Large cut-off saw thoughts

[Ralphxj]

Does anyone have any experience with an electric 12 or 14in electric cut-off saw (large angle grinder) for cutting steel?? I have a project that involves cutting up a large amount of steel grating that will be resold and used for art projects. I have been using a 12in partner saw, but I'm looking for a simpler option. Between the dust in the air filter, changing blades and constantly filling the gas tank it's a real pain to keep restarting and getting it running every time I have to restart.

I'm wondering if an electric 12 or 14 cut-off saw would give similar results as a gas saw?? The specs are all VERY similar except for unloaded wheel speed.

This style saw is the only thing I've found that will work with the speed, cut quality and efficiency i need. I've tryed plasma, torch, sawzal, circular saw (both abrasive and carbide blades) and a smaller angle grinder (not a deep enough cut) and the large 12in abrasive wheel is what works best.

Here is an example, although there lots of different brands:
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/corded/6185-20

 

[IowaDon]

I've used both for cutting concrete, and while the electric has less raw power, it will get the job done.

They draw a lot of amps at start-up, so you need a dedicated circuit.

Factor in the ability to use a grinding wheel, or a cupped wire brush, plus no exhaust gasses to deal with, and they're a pretty versatile tool.

 

[Ralphxj]

I've used both for cutting concrete, and while the electric has less raw power, it will get the job done.

They draw a lot of amps at start-up, so you need a dedicated circuit.

Factor in the ability to use a grinding wheel, or a cupped wire brush, plus no exhaust gasses to deal with, and they're a pretty versatile tool.

Thanks!! The speed is my main concern, but factoring in the time to refuel and keep the filters clean and poor starting of a gas saw, I am hoping it evens out and is way easy to use.

 

[tarbellb]

No real advice, but want to see pics!

Oh, maybe Cold Cut miter saw with 14" / 350mm blade, rpms 30-100, electric (220 or 3ph).

Look up Scotchman, Kalamazoo, Doeringer, Dake, avoid Baileigh.

 

[ssdave]

I've got a similar Bosch to the Milwaukee you linked to. I've used it a huge amount to cut concrete and steel, it is a very versatile saw, but a beast to handle. For the work I do, I greatly prefer it to the gas powered saws, of which I am most familiar with using the Stihl one. Mine routinely trips a 20 amp breaker on startup, that is the only drawback to it.

I think when you take into account that it doesn't have to be fueled, maintained, and started, it is much more time efficient to use than a gas saw. Plus, no fumes, particularly working inside or in a confined area.

The only thing that I think a gas saw does better is cut pipe, or demo out standing items. Being able to cut sideways instead of downwards is an advantage in demo; the chainsaw type works must better there than the electric cufoff saws do. The electric cufoff saw is much better for cutting concrete flatwork, cutting straight lines by using a guide board, and in cutting thin stuff like tile backer board or sheet steel.

 

[Ralphxj]

No real advice, but want to see pics!

Oh, maybe Cold Cut miter saw with 14" / 350mm blade, rpms 30-100, electric (220 or 3ph).

Look up Scotchman, Kalamazoo, Doeringer, Dake, avoid Baileigh.

I just got a Dake 350sa that I will be using to cut the grating into smaller pieces after they are removed with the larger saw in question. Have to remove the grating from a much larger (2 ton worth) piece before they go into the Dake though to be cut to lenght.

I post photos in a week or so after I have something to post.

 

[Ralphxj]

I've got a similar Bosch to the Milwaukee you linked to. I've used it a huge amount to cut concrete and steel, it is a very versatile saw, but a beast to handle. For the work I do, I greatly prefer it to the gas powered saws, of which I am most familiar with using the Stihl one. Mine routinely trips a 20 amp breaker on startup, that is the only drawback to it.

I think when you take into account that it doesn't have to be fueled, maintained, and started, it is much more time efficient to use than a gas saw. Plus, no fumes, particularly working inside or in a confined area.

The only thing that I think a gas saw does better is cut pipe, or demo out standing items. Being able to cut sideways instead of downwards is an advantage in demo; the chainsaw type works must better there than the electric cufoff saws do. The electric cufoff saw is much better for cutting concrete flatwork, cutting straight lines by using a guide board, and in cutting thin stuff like tile backer board or sheet steel.

Awesome, this is exactly what I wanted to hear!!! I will be cutting 20 feet from the electrical panel in the shop, so good outlet and wiring won't be a problem. The Partner saw did very well at cutting, but the constant stopping to refuel and then restart the saw (which took longer and longer the more I cut) just killed me physically and limited the amount of cutting I could do at a time.

 

[tarbellb]

I see, you need to be mobile while cutting. My bad, a cold cut is purely stationary work.

