Carbide Metal Chop Saw

[Schmokie]

I have a Ridgid 14" abrasive chop saw and it's ok, but I saw a carbide chop saw and tried it out at a shop and loved it. The cuts were clean, no burrs and dead on. There was no blade wobble like the abrasive saw and you can re - cut material like a wood chop saw and take a little off. Something that can't be done with an abrasive saw because it will bend and slide around.
My question is, has anyone used the Rage 2 chop saws? I have seen the Milwaukee and Dewalt versions but they are 2 times the price. Any input?

 

[metaleltr]

Everything I have heard about them they are good saws.

 

[35mastr]

I have the Makita and love it.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I paid right around $300 for my Milwaukee 6190-20, new. The deal was that it came without a blade, which was fine by me -- Milwaukee's blades are not the best, I'm told.

But the saw is great, and there is one for sale right now (with extra blades) on the Welding Web board:

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?t=96711

 

[tonycastec]

I have found the key is the blade,not the saw .The obvious ferrous/non-ferrous difference is not the issue. For mild steel the issue is the grade of carbide on the teeth. I was cutting hundreds of 4' x 2' steel panels covered with ceramic granules. The C-7 Carbide blades were much longer lasting than C-3. You need to be careful because the c-7 is very hard but more brittle so the feed rate and initial engagement in the cut are critical. One blade cuts everything! The brand I have used is called "Bad Blade". YEMV

 

[Mmfh]

I ran into a guy with a cheap HF cut off saw, he used and expensive carbide blade. He was able to cut through 1/4" and it almost looked like it came out of a mill.

Don't remember the blade brand, but those do work much better than the carbon fiber blades.

 

[Schmokie]

Mmfh

Was his HF saw an abrasive saw with a carbide blade on it or a chop saw made for carbide cutting. I think there is a speed difference and a torque difference.

 

[kartracer55]

"cold saws" are going to run WAY slower than an abrasive cut off saw. Check speed ratings on the two from any given manufacturer. DeWalt is 1300 vs 3800 RPM, and aside from a possible safety issue with the carbide toothed blade, you will probably end up cutting with some crazy high SFM and wear the blades out prematurely.

 

[shoot summ]

I have the Rage, love it, great cuts.

Several things to be aware of, the chips coming off the saw are hot, and go everywhere. Also make sure the stock is clamped securely, if it is lose it will grab and sling, most likely ruining the blade.

 

[ElectroLight]

I have the hand-held metal cutting circular saw from HF. I'm still on the original blade, cut a lot of 3/16 C-Chanel and still going strong. Cold saws rock.

 

[spv]

I have been thinking about the Makita one for quite some time. Each time I investigate, I read something about the limitations on thickness and get put off. I am at the point where I am not sure if I will go with Carbide Cold, Wet Cold, or Bandsaw!

 

[Schmokie]

Thank You all for the great input, I am looking at a Rage 3 and can't wait to start cutting some stock!!

 

[Mmfh]

Mmfh

Was his HF saw an abrasive saw with a carbide blade on it or a chop saw made for carbide cutting. I think there is a speed difference and a torque difference.

The saw he was using was a abrasive saw with the carbide blade in it.
Worked great and gave a clean cut and also cut straight on the line he made.

 

[shoot summ]

The saw he was using was a abrasive saw with the carbide blade in it.
Worked great and gave a clean cut and also cut straight on the line he made.

Abrasive saw = 3900rpms or so...

Carbide cold cut saw = 1450rpms or so...

I wouldn't stand too close when your friend is making those clean/straight cuts.