[laybackman]

Basically how much of a 14" abrasive saw blade is usable? I have one on a new chop saw that once it got down to about 12 1/2" - 13" in diameter it just didn't seem to want to cut anymore. My guess is, it's a junk blade anyway.

FWIW being more of a woodworker than a metal guy I was taught to let the tool do the cutting, so I am easy handed when it comes to using cutting tools.

Now what brand abrasive blade do you all use in your chop saw? What thickness do you prefer?

Thanks for any response in advance people. :wave: :wave:

 

[jsc7002]

I let the saw do the work I do add some pressure but they last for a little while for me and its my main way of cutting metal. I bought all the blades that Orschlens had when they were having a sale, I think I ended up paying about $2 each, and I buy the thicker blades because they dont break quite as easy as the thinner ones.

 

[rustywrangler]

I get norton or whatever brand HD sells. I have gotten one down to about 9" across but that was with arm stop removed. 10" is usually where I swap out.

 

[OSYJ93]

I used to run them on down until they were too small to get thru the material. I like the thicker ones too especiall when touching up the burrs & stuff with a little light grinding on side of the disc. Some may frown on doing that but oh well. I never had any issues with it.

 

[laybackman]

I let the saw do the work I do add some pressure but they last for a little while for me and its my main way of cutting metal. I bought all the blades that Orschlens had when they were having a sale, I think I ended up paying about $2 each, and I buy the thicker blades because they dont break quite as easy as the thinner ones.

I get norton or whatever brand HD sells. I have gotten one down to about 9" across but that was with arm stop removed. 10" is usually where I swap out.

I don't have an Orshlens nearby but I do have a Home Cheapo.

I use Norton products for my 4 1/2" angle grinder and they work just fine. Do you use the 1/8" or prefer the 3/16" thick blades?

My gut says go with the thicker abrasive saw blade just for safety alone but this is kind of new to me so I'd rather get told what is better and why from more experienced folks.

 

[laybackman]

I used to run them on down until they were too small to get thru the material. I like the thicker ones too especiall when touching up the burrs & stuff with a little light grinding on side of the disc. Some may frown on doing that but oh well. I never had any issues with it.

My thoughts exactly!

I would think you can dress up a cut some with some 'side action' and there would be no harm at a slower rpm, but not at full speed.

 

[wushaw]

I change mine out when I get tired of flipping the metal to cut the other side.

 

[rustywrangler]

I don't have an Orshlens nearby but I do have a Home Cheapo.

I use Norton products for my 4 1/2" angle grinder and they work just fine. Do you use the 1/8" or prefer the 3/16" thick blades?

My gut says go with the thicker abrasive saw blade just for safety alone but this is kind of new to me so I'd rather get told what is better and why from more experienced folks.

Actually, I have had good luck with the 1/8" blades on thin wall stuff, like the square stock for the roof racks I build. On thicker stuff, like box tubing, I switch to the 3/16" blade.

 

[laybackman]

Actually, I have had good luck with the 1/8" blades on thin wall stuff, like the square stock for the roof racks I build. On thicker stuff, like box tubing, I switch to the 3/16" blade.

So there would be no harm using the thicker blade all the time? I move so slow now so I gottta keep it simple when I can........

 

[leftlanetruckin]

Mine is collecting dust since I got a band saw. The cuts are in a different league, not to mention being able to walk away and do other stuff while it does the work!:laugh:

Martin

 

[rustywrangler]

So there would be no harm using the thicker blade all the time? I move so slow now so I gottta keep it simple when I can........

I don't see why not.

 

[rustywrangler]

Mine is collecting dust since I got a band saw. The cuts are in a different league, not to mention being able to walk away and do other stuff while it does the work!:laugh:

Martin

I am getting the HF band saw real soon. Been looking for a long time now and with some small tweeks, I can make it work like a dream.

 

[jsc7002]

I am getting the HF band saw real soon. Been looking for a long time now and with some small tweeks, I can make it work like a dream.

Which one? What kind of tweeks? Id like to get one.

So there would be no harm using the thicker blade all the time? I move so slow now so I gottta keep it simple when I can........

I keep my 3/16" blade in all the time, Im like you and dont like to have to change it out al the time.

 

[rustywrangler]

Which one? What kind of tweeks? Id like to get one.

This one: Horizontal/Vertical Metal Cutting Bandsaw
I have a 25% off coupon right now.

Lots of info on the "tweeks" here:
4x6 Bandsaw Yahoo Group - WeldingWeb™ - Welding forum for pros and enthusiasts
Problem with HF red bandsaw - WeldingWeb™ - Welding forum for pros and enthusiasts

 

[Joe Dillard]

That HF bandsaw can be a nice addition to a home shop. I wouldn't mind having one.

 

[rustywrangler]

That HF bandsaw can be a nice addition to a home shop. I wouldn't mind having one.

I already have a slide out drawer that it will fit right into at my center bench and all I have to do is roll the drawer out and start cutting. lol

 

[leftlanetruckin]

Thats the one I have. Took @2hrs to get it perfect, but it is worth it's weight in gold IMHO.
Patrick if you get one, get some decent blades, the HF ones are truly junk. Orschelins seems to have some good ones so far!

Martin

 

[rustywrangler]

Thats the one I have. Took @2hrs to get it perfect, but it is worth it's weight in gold IMHO.
Patrick if you get one, get some decent blades, the HF ones are truly junk. Orschelins seems to have some good ones so far!

Martin

WOW we sure have hijacked this thread.

I plan to replace the blade after I get everything lined up and working right. Local welding supply sells several different brands in all sizes.

 

[laybackman]

WOW we sure have hijacked this thread.

I plan to replace the blade after I get everything lined up and working right. Local welding supply sells several different brands in all sizes.

Hi Rusty,
The only thing that is bad about hijacking this thread is, I just bought a 3 1/2HP chop saw from HF that was on sale (reg $149.99) for $99.99 but the blade was garbage. I bought a Norton disk today from Home Cheapo....NOW you guys got me thinking about a band saw.......

 

[rustywrangler]

Hi Rusty,
The only thing that is bad about hijacking this thread is, I just bought a 3 1/2HP chop saw from HF that was on sale (reg $149.99) for $99.99 but the blade was garbage. I bought a Norton disk today from Home Cheapo....NOW you guys got me thinking about a band saw.......

I just found a 35% off coupon for harbor freight in the latest petersons. tis time for the band saw. lol