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Re: Metal Cutting Tools

Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2013 3:28 pm
by carnuck
I have a Sears bandsaw

Re: Metal Cutting Tools

Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 7:38 pm
by blue beast j10
I have a hack saw (and a really sore arm)

Re: Metal Cutting Tools

Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2020 3:12 pm
by Theduke
As a welder who did industrial construction.
from cheap to expensive:
4"+ grinder with lots of cutting disks.
Chop saw. Only used at home replaced with next item.
Porta-band. Most used. Milwaukee deep cut.
Plasma cutter.

If I could only buy 1 it would be the porta-band.

Re: Metal Cutting Tools

Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2020 11:26 am
by threepiece
Lots of ways to cut. Like most processes each has pros and cons.

Abrasive cutting is a messy and dangerous process. I have a chop saw fitted with an abrasive cutting disk but it is for outdoor use only. I certainly don’t want the resulting dust in my shop or lungs. These machines come in sizes that are very portable and affordable. However the disks are consumable and cost per cut is relatively high. Depending on how often it is used this could be an issue. Moreover the performance changes as the cutting disk wears down. The capacity of depth and length of cut is reduced as the cutting wheel gets smaller. Also, toe clamping work pieces is usually limited and too dangerous or not possible unless modifications are made.

Most all shops that cut metal regularly use band saws. Although they are relatively expensive and lack portability, band saws have none of the cons that I describe above. Objects of various shapes can be easily secured on many saws with C clamps and/or toe clamps. The reputation band saws have of quickly wearing blades is caused by operator misuse and is undeserving. I run two horizontal band saws in my shop almost daily and I almost never use coolant. My blades suffer from metal fatigue from cycling around before the teeth become dull. This takes between two and three years. I can do this because my saws have an adjusting valve that controls the down force and I have learned through the years how to use it effectively. I would not buy a horizontal band saw without one.

Re: Metal Cutting Tools

Posted: Mon Oct 19, 2020 4:03 am
by rocklaurence
I agree with the others. A chop saw, 4.5" grinder, Sawzal with Milwaukee Wrecker blades [cheap blades-suck], 1/2" drill.