JohnFol
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| posted on 8/5/02 at 08:28 AM |
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Cutting metal
I had an idea on how to cut metal accuratly and with little effort.
I aim to buy a chop saw (circular saw mounted like a mitre saw) so I can set the angles correctly and then use a metal cutting disk. What I can't
find is anyone who can supply anything but wood cutting disk. Seems a reasonable thing to do .. . 
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 8/5/02 at 08:51 AM |
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If you're looking for a metal cutting saw blade, then it probably won't work in a wood-cutting mitre saw - it will spin much too fast. If you ever
go to a metal suppliers, have a look at their chop saw; you will see that the blade runs at 60 - 100 rpm (and usually has coolant running over the
cut).
Many builders have used one of those gadgets that holds an angle-grinder in a similar frame. Quick and accurate enough, but I didn't fancy grinding
dust over all my workshop tools (I used a hacksaw). Machine Mart sell these things.
cheers,
David
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JohnFol
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| posted on 8/5/02 at 08:55 AM |
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You cut it with a hack saw  ?
Most impressed.
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UncleFista
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| posted on 8/5/02 at 09:06 AM |
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I cut all the steel for my chassis with a hacksaw, suprisingly easy and accurate as you like (or can be bothered  )
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 8/5/02 at 10:08 AM |
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quote:
You cut it with a hack saw ?
Most impressed.
It's really not too hard, if you do each piece as you need it. You need a few things:
1. A really good hacksaw frame (not a B&Q jobbie). Get it from a real tool shop where real metalworkers buy their tools!
2. Good-quality hacksaw blades (bi-metal are favourite - cut well but not too brittle). Change the blade as soon as it's knackered.
3. Good stance and a relaxed attitude - a comfortable swing and about 1 cutting stroke per second (quite slow). Don't push down too hard, let the
blade do the work. If both you and the metal are getting hot, you're over-doing it!
4. Clear marking out so you can see where you're going.
With practice you can cut near enough to the line so only a touch with the file is needed.
This suited my way of working - I've had a lot of practice - you may prefer the grinder mitre cutter!
David
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ChrisW
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| posted on 8/5/02 at 01:07 PM |
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I built the majority of my frame with a hack saw - the worst bit is cutting the double angles.
However, I have now invested in one of those angle grinder holders though and it's much easier (and just as accurate). £70 from Screwfix including
the grinder! Bargain.
Chris
My gaff my rules
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JohnFol
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| posted on 8/5/02 at 02:48 PM |
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David, you mention professional metal cutters run at about 100rpm. What speed do angle grinders run?
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 8/5/02 at 03:27 PM |
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About 20 - 30,000 rpm!
...but I wasn't talking about them...
I was talking about putting a metal saw blade in a chop saw designed for wood.
Don't think about putting an angle-grinder blade in a chop saw for wood - too slow, and far too dangerous due to lack of protective guards.
Angle grinders don't have much of a guard, but it's enough to make sure that bits of a broken blade fly away from the operator (too bad about the
bloke at the bench next door).
David
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phil
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| posted on 9/5/02 at 08:00 PM |
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QVC sell some things called do-all discs and on their tv demmo's they have one in a power devil mitre saw just like mine. the discs are i think about
£24.99 for 2 plus a benck clamp for a drill.On the demmo's it looks quite impressive but then they are trying to sell them. Have a look on the web
site under diy. May get one myself soon just to try them. hope it helps>>>> phil 
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XenoDraken
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| posted on 5/6/02 at 06:57 PM |
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Hehehe I have done it. I took a very small miter saw for wood and fitted a steel blade. it works fine, and when I got into something that needed to be
removed from the frame it deached from the base with ease. I built a very straight 4x4 frame with this abortionated thing lol. I have since
purchased a nice 4.5 inch horizontal band saw but hey ya work with what ya got right?
Mike 
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