Cutting metal with a compound miter saw
 

I have a project which will require cutting metal bar stock, either
steel or aluminum (haven't decided yet), approximate cross section 4
1/2" x 1/4". Chop saws are available for this, like this Milwaukee
example at Harbor Freight:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=39755

Blade is a 14" abrasive cutoff wheel.

Also available are compound miter saws, generally used for wood, usually
with blades up to 12" in diameter. Since I own neither type of saw at
the moment, and since the compound miter saw would have greater utility
for me, I am wondering if there is any reason I couldn't just use a 12"
abrasive cutoff wheel in a compound miter saw to cut metal. I see the
above cutoff saw has a max rpm of 3900. As an example, this compound
miter saw is rated at 4100 rpm
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=91852,
so speed shouldn't be an issue. There are 12" cutoff disks for metal
rated at 6300 RPM max http://www.doityourself.com/invt/6805881. So it
seems like there's no problem with doing this, unless I'm missing
something (wouldn't be the 1st time... ;-)

Dan

Cutting metal with a compound miter saw
 

When cutting metal there is a great tendency to stall the blade. I wonder if
the hp of a miter box would have the guts to get the job done. Nevertheless
you'd need to disassemble the unit and clean out all the grit when you're
done.

"Dan" wrote in message
. ..
I have a project which will require cutting metal bar stock, either steel
or aluminum (haven't decided yet), approximate cross section 4 1/2" x 1/4".
Chop saws are available for this, like this Milwaukee example at Harbor
Freight:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=39755

Blade is a 14" abrasive cutoff wheel.

Also available are compound miter saws, generally used for wood, usually
with blades up to 12" in diameter. Since I own neither type of saw at the
moment, and since the compound miter saw would have greater utility for
me, I am wondering if there is any reason I couldn't just use a 12"
abrasive cutoff wheel in a compound miter saw to cut metal. I see the
above cutoff saw has a max rpm of 3900. As an example, this compound miter
saw is rated at 4100 rpm
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=91852, so
speed shouldn't be an issue. There are 12" cutoff disks for metal rated
at 6300 RPM max http://www.doityourself.com/invt/6805881. So it seems
like there's no problem with doing this, unless I'm missing something
(wouldn't be the 1st time... ;-)

Dan

Cutting metal with a compound miter saw
 

Dan wrote:
I have a project which will require cutting metal bar stock, either
steel or aluminum (haven't decided yet), approximate cross section 4
1/2" x 1/4".

How many cuts do you anticipate making?

Chop saws are available for this, like this Milwaukee
example at Harbor Freight:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=39755

Blade is a 14" abrasive cutoff wheel.

That would do the trick. Abrasive wheels leave the ends with big
melted burrs on them that you'll need to clean up.

Also available are compound miter saws, generally used for wood, usually
with blades up to 12" in diameter. Since I own neither type of saw at
the moment, and since the compound miter saw would have greater utility
for me, I am wondering if there is any reason I couldn't just use a 12"
abrasive cutoff wheel in a compound miter saw to cut metal. I see the
above cutoff saw has a max rpm of 3900. As an example, this compound
miter saw is rated at 4100 rpm
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=91852,
so speed shouldn't be an issue. There are 12" cutoff disks for metal
rated at 6300 RPM max http://www.doityourself.com/invt/6805881. So it
seems like there's no problem with doing this, unless I'm missing
something (wouldn't be the 1st time...)

A sliding compound miter saw (SCMS) will cut the metal with an abrasive
blade just like the Milwaukee cut-off saw. It won't have the built in
clamping mechanism like most dedicated abrasive cut-off saws. The scms
you have shown is near the bottom in terms of quality, and certainly
price. I wouldn't recommend it.

There are a number of different ways you could cut the steel. Oh - by
the way - if you go with aluminum that's a totally different story than
steel. I would recommend you NOT go with an abrasive blade for cutting
that. Use a carbide blade. Back to the steel. Abrasive blades are
lound, shoot fire, relatively slow and leave a horrible edge. An
alternative would be a dry cutting metal saw. This would leave a very
clean edge with only minimal clean-up needed. I'm not positive but I
think these saws run at a lower rpm than abrasive cut-off saws. In any
event, they'll run you about $400 with blade. You could also use a
portable bandsaw. Or you could take it to a steel
fabricator/welder/body shop/mechanic? and see how much he'll charge to
lop them up for you. I'm rambling, but there are alternatives.

If you only have say 15 or less cuts, what I'd do is get a decent 10"
"regular" compound miter saw (CMS). This won't have the slider, but a
Dewalt, Makita or Hitachi will only set you back around $175 and you'll
have yourself a really useful tool. If you end up cutting aluminum,
just use the stock blade that comes with the saw (or buy a cheapy). If
you end up going with steel get a few abrasive blades for it - they
should run you less than $10 a piece for sure. If the finished ends
will be exposed though, you're going to have to do some filing and/or
sanding to make them look good.