Sounds like a asskicking good time, im sure you will be happy to find anything that speeds the process up.

note: With that electric demo saw, be sure to read the "duty cycle" or downtime it may need. I know my Milwaukee metal circ saw can only do about 20-30% duty cycles...

Good luck.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Does anyone have any experience with an electric 12 or 14in electric cut-off saw (large angle grinder) for cutting steel?? I have a project that involves cutting up a large amount of steel grating that will be resold and used for art projects.

Check into a "cold saw".

 

[Ralphxj]

Check into a "cold saw".

See post #6 above. Have one for when the pieces are cutout out with the large saw in question. No way to use the cold saw for the purpose in question as I'm removing the grating from a 2 ton assembly.

 

[PT Doc]

Stay away from the dewalt 872 if you want square cuts. Bowed top plate will make this impossible. Evolution saws seem to be better based on YouTube vids and reviews.

 

[2mJps]

I would like to try one i would buy a gas saw but i hate the thought of it seting around and when i need it it wouldnt start.

 

[ItsNemo]

Is a plasma out of the question? Steel grating isn't continuous I'd assume?

 

[Ralphxj]

Is a plasma out of the question? Steel grating isn't continuous I'd assume?

From the original post: I've tryed plasma, torch, sawzal, circular saw (both abrasive and carbide blades) and a smaller angle grinder (not a deep enough cut) and the large 12in abrasive wheel is what works best.

 

[sberry]

I don't own one but used one. I have used gas too but the electric was handy.

 

[Ralphxj]

I don't own one but used one. I have used gas too but the electric was handy.

Hoping they are close to the same performance, if so I'll be very happy!

 

[2mJps]

I wonder if you could rent one before you buy.

 

[Ralphxj]

I wonder if you could rent one before you buy.

I was wondering the same thing. I will call around on Monday and see. Gas saw, sure, but thinking this is a little more specific.

 

[2mJps]

I was at the local milwaukee dealer and he has one he wants to sell. He has had it over 5 years and he wants to sell it. He also told he that a buddy of ours has one i want to talk to him.

 

[Ralphxj]

Another option I just thought about is using a 7in or possibly a 9in diamond edged wheel on a 7/9in angle grinder. Much cheaper saw but the wheels as more expensive. However if they actually last awhile, it could be a good option?? I only need to cut 2-3in depth of cut, but abrasive wheels don't last long if you start with anything smaller then 12in.

Has anyone used used the diamond blades in and angle grinder to cut a lot of steel?

 

[tarbellb]

I just researched those "diamond abrasive" cut off wheels for grinders. Long story they last longer but cuts take much longer and they heat up extensively.

Buying quality abrasive blades will likely serve you the best- Norton, Pferd, Weiler, Walter, Sait, Metabo are all good choices.

 

[LawnBoy-5247]

Diamond blades last longer but are expensive and I believe they require much more care when cutting to keep from ruining them generally involving water cooling.

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[Ralphxj]

I just researched those "diamond abrasive" cut off wheels for grinders. Long story they last longer but cuts take much longer and they heat up extensively.

Buying quality abrasive blades will likely serve you the best- Norton, Pferd, Weiler, Walter, Sait, Metabo are all good choices.

Taking longer isn't something I want to deal with if I can help it. With the gas saw I used mostly Diablo blades and they worked well. I tried a couple Dewalt blades and they were absolute junk, maybe 1/10 of the cutting time I got from the diablo. I will start testing better brands once I figure out a saw.

 

[Ralphxj]

I was at the local milwaukee dealer and he has one he wants to sell. He has had it over 5 years and he wants to sell it. He also told he that a buddy of ours has one i want to talk to him.

Do you know how much he wants for it? The 12 or 14in model?

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

Thanks!! The speed is my main concern, but factoring in the time to refuel and keep the filters clean and poor starting of a gas saw, I am hoping it evens out and is way easy to use.

If your just cutting steel cleaning the filters doesn’t need to be done that often.... as a mason contractor I have two gas cut off saws and electric saw. They are all husquvarnas, The gas saws definitely have a lot more power but also require more maintenance. I have the electric for when I need to make cuts indoors.

My electric has a “soft start” to keep from tripping breakers but it requires a lot of power and if anything else is plugged into the circuit it will trip it


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[dutchgray]

I only use diamond blades for masonry, they are much better than grit discs for that, proper metal cutting discs for steel, 2 stroke saw has a couple HP more than the electric, but you cant really use one indoors, all ours are 12", we used to have Partner saws (became part of Husquarna) but now use Stihl, the electric is an old AEG and a Ryobi.

 

[tarbellb]

Looks like Hitachi also offers a 12" portable cut off saw- Hitachi CC12Y ~$400

Ive had good luck with Hitachi over the years, might be a option worth looking into?