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Tube Cutting Saw
Locost82 - 20/4/06 at 12:57 PM

I've got a Chop Saw which I have been using to cut wood. Is it possible to convert this with a new blade to cut steel tube for the chassis? My arm is getting very tired now and I'm looking at the saw with growing desperation.

iank - 20/4/06 at 01:07 PM

No, a plain wood chop saw has the wrong speed for steel.

Ian Pearson - 20/4/06 at 01:42 PM

quote:
Originally posted by iank
No, a plain wood chop saw has the wrong speed for steel.


It may not be recommended practice, but I put a steel cutting disc in my wooden chop saw, and have used it for cutting all my steel. Have had no problems at all, but would obviously not recommend this potentially harmful practice to anyone!

trikerneil - 20/4/06 at 06:48 PM

Nor would I

JoelP - 20/4/06 at 06:59 PM

if its powerful enough it will be fine. The proper ones are about 2kw. Ive cut sheet on my table saw without even changing the blade, though admittedly i did loose a few teeth!

caber - 20/4/06 at 07:28 PM

Joel

was that when the saw threw the sheet in your face:-)

Caber

JoelP - 20/4/06 at 07:44 PM

on later attempts i decided to wear safety glasses, but you just have to hold it firmly! This was admittedly thinish stainless, from an extractor chimney.

Locost82 - 21/4/06 at 07:45 AM

Cheers guys.

I guess I'll struggle on with the trusty old hacksaw, there's no point building a Locost I can't drive because I've disabled myself

My angle-grinder is surprisingly good at cutting out the damaged tubes, but not accurate enough to cut the replacements.