Chop saw vs Circular saw for cutting metal

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I recently bought a circular saw that I was hoping would be able to fulfill my need of cutting metal and cutting lumber to make some tables, etc. I also got a saw blade that was supposed to be the best for cutting metal. When I tried it out it did not seem to be very effective and I ended up just using my grinder. I was only doing straight cuts but I foresee a big issue ever trying to cut square tubing etc. at a 45 degree angle.I'd like to keep the circular saw for wood as I bought a nice worm drive one but If a chop saw is necessary for me to make quality cuts I would swap out the tools since I still have the circular saw receipt. I guess what I'm asking is what tool is a quality minimum for cutting steel tubing at different angles. Can I get away with using a grinder? Is there some technique to using a circular saw that ensures correct and steady angle cuts? Or do I just need to get the chop saw and figure out what to do about wood cutting later? Another option would be a miter saw with a metal cutting blade but I'm not sure how effective that would be. If that would work would it be a good fix for both wood and metal.
Reply:A few things about cutting metal with carbide blades. Most "chop" type saws run at too high an RPM to run the metal cutting carbide blades. There are however a few exceptions to this general rule. Rage has a "miter" type saw that will cut both wood and metal. The speed of the blade is lower than most typical "miter saws" which allows it to do a decent job, assuming you are using the right blades. I've found the same thing tends to also apply to circular saws as well. My worm drive tends to run at a much lower RPM than typical inexpensive direct drive saws. I get better cuts using metal blades with it vs typical circular saws other guys have. It's not quite the same as a dedicated steel saw, but darn close many times.Next issue to keep in mind if you try and play with wood saws. Metal cutting saws almost always have a clamp to lock down material so it doesn't move. Wood saws don't. Things tend to get ugly when a saw grabs a chunk of metal, so you always want to have the material clamped well.As far as cutting angles accurately with a circular saw, jigs and guides as well as care goes a long ways. Again making sure nothing shifts or moves is critical.There's a right tool for every job. There's also often several tools that will do an OK job, but you usually have to give up something in the bargain. It wouldn't surprise me at all if I don't have at least 15 different tools that I can use to cut metal in one form or another. My selection of wood cutting tools is probably even larger. What tool I choose depends on the job, the fit and finish I want/need, what tool I have available right now vs what is back at the shop and a host of other variables. There really isn't one tool that does everything well.Having a better idea just what you are trying to do would help..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
Reply:I have a Rage mitre saw.The problem with the Rage saw that cuts metal and also wood is that once you cut metal there are a Shiite ton of metal shavings left over. You have to clean up so much of that before using for wood.I'm just not that anal and it just takes too long.One saw for metalOne saw for wood for me.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:I'm looking to start making some tables..coffee..outdoor...etc. that have various forms of square tubing using 45 and 90 degree angles. I don't want to think of all the money I've spent the last few weeks on a welder, torch, grinder, clamps, saw, metal etc and am just very hesitant to drop down another couple hundred right now. I guess my best case scenario would be being able to do the metal cutting with my grinder and keep the worm saw...or trade it in for a miter. I'm finding I cant make straight cuts worth a crap and need all the help I can getI've been browsing around and it seems that using a miter for wood and metal can burn your saw out with the metal shavings...something about plastic housing, parts etc?
Reply:Originally Posted by Mick120If that's going to be your primary need, go cold saw....They're the ducks guts for that kind of work.This would be one of the best.....http://www.haberleusa.com/...
Reply:Deleted.....dumb question.Last edited by yakyakgoose; 06-06-2013 at 01:59 AM.
Reply:I get the impression you are relating squareness to fit ups of wood and nails. In welding there is a gap for the weld to penetrate, so don't sweat trying to be super square with your cuts.
Reply:In my first project using angle it caused a lot of gaps due to the angle steel not exactly matching up with itself, those gaps caused me some really ugly welds in places so I was trying to avoid it. I'm sure 50% of that is my technique though.
Reply:I have a cold cut chop saw from Northern Tool. It is build like a tank and has gone through everything I've thrown at it like butter.http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...6857_200326857
Reply:Just got done wi a project today and had to make a lot of 45 degree cuts on square tube. I just used my grinder and they came out pretty good. Main downfall is speed. Takes a while to mark everything up before cutting, and then to make all the cuts.
Reply:Get a portaband, since I got one I have not touched my chop saw. If Stick-Man die not live in Chicago, I would have pawned it off on him.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."