what I learned this weekend...

[IBCRUSN]

abrasive chop saws suck for anything other than 90* cuts and exhaust systems. I was trying to cut simple miters 5* and 45* specifically and what I got were compound miters, 5* on one angle and 4* on the vertical. Mind you I didn't buy the $200 Dewalt but that makes no difference it was the dam disk itself that flexed. I guess I should have put the $$ towards a dry cut chop saw or band saw. Live an learn. Rant off, now to the questions... Are these crap or is it just an issue with thicker material (I was cutting 2"x.25" wall box)? At any rate, you guys that cut lots O metal what do you recommend the dry cut or band saw or ??? I've read the thread on the cheapy HF band saw as well but for good clean cuts with accurate angles what's best?

 

[trainrech]

Welded connections? If so, just fill the gaps up.

 

[bsevans]

A dry cold chop saw has a very rigid blade running at about 1300 rpm. You need to make sure the material is securely clamped. A good band saw will give you good results also. I think the dry cold chop saw is faster at both setup and rate of cut. The band saw is going to be quieter.

 

[IBCRUSN]

Welded connections? If so, just fill the gaps up.

Yep. I'd fill them up but I can't weld to save my arse. well let's put it this way I haven't tried to weld since A&P school and that was gas welding not the fancy MIG and TIG. Maybe once we buy a house and have a decent 220v source that will change. bsevans, I'm not too worried about noise I have lots of ear plugs. I'll have to look a little closer at the prices for each.

 

[trainrech]

Kris - there's a reason it is called a chop saw. You won't get the precision you are looking for with one of them. Best thing to do is get 'em cut as close as you can with the saw and hand finish them if you need that kind of tolerance. I'm just used to welding up the gaps.

 

[Mace]

so what are you doing with these pieces that need to be cut??

I assume you are not going to weld them together?

 

[IBCRUSN]

Mace,
Yes, they are going to be welded together. I guess I'm so used to metal work that requires more precision that it has carried over to LC work. As I mentioned I don't weld (yet) so I haven't dealt with filling gaps.

Chris,
You'll likely be the man as far as the welding goes, so cross that bridge this weekend.

 

[Mace]

It is not rocket science, the gaps are not a horrible thing..

 

[Degnol]

I have had the same problem with my hot saw. After a little experimenting I found that if I don't get in a hurry and press too hard, the blade will flex less and make much more accurate cuts. Mine is an inherited Makita, about one step above Chinamaneese, if that. Just go slow so the blade is not tempted to walk.

GL

Ed


IBCRUSN, when are you going up to Poser's?

 

[IBCRUSN]

Well the cheapy chop saw I had died and I ended up buying the Rigid that 2badfjs did a write up on. It definitely has more power and that makes a huge difference.

Either way I stopped using the Dewalt disks and picked up another brand that runs true and doesn't flex nearly as much.


Not exactly sure when I'll be heading north. I was hoping for next weekend but I have a meeting with the FAA on Friday. I'm hoping it'll be the following weekend.

 

[spressomon]

FWIW: I have both: Chop saw (spendy Hitachi used mostly for wood projects) and a Delta small 4"x6" horisontal/vertical metal bandsaw (the new model is 5"x6"). 99% of the time I use the bandsaw...works great: Plus it's relatively quiet and a whole bunch easier to clean up after cutting .

 

[chicago]

Ive got one of the cheap Harbor Freight chop saws...It SUCKS!
It takes a REALLY LONG TIME to cut. The only time I use it is for thinner material or when I HAVE to make a 45* cut.
I just take my time and go slow to keep it as true as possible.
www.northerntool.com has band saws at a pretty decnt price. 325.00 was one of the cheapest.
I love that frickin place!

Good luck!

Chicago