Personally I call a metal cutting saw using an abrasive blade a cut off saw but I've heard people refer to them as chop saws also. There are also metal cutting saw blades that look almost identical to wood cutting saw blades so you could also be referring to changing the blade in your wood cutting chop saw to one that is made to cut metal.

Metal cutting saw blades

 

[crazyal]

If you're talking about a wood chop saw just remember that they use plastic parts on them because sawdust will not melt it.

I made a speed control like that HF by using a simple light dimmer from the hardware store that was rated for 15 amps. An old extension cord and a metal electrical box that I had and for a few bucks I had an easy way to control the speed of my Porter Cable DA electric sander.

 

[flusher]

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 need an abrasive blade since the rpm on your chop saw is very high.

I'd use a 4-1/2" angle grinder with a thin metal cutting blade and a piece of 1"W x 1/4" thick bar stock C-clamped to the angle or flat stock as a cutting guide. I haven't used my metal cutting chop saw for years. The angle grinder method is faster and more accurate.

Good luck.

 

[s78wingrider]

I have used an old (can't remember name, but old and very heavy) for that for years with no problem. :thumbsup::confused2: