Carbide Chop Saw Blades

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What's the general thought on using a carbide blade on a abrasive style chop saw?I've read through most of teh posts here, only downsides I've read is the cost and longevity.CR
Reply:Flat out unsafe.Only carbide blade I've seen, designed to operate at the speed a chop saw operates at, is the Bullet Industries 14" blade.  I've tried them.  Totally unsatisfactory.  Blade life was nil.On the other hand, their 7 1/4" blades work fine in a skil (type) saw.The dry cut (some refer to as cold cut--they're not) operate at a much slower speed than the chop saws.I would NEVER endorse simply throwing a carbide blade on a standard abrasive chop saw.  In fact, and I think it's the case, the manufacturers specifically recommend against doing this.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Originally Posted by SundownIIIFlat out unsafe.Only carbide blade I've seen, designed to operate at the speed a chop saw operates at, is the Bullet Industries 14" blade.  I've tried them.  Totally unsatisfactory.  Blade life was nil.On the other hand, their 7 1/4" blades work fine in a skil (type) saw.The dry cut (some refer to as cold cut--they're not) operate at a much slower speed than the chop saws.I would NEVER endorse simply throwing a carbide blade on a standard abrasive chop saw.  In fact, and I think it's the case, the manufacturers specifically recommend against doing this.
Reply:Originally Posted by ny_racer_xxxWhat's the general thought on using a carbide blade on a abrasive style chop saw?I've read through most of teh posts here, only downsides I've read is the cost and longevity.CR
Reply:OK, I thought it was a straight forward question????I have a Milwaukee steel abrasive stationary chop saw.  What I have seen are carbide blades made just for their rpm, like Bullet.  From what I have read and seen, the cuts are very good clean and straight, down side being the price of the blades and the short life....Just wondering what everybody else thinks....CR
Reply:As you have already read the blade life is very short and the price is high for those blades designed to be used at the high RPMs. They are a poor substitute for the proper tool. Personally I would not waste the money on them.If you are serious spend the money on a saw designed to cut steel with a carbide blade. Several guys have had good luck with the Evolution Rage2 and Rage 3 saws here. Others have used the DeWalt  and Milwaukee versions. Another option is a good horizontal band saw..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan