Metal cutting band saw, acetylene torch, plasma cutter, grinder or sawzall???

[TSBrown]

AClayton, regarding that 14" metal blade chop saw... .



I (otis elevator really) bought one of these like alan (aclayton) about 2 years ago I think it cost $550 at the time. Blades cost about $150 first on only lasted about 6 months because of an air-headed helper that thought if you jumped up and down on it it would cut faster. #@$%!The blade on there now has been on there for a year and a half and still cuts like its brand new. I mainly cut 2",21/2",& 3 schedule 40 pipe but I have cut 1/4 wall 5" square tubing with it with no problem. Imho if your gonna make a lot of straight cuts on pipe,box or angle its what i would go with



Tim

 

[DJW]

TSBrown, thanks for the reply, I have never seen or heard of that saw before, if cutting structural shapes, one is often concerned of the alloy in parts of it. I had a friend a very efficient tool and die maker who wouldn't use the expensive band saw blades because of that. That blade has a life I never heard of before, often on blades one buys a sharpener to go with it, or machine builder will either have a blade exchange or sharpening service. The large German steel cut-off was not on full production only occasional use, so I never did have full knowledge of it, although I had used it. When I looked at that cold wet cut machine the owner asked what I needed it for, on answering for cutting Ferrels (short nipple type length of 1 1/4 sch. 40 pipe) he offered to cut them for $25 per hour. That would have been a great deal as with the investment I would have charged far more than that. As it turned out, I changed the design so had no need for them. When making the first model, one is apt to include bits and pieces not needed in the finished product, but if you don't at least start, nothing is going to happen.