Chop Saw Question

[clarkebd]

Total rookie here - so rookie question.

Chop saw vs Mitre Saw?

(I've read that chop saw is such a generic term now)

If I wanted to cut metal, could I not just buy a metal cutting disc for my 10" compound mitre saw and use that tool (which I use to cut wood all the time), or is there a reason I need a different 'chop saw' to do the job?

 

[thebeekeeper1]

They are similar but different. I would NOT use a CMS to cut metal.

 

[chris fresh]

wood saw is faster (rpm)wise,that's why they sell both,but you could use a regular chop for aluminum and such.that's done daily.

 

[luvit]

.
using a miter saw with an abrasive disc for occasional metal cutting is done all the time..
"occasional use" for metal cutting is a judgement call..

it depends on how much cutting you have and how much plastic pieces your miter saw has..
how ugly do you want the plastic pieces to look?

.

 

[clarkebd]

So it's an older Delta 10" mitre saw. The only plastic is the blade guard that swings down/up.

Sounds like the RPM speed is too fast versus a true metal chop saw.

I'm not looking to use it for a daily metal cutting tool, but was hoping to get away with it once-in-awhile.

 

[clarkebd]

Interesting...I found this metal circular saw as well which may be an option:

http://www.cpomilwaukee.com/factory-reconditioned-milwaukee-6370-81-8-in-metal-cutting-saw-with-case/milr6370-81,default,pd.html?start=12&cgid=milwaukee-circular-saws&prefn1=voltage&prefv1=120V

 

[luvit]

.

yes, that circular saw is what i did for years prior to getting my horizontal bandsaw.
i had no problems.

.

 

[camarotoolman]

I use a 7-1/2 power saw to cut metal alot, I can't see why you can't use a miter box to cut metal too. Maybe the arbor hole size is different on the blades.

 

[Milton Shaw]

The big problem is keeping the metal from moving. All chop saws have vises to secure the metal as you miter cut it. Without a vise/clamp the abrasive blade will pull the work and end up cutting into the saw.

 

[cheechi]

If you're comfortable with your CMS and want to buy a blade for it, you won't do anything 'wrong' making the occacasional cut but I still wouldn't recommend it. If you are just making a straight cut, no angle then the true 'chop saw' is what you're looking for, most being 14". You could also do a bandsaw or sawzall if you already have either and it's a one time thing. You'd be buying a blade using any of those 3 tools.

If you have a need (I'm sure someone out there does) to cut at all different angles and you prefer to do it with a miter saw frequently, I would personally be more comfortable getting a cheaper one and using it only for metal. Those saws aren't really designed for hot metal dust, sparks (with cloth dust bags even), or other associated debris. They will probably wear down faster with that kind of usage.