Metal Cutting

[dirtgrip]

I was recommended this as a cutting tool for home fab projects.This person has a well equipped shop & says he uses this more than most other tools(bandsaw etc)for cutting.I,m not saying it will replace a plasma but it fits the budget for now.I need to cut tubing, angle, square stock, and up to 3/16 sheet steel.I also have a Milwaukee sawzall.What do you think?? http://www.maxtool.com/products/DeWalt/DW872R.asp

[mrblaine]

Originally posted by dirtgrip
I was recommended this as a cutting tool for home fab projects.This person has a well equipped shop & says he uses this more than most other tools(bandsaw etc)for cutting.I,m not saying it will replace a plasma but it fits the budget for now.I need to cut tubing, angle, square stock, and up to 3/16 sheet steel.I also have a Milwaukee sawzall.What do you think?? http://www.maxtool.com/products/DeWalt/DW872R.asp

I have the Makita version and it rules. Pay special attention to blade selection and the manner in which the manual tells you to cut steel.

You have to clamp the metal a specific direction in order for the teeth to enter the metal at the correct angle to prolong their life.

No flat cuts, too hard on the teeth.

Anyone that tells you that their HF abrasive special is equivalent is just plain goofy. That saw will cut a slice off the end of a chunk of tube about a 32nd of an inch thick with no distortion. Try that sometime with an abrasive saw.

[Jeff Weston]

Why you hating on my HF special? Only $49 ... and cuts like it too!

[dirtgrip]

Thanks for the info-should be here in a couple of days!! I,ll make sure to pay attention on how to clamp the material.

[redrock4x4]

Originally posted by mrblaine
I have the Makita version and it rules. Pay special attention to blade selection and the manner in which the manual tells you to cut steel.

You have to clamp the metal a specific direction in order for the teeth to enter the metal at the correct angle to prolong their life.

No flat cuts, too hard on the teeth.

Anyone that tells you that their HF abrasive special is equivalent is just plain goofy. That saw will cut a slice off the end of a chunk of tube about a 32nd of an inch thick with no distortion. Try that sometime with an abrasive saw.

How are the blades holding up for you?

[mrblaine]

Originally posted by redrock4x4
How are the blades holding up for you?

The one blade I've been using was doing great. I cut all the tube and tubing and plate and angles for the last go round on the jeep. Then I decided to trim an eighth off of one of Superior's inners and now it ain't so happy. Still cuts, but complains loudly.

So, I trimmed the other side with a Sait .045 cut-off disc that was new and smoked it. Those axles are incredibly tough.

[dirtgrip]

What type of cutting action should I be getting while cutting .120 wall 1.25in DOM?? I may have dicked up the blade or I,m expecting too much.

[mrblaine]

Originally posted by dirtgrip
What type of cutting action should I be getting while cutting .120 wall 1.25in DOM?? I may have dicked up the blade or I,m expecting too much.

Less than 8-10 seconds for a perfect cut.

[dirtgrip]

Something must be wrong-I can,t even cut the stuff.70 tooth carbide blade.

[dirtgrip]

Is this blade toast??

[TObject]

It's upside down.

[dirtgrip]

I Just turned it that way to try & get a pic of the teeth.

[dirtgrip]

Should I get another/different blade? Have this one sharpened? Very 1st cut was no good.Entered material with downstroke as shown in manual and would barely cut-took over a min to cut 1.25 tubing.

[mrblaine]

Originally posted by dirtgrip
Should I get another/different blade? Have this one sharpened? Very 1st cut was no good.Entered material with downstroke as shown in manual and would barely cut-took over a min to cut 1.25 tubing.

I'm not familiar with the DeWalt stuff, mine is Makita, but if it won't cut, something is wrong.

[dirtgrip]

Think I,ve got it figured out.Saw was a recontioned item($300 with shipping)-someone forgot to replace/sharpen the blade.Hopefully seller will take care of this as blades run $100 and up.

[mrblaine]

Originally posted by dirtgrip
Think I,ve got it figured out.Saw was a recontioned item($300 with shipping)-someone forgot to replace/sharpen the blade.Hopefully seller will take care of this as blades run $100 and up.

If they don't replace it, let me know. I think I have a new or nearly new one laying around for a much better price. It's a 14" and my saw takes a 12".

[dirtgrip]

Thanks mrblaine-I may take you up on that.I hate having a new toy & not being able to play with it.

[dirtgrip]

Dewalt is sending a new blade-should receive soon.