chop saw vs miter saw for cutting frame

[justinm001]

about to start new go kart project and going to be buying some 24' long square tubing and need to cut it to various lengths.

I have a couple Miter saws, a brand new top of the line Dewalt and a cheap junky old miter saw. Which one should i use, or should i buy an actual chop saw? I plan on doing a few 45 degree cuts and there's gotta be some other angles i need to cut during this project. Obviously i need a blade, anything special needed or is any steel blade is fine?

 

[mckutzy]

Cutting steel on a wood saw isnt good for the machine, and thats with a metal cutting blade. Typically you would use a metal abrasive saw to cut the tubes, that works about the best... unless you have a cold cut metal saw.... but thats an expensive saw.....

 

[2SlickNick]

I use my wood mitre chop saw with a cold cut blade. It works but the rpms are still much higher than a metal chop saw.

 

[Jfive]

Check the pawn shops for a Milwaukee or porter cable chop saw. Also ear plugs. Especially if you use a miter saw and metal blade. It's the worst sound on earth. Cold saw blades really need low speed and cutting fluid.

 

[Poboy kartman]

I have an old Makita miter saw that I put an abrasive metal cutting blade on that a I have used for years and years. I've cut hundreds of 1/2" × 1/2" solid steel balastuers. I've cut all kinds of metal on it over the years and made literally thousands of cuts and been through dozens of blades.

Right now...it won't change angles due to metal shavings clogging up the turntable...but a quick disassembly and cleaning will fix that.

I wouldn't use a good saw for this...but since you have an old beater...go for it.

Edit: Oh...and when the blade wears down...I just prop up the metal with a chunk of 2×4...

 

[qtband]

I have an old Makita miter saw that I put an abrasive metal cutting blade on that a I have used for years and years. I've cut hundreds of 1/2" × 1/2" solid steel balastuers. I've cut all kinds of metal on it over the years and made literally thousands of cuts and been through dozens of blades.

Right now...it won't change angles due to metal shavings clogging up the turntable...but a quick disassembly and cleaning will fix that.

I wouldn't use a good saw for this...but since you have an old beater...go for it.

Edit: Oh...and when the blade wears down...I just prop up the metal with a chunk of 2×4...

I do the exact same thing. I mostly cut 90's, so if I want to cut angles, a good cleaning will be necessary.

 

[justinm001]

Thanks guys. I'll just buy a blade for the old miter saw. I have no use for it any don't care if it breaks. if it becomes an issue i'll buy a nice expensive one.