fab question...sort of

[IBCRUSN]

This may be a dumb question but I'm looking at getting a compound miter saw for home. Is it possible to run a cutoff wheel in it for the times I'll be cutting tubing and such? It would be nice to use it for both rather than get a separate cutoff saw. If it's a dumb idea let me have it.

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

It will tear up the saw in a hurry, and you have to be very careful that the saw will not exceed the maximum RPM for the cutoff wheel, but it is doable. I used to run an abrasive blade in an old circular saw for making longer cuts(pre sawzall/bandsaw days). It works, and I still have and use the saw, but it will take its toll on the equipment in a hurry.

So basically the answer is, if the saw is safe(i.e. doesn't exceed the blade's max RPM), then yes, it will work, but I wouldn't do it a lot if you want the saw to last.

Ary

 

[IBCRUSN]

Thanks

That's kind of what I was expecting. Since I'm not a carpenter I think I can get away with a slightly less expensive miter saw and put the $$ saved towards a cutoff wheel.

 

[1.25Ton]

Go pawn shopping for an old makita or milwalkee 10" chop saw ($50)- the arbor on the saw will accept an 8" cutoff wheel. Both run at about 5400 rpm.

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

Keep in mind, the cutoff wheel I'm referring to is an abrasive wheel, like those typically found in a 4.5" grinder, but larger. You cannot run a "cold saw" blade in a miter saw. Cold saws have incredible torque output and spin very slowly.

The abrasive wheels are cheap and disposable, you will eat through a few if you do any significant cutting with them. They look just like a chop saw blade, only smaller.

Ary