Abrasive cutoff saw types

[bp71k5]

I bought a dewaly chop/cut-off saw today to try and cut some 1/4" plate a little cleaner than I was doing with my sawzall. The trouble is that I get about halfway through the 1/4" x 5" cold rolled plate and the blade won't go more than about 1/8" deep and then just sits there over-heating the material. I tried it with some 3/16" hot rolled bar that was only 1" wide and it works fine. The blade that came with it says it's a general purpose metal blade. Can anyone recommend a different blade that would work better? I haven't researched these much yet but I've never had a cutoff blade that didn't cut.


-Brian

 

[tRustyK5]

Problem is you get carborundum dust build-up in the cut, plus the length of the kerf is too long. For bar stock like that you're better off to slip a 1/2" or 3/4" chunk of something under one end of the plate before clamping it. Ideally the length of the kerf (the area being cut) is never too long.

As an comparative experiment grab a piece of 2" x 1/4" flat bar. Lay it flat and cut it making a note of time to complete the cut and downward pressure needed. Now stand the same piece vertical and make the same cut. Obviously 5" bar isn't gonna be able to be cut in the vertical position unless you have a 20" blade, but you can angle it in the jaws to make it easier.

 

[4X4HIGH]

A chop saw does not like to cut wide material that is clamped horizontally but that same piece clamped vertically will cut no problem like Rene said.

 

[bp71k5]

That makes sense. I'll try it.


-Brian

 

[GRINCH]

I have also noticed a huge difference in the brand of blade i use. I spend the extra to buy Dewalt blades and notice they last longer and cut faster.

 

[Deuling]

A chop saw does not like to cut wide material that is clamped horizontally but that same piece clamped vertically will cut no problem like Rene said.

Yup I noticed that cutting angle for my press. Clamp it in and the vertical cuts like butter, then the horizontal section takes longer.

 

[CGT80]

x2 they beat the norton blades by far.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Yup I noticed that cutting angle for my press. Clamp it in and the vertical cuts like butter, then the horizontal section takes longer.

That's why when you need to cut angle you clamp it like this ( ^ ) and it cuts like butter.