JP

Cutting metal with a compound miter saw
 

"Dan" wrote in message
. ..
I have a project which will require cutting metal bar stock, either steel
or aluminum (haven't decided yet), approximate cross section 4 1/2" x 1/4".
Chop saws are available for this, like this Milwaukee example at Harbor
Freight:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=39755

Blade is a 14" abrasive cutoff wheel.

Also available are compound miter saws, generally used for wood, usually
with blades up to 12" in diameter. Since I own neither type of saw at the
moment, and since the compound miter saw would have greater utility for
me, I am wondering if there is any reason I couldn't just use a 12"
abrasive cutoff wheel in a compound miter saw to cut metal. I see the
above cutoff saw has a max rpm of 3900. As an example, this compound miter
saw is rated at 4100 rpm
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=91852, so
speed shouldn't be an issue. There are 12" cutoff disks for metal rated
at 6300 RPM max http://www.doityourself.com/invt/6805881. So it seems
like there's no problem with doing this, unless I'm missing something
(wouldn't be the 1st time... ;-)

Dan

They make a carbide blade for metal I have the Makita 12" if you want
neat cuts there great. I use it in my 12" dewalt chop saw. I don't use it
that often but if I did I would get a dedicated saw. If you are cutting
stuff to weld and not looking for a perfectly neat cut the Harbor freight
type saw would be a lot cheaper. The carbide blades come in deferent sizes.
http://www.toolbarn.com/product/makita/A-91039/

Cutting metal with a compound miter saw
 

"Jay Pique" wrote in message
ps.com...

Dan wrote:
I have a project which will require cutting metal bar stock, either
steel or aluminum (haven't decided yet), approximate cross section 4
1/2" x 1/4".

How many cuts do you anticipate making?

Chop saws are available for this, like this Milwaukee
example at Harbor Freight:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=39755

Blade is a 14" abrasive cutoff wheel.

That would do the trick. Abrasive wheels leave the ends with big
melted burrs on them that you'll need to clean up.

Also available are compound miter saws, generally used for wood, usually
with blades up to 12" in diameter. Since I own neither type of saw at
the moment, and since the compound miter saw would have greater utility
for me, I am wondering if there is any reason I couldn't just use a 12"
abrasive cutoff wheel in a compound miter saw to cut metal. I see the
above cutoff saw has a max rpm of 3900. As an example, this compound
miter saw is rated at 4100 rpm
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=91852,
so speed shouldn't be an issue. There are 12" cutoff disks for metal
rated at 6300 RPM max http://www.doityourself.com/invt/6805881. So it
seems like there's no problem with doing this, unless I'm missing
something (wouldn't be the 1st time...)

A sliding compound miter saw (SCMS) will cut the metal with an abrasive
blade just like the Milwaukee cut-off saw. It won't have the built in
clamping mechanism like most dedicated abrasive cut-off saws. The scms
you have shown is near the bottom in terms of quality, and certainly
price. I wouldn't recommend it.

There are a number of different ways you could cut the steel. Oh - by
the way - if you go with aluminum that's a totally different story than
steel. I would recommend you NOT go with an abrasive blade for cutting
that. Use a carbide blade. Back to the steel. Abrasive blades are
lound, shoot fire, relatively slow and leave a horrible edge. An
alternative would be a dry cutting metal saw. This would leave a very
clean edge with only minimal clean-up needed. I'm not positive but I
think these saws run at a lower rpm than abrasive cut-off saws. In any
event, they'll run you about $400 with blade. You could also use a
portable bandsaw. Or you could take it to a steel
fabricator/welder/body shop/mechanic? and see how much he'll charge to
lop them up for you. I'm rambling, but there are alternatives.

If you only have say 15 or less cuts, what I'd do is get a decent 10"
"regular" compound miter saw (CMS). This won't have the slider, but a
Dewalt, Makita or Hitachi will only set you back around $175 and you'll
have yourself a really useful tool. If you end up cutting aluminum,
just use the stock blade that comes with the saw (or buy a cheapy). If
you end up going with steel get a few abrasive blades for it - they
should run you less than $10 a piece for sure. If the finished ends
will be exposed though, you're going to have to do some filing and/or
sanding to make them look good.

JP

the portable bandsaw is one of the greatest inventions known to man.If you
don't anticipate using it often get the cheap one at harbor freight.You can
cut anything from wood to stainless steel with it.
I would say get the cheap port-a-band and save the miter saws life.

