Can I use my 10" compound miter saw to cut ferrous metal? Abrasive chop saw wheels have the same arbor size (5/8") and similar speeds (3900 - 5000 rpm). My saw is rated at 15 amps and runs 4800 rpm. If not, please explain why. Thanks!
Greg
Didn't you just ask this last week?
As far as I know, the only abrasive blades that you can buy with a
5/8 arbor hole are made for 7 1/4 circular saws. The larger blades are 1" arbor. You certainly can put the abrasive blade on your miter saw. It will pit the aluminum table, make the plastic blade guard opaque and the grit will get into the pivot mechanism.I guess it all boils down to how fancy of cuts you want to make in wood after cutting the steel.
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Yes. Just need the right blade for the right material.
BUT ... as someone else pointed out, if you plan to cut a LOT of metal, you will run into some problems; sounds like he used it like a production line.
You DO take a chance on where the "filings" go. Sawdust inside a motor won't hurt much, but steel; well, that's a different story. And if one should stick inside a bearing guide anywhere, it'll cause more problems.
I'd say for a one or two off, OK, else I'd bet a Sawzall or something intended for the job, even a cheap jig saw, depending on whether it'll handle the job.
It's best to keep the airhose handy, or have a good strong fan blowing the material away from the motor/bearing and adjustment mechanisms, and NOT where anyone will walk into it, of course. Personally, I use a fan and welding magnets. The magnets get most of it, the fan gets the rest out of the area. I think . So far, several years, it's worked. I learned by experience! Oh, and the guards can help a lot too of course, but they will get non-transparent in a hurry, so plan on new ones if you cut more than a second or so of steel!
Pop
I put a metal cutting 10" blade on my Makita miter saw and cut a heavy steel table saw fence down from 52" to 30".
Only thing I would caution is to protect the plastic zero insert plate on the base as the metal will get hot and you don't want to melt it. And cover other areas of the base as the half molten metal fragments will get everywhere.
Yes, we did so with my friends 10" CMS. Used it to cut about 200 light ga steel '2 by 4's' for framing his unfinished bsmt. No damage to the saw but the plastic blade guard did get a little scratched. His choice. R
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