JustGary
Silver Member
To answer the question at hand, I make my parting blades out of broken hacksaw blades. I grind the teeth off of the edge and then grind whatever shape I want on the cutting face, including tapering the sides if needed. I always have new stock when one breaks.
But, I have concerns over your plan to cut through 3/16" metal with one tooth. You'd be far better off using a rotary cutter. I know of an electronics shop that cuts all of their panels on an engraving table. Even with a carbide rotary engraving bit, it is pretty s-l-o-w because of the multiple passes (and they cut only plastic and aluminum panels).
I've found that a Sawzall is about the best you can get for a wide variety of cutting needs, so perhaps you can find a used one at the flea market.
Good luck!
- Just Gary
But, I have concerns over your plan to cut through 3/16" metal with one tooth. You'd be far better off using a rotary cutter. I know of an electronics shop that cuts all of their panels on an engraving table. Even with a carbide rotary engraving bit, it is pretty s-l-o-w because of the multiple passes (and they cut only plastic and aluminum panels).
I've found that a Sawzall is about the best you can get for a wide variety of cutting needs, so perhaps you can find a used one at the flea market.
Good luck!
- Just Gary