Cutting metal with a compound miter saw
 

CraigT wrote:
When cutting metal there is a great tendency to stall the blade. I wonder if
the hp of a miter box would have the guts to get the job done. Nevertheless
you'd need to disassemble the unit and clean out all the grit when you're
done.


Thanks for the reply. The miter saw is rated 2.4 hp, seems like this
would be sufficient. There are probably more powerful examples, but
probably not for the HF model's $180 price. Good point about the grit.

Dan

Cutting metal with a compound miter saw
 

Jay Pique wrote:
Dan wrote:
I have a project which will require cutting metal bar stock, either
steel or aluminum (haven't decided yet), approximate cross section 4
1/2" x 1/4".

How many cuts do you anticipate making?

Chop saws are available for this, like this Milwaukee
example at Harbor Freight:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=39755

Blade is a 14" abrasive cutoff wheel.

That would do the trick. Abrasive wheels leave the ends with big
melted burrs on them that you'll need to clean up.

Also available are compound miter saws, generally used for wood, usually
with blades up to 12" in diameter. Since I own neither type of saw at
the moment, and since the compound miter saw would have greater utility
for me, I am wondering if there is any reason I couldn't just use a 12"
abrasive cutoff wheel in a compound miter saw to cut metal. I see the
above cutoff saw has a max rpm of 3900. As an example, this compound
miter saw is rated at 4100 rpm
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=91852,
so speed shouldn't be an issue. There are 12" cutoff disks for metal
rated at 6300 RPM max http://www.doityourself.com/invt/6805881. So it
seems like there's no problem with doing this, unless I'm missing
something (wouldn't be the 1st time...)

A sliding compound miter saw (SCMS) will cut the metal with an abrasive
blade just like the Milwaukee cut-off saw. It won't have the built in
clamping mechanism like most dedicated abrasive cut-off saws. The scms
you have shown is near the bottom in terms of quality, and certainly
price. I wouldn't recommend it.

There are a number of different ways you could cut the steel. Oh - by
the way - if you go with aluminum that's a totally different story than
steel. I would recommend you NOT go with an abrasive blade for cutting
that. Use a carbide blade. Back to the steel. Abrasive blades are
lound, shoot fire, relatively slow and leave a horrible edge. An
alternative would be a dry cutting metal saw. This would leave a very
clean edge with only minimal clean-up needed. I'm not positive but I
think these saws run at a lower rpm than abrasive cut-off saws. In any
event, they'll run you about $400 with blade. You could also use a
portable bandsaw. Or you could take it to a steel
fabricator/welder/body shop/mechanic? and see how much he'll charge to
lop them up for you. I'm rambling, but there are alternatives.

If you only have say 15 or less cuts, what I'd do is get a decent 10"
"regular" compound miter saw (CMS). This won't have the slider, but a
Dewalt, Makita or Hitachi will only set you back around $175 and you'll
have yourself a really useful tool. If you end up cutting aluminum,
just use the stock blade that comes with the saw (or buy a cheapy). If
you end up going with steel get a few abrasive blades for it - they
should run you less than $10 a piece for sure. If the finished ends
will be exposed though, you're going to have to do some filing and/or
sanding to make them look good.

JP

Jay-Thanks for the info. Probably wouldn't be doing much of this,
which is why I was thinking the miter saw might be of greater overall
usefulness in the long run. The HF saw is one example, I agree it's
probably not the best, though for 180 bucks I'll at least take a look at
it. I thought about the absence of a vice, I have a ton of clamps, also
a drill press vice, could likely rig up something.

Dan

Cutting metal with a compound miter saw
 

Sacramento Dave wrote:


They make a carbide blade for metal I have the Makita 12" if you want
neat cuts there great. I use it in my 12" dewalt chop saw. I don't use it
that often but if I did I would get a dedicated saw. If you are cutting
stuff to weld and not looking for a perfectly neat cut the Harbor freight
type saw would be a lot cheaper. The carbide blades come in deferent sizes.
http://www.toolbarn.com/product/makita/A-91039/



Thanks, looks like a great blade, but for my limited needs $265 would be
a bit too steep. These look similar for a bit less, there may be
others as well
http://www.toolstoday.com/displaytoo...g+ Saw+Blades
http://www.justsawblades.com/systimatic/hsr_gold.htm


Dan

Cutting metal with a compound miter saw
 

JP

the portable bandsaw is one of the greatest inventions known to man.If you
don't anticipate using it often get the cheap one at harbor freight.You can
cut anything from wood to stainless steel with it.
I would say get the cheap port-a-band and save the miter saws life.



Thanks for the reply. Do you mean this one
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=47840
I've never used one of these, sure looks worth investigating though.
Might be just what I need.

Dan