Chop saws

[Cotmullion]

I'm looking into buying a chop/cut-off saw, for cutting metal. I'm planning to build a mini chopper, but I want to buy a chop saw first as this will cut dead straight and make welding joints easier (No gaps). Anyone know how much it is for a mid range one? Any for about 40 pounds?

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

im not sure how that translates to US$ but maybe you could find a used n abused one for that.

 

[Jerryburger]

If I remember right, a pound is about $2.50 or so in American $.
Cotmullion... do they have any stores where you live, along the lines of Harbor Freight, like we have in the US? A decent (not perfect) chop-saw goes for about $75 here, so I would think you could find a decent one for 40 pounds there.
Are you in the UK?

 

[Cotmullion]

No, we don't have Harbour Freight. Do these chop saws cut metal?

 

[sayre315]

yep, AKA the "Cut Off Saw"

 

[kibble]

Yes, I'm in the UK, and no, we don't have Harbour Freight. Do these chop saws cut metal?

A lot of the times, the blades are interchangeable so you can cut wood or metal, this is what I do with mine.

 

[rocko]

If I were you, I would just buy a metal cutting bandsaw at harbour freight, because they are cheap and the blades do not run out fast like the chop saws.

 

[fluxcored]

this will cut dead straight and make welding joints easier (No gaps

This will be determined mostly by the base, the vise clamp and the accuracy of the scale on the saw. You may well be disappointed by your run of the mill chop saws. A cast instead of a stamped base is better.

I'm also looking for a chopsaw as my cold saw performs better on thicker material + blades are darn expensive.

However, I'm considering building a small power hacksaw from plans on vintage.com - not that I need any new projects - which may well be a better option than a chopsaw for me - afraid chopsaw sparks may be a fire hazard in my garage.

Ironically, I've found with an angle grinder and a thin cutting disc, you can make surprisingly accurate cuts.

 

[user53]

I just use an angle grinder and cutting disc, and that suits me well enough. I'd plan to spend in the neighborhood of $150-$200 for a decent one. Trust me, if you go for the cheapest one, you will end up regretting it, because it will cut poorly, and probably end up with the motor breaking/wearing down, especially if you use it a fair amount.

 

[ed1380]

exactly.
buy nice or buy twice

 

[user53]

Haha, I've learned that too many times in my days.

On the plus side, I really like harbor freight, because they have cheap, disposable tools for when you need them for a project. Plus, if you need a set of tools for the weekend, they have handy multi-packs!

If you haven't guessed it, IMO most things at harbor freight are junk, and you will just end up regretting paying for them later.

 

[jr dragster T]

Never use a normal wood chopsaw with a metel cutting blade. Normal wood saws do not have sealed bearings and the dust will kill the bearings in short order.

 

[battlebotrock]

buy nice or buy twice

that is so true and I have learned the hard way. My dad bought a chop saw at home depot for about three hundred dollars and it has last us over nine years and you change the blade from chop saw blade to a grinder blade. I like it so much but changing the blades from one to an other is a tidbit hard.

 

[fluxcored]

Never use a normal wood chopsaw with a metel cutting blade. Normal wood saws do not have sealed bearings and the dust will kill the bearings in short order.

AFAIK, a metal cutting blade in a wood saw is a definite no. The RPM's are too high.

I'm on the prowl now for a small bandsaw.

 

[rhytonen]

AFAIK, a metal cutting blade in a wood saw is a definite no. The RPM's are too high.

I'm on the prowl now for a small bandsaw.

Dunno... I've been doing it for years, with a Craftsman (wood) chopsaw I got cheap, used, at an auction house. A 10" metal cutoff (grinder) blade works fine in it.


Do I wish it cut more precisely 90º (or whatever set angle) ? Sure.

Am I working on building (machining or buying) a much better, more precise steel billet (not cast popcorn) base with a parallel-backed accurate fence you can clamp to; on which to screw the arm and motor?

You bet


Would I like a bandsaw?
Sure, but they're VERY expensive, and seem kind of dangerous.
Also blade changing (which I would do constantly) seems way too hard, and I could never afford the adjustable speeds I would need to change from wood to metal and back.

 

[rhytonen]

Never use a normal wood chopsaw with a metel cutting blade. Normal wood saws do not have sealed bearings and the dust will kill the bearings in short order.

My mileage (knock knock) has varied from yours

(Of course I rig up a hillbilly arrangement to use the vacuum attachment, and clean up often...)


It's all about what one can afford.

 

[jetlag]

I have a chop saw but never use it.


Horizontal band saw is the best!

 

[oscaryu1]

I just use an angle grinder and cutting disc, and that suits me well enough. I'd plan to spend in the neighborhood of $150-$200 for a decent one. Trust me, if you go for the cheapest one, you will end up regretting it, because it will cut poorly, and probably end up with the motor breaking/wearing down, especially if you use it a fair amount.

I bought a chop saw for $70 online, including shipping. Didn't say brand, ect...

When I got it... it was a HEAVILY USED...

(wait for it)

Chicago Electric AKA Harbor Freight brand

Used as in you press the whole setup down, the spring (half the time) won't wind that part back up again... phailuar.

Anywho, it still works brilliantly, just loud