Which metal cutting circular saw option???

[tarbellb]

So im looking purchase a circular saw for cutting metal soon.

Im a metal fabricator and wood worker, and need something that will last and provide good, clean, accurate cuts. Of course, budget is always a concern, but willing to spend up to $300 for the right setup.*

*It has been well documented that running a regular circ saw (~4400rpms) especially a beefier worm drive/metal assembly works well.


Typical uses:

_ 1/8" through 5/8" thick carbon steel plate

_ 6" up to 96" lengths at a time.

Contenders:
Milwaukee Metal cutting circ saw 6370-21 - @~$225 w/ blade

Milwaukee Worm drive circ saw 6577-20 - @~$145 + $35 metal blade= $180

Morse Metal cutting circ saw CSM7MB - @~$164 w/ blade

With the worm drive I get the added bonus of having a framing circ saw for other projects. Worth it? I already have a sidewinder circ.

Looking for opinions on these or very similar models, issues, and potential better tool for cutting this length, thickness, accuracy of plate. ie no "buy a plasma used for $300" they dont exist, ive looked..... a lot.

In order:

 

[Ign]

Option 1. Made for the task, chip tank, Milwaukee warranty

 

[tarbellb]

Thanks Ign. I could potentially cover the wormdrive saw enclosure more?

 

[Rogue1987]

I don't think you will have the longevity you would like if you are cutting 5/8" plate 96" long all too often with any of those. I know first hand using that Morse it would be slow as hell on 5/8. I've used the 9" model on 1/2 plate before and its rough on the saw, and that was never on a 8' cut. But the Morse units are very nice saws, just expensive.

ETA: And while you are right, there is not really a GOOD $300 plasma out there, if you watch you can get a good oxy fuel cutting set for $300 used. Of course then you do have to deal with oxy and fuel purchases.

 

[ilovevocs]

Worth a watch..

 

[theoldwizard1]

Any good, heavy duty circular will cut steel with the proper blade. Check out the Freud D0738F Diablo Steel Demon Ferrous Cutting Saw Blade.

Don't expect miracles. Cutting 5/8" will be slow going and the blade won't last forever. If you need this regularly, I would always have a spare on hand.


Some of you might recognize the guy in this video. Cutting Some Steel

 

[RivennHewn]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=220461


http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=222514

 

[CodyY]

5/8 with a skill saw?

No. Fecking. Way.
MY time aint worth it. Torch cut and grind it down.

And for sheet cuts, my supplier charges $65/hr. I don't know what your shop rates are, but I'm making $20/hr for them to cut it for me

 

[tarbellb]

Thanks for the input guys, specially Rogue & ilovrocs.

Just to clarify. Im not expecting to cut 5/8" x 96" most the time. That would be a rare case. Those are just numbers that were at the max of my expectations.

After watching the review of the Milwaukee metal saw on YT I came away more impressed by what I watched.
_Chip collection seemed really good for the saw
_Power also good, even on 1" plate!
_Fit and finish is on par with Milwaukees norm

So, anymore suggestions, info, etc...

 

[sloppy]

One thing chip collection is real freaking nice.. unless you like hot metal chips flying everywhere. Still get a few with a proper metal saw and collection setup, without it it kinda *****..

 

[theoldwizard1]

Thanks for the input guys, specially Rogue & ilovrocs.

Just to clarify. Im not expecting to cut 5/8" x 96" most the time. That would be a rare case. Those are just numbers that were at the max of my expectations.

After watching the review of the Milwaukee metal saw on YT I came away more impressed by what I watched.
_Chip collection seemed really good for the saw
_Power also good, even on 1" plate!
_Fit and finish is on par with Milwaukees norm

+1 !

I would give most of the credit to the blade, not the saw, but it did have good chip collection.

For long flat cuts, this is the kind of saw to have ! Not so good on angle, round or square tube, because you don't really have a line to follow.

Add a portable band saw with stand and you'll have an awesome combo !

 

[gus1962]

Get yourself the M6370-21 and save yourself from being miserable. +1 on getting band saw; should be next on your list.

 

[tarbellb]

My arsenal already includes:

>14" dry cut
>4.5" angle grinder
>8" horizontal band saw
>14" vertical band saw (wood speed)


So I really dont have anything for long sheet cuts. Which I would like to do when it makes sense, instead of guessing (and paying) to have the metal supply do for me.