What do you use???

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I was wondering what you guys use to cut tubing, stock and stuff that is very accurate.... I have a craftsman chop saw... has a cheap angle gauge/rest... I have yet to get a true 45 degree angle.... My projects are either crooked or when I actaully line it up there is such a large gap I burn a big hole.... Looking to hear some positive news.. Take care..Marc
Reply:I have found that on most any saw the angle marking on the fence are rarely correct.  You need to buy an angle gauge and use it to set your fence.  Try taking a small carpenters square and use it to adjust your fence to 90 degrees or 45 degrees.  I think you will find it to be alot better.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:A horizontal band-saw is what I use, it's more accurate than a chop saw by far.
Reply:If nothing else a band saw is less dynamic than a chop saw or cold cut. Band saw can still be off till you get your own marks down for the fence. The other must is secure clamping.
Reply:I also use a horizontal band saw.  I picked up a used Dayton and it works really well.  I makes a precise cut on anything up to 4"X6".  I have even cut 6" I-beam and the cuts were pretty nice (after I adjusted the guides).  It is not machining precise, but definitely good enough for precise fit ups to weld.Thanks,JasonMillermatic 210 w/ SpoolgunMiller 375 ExtremeMiller Trailblazer 250GMiller AEAD 200-LEVictor Journeyman O/A
Reply:On the subject of band saws, our school bought a "cheapo" band saw last spring, and we watched one instructor try a couple cuts...all crooked, bad oil flow.  They have to be designed and set up well. "Beware the cheap tool that enticeth thee young man, lest they do reverberate in thy mind with regret!", just me.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:I don't have a band saw, but I do use a chop saw.  I found to that a small carpenters square, or a good quality adjustable miter gauge works for set up of the Chop saw.  Letting the chop saw do the cut without forcing it through also improves accuracy.  Then (if using 45 degree angels) I use a magnetic square, to hold things in place until I get two "tack" welds applied opposite of each other.  Once the "tacks" have cooled slightly, I check again with a square, and use a really big hammer to beat them into perfect alignment.  If I have a gap to fill, I cuss under my breath,  and turn the amps down on the stick welder. Then drag out the grinder to clean up when finished.  Or go get the mig welder.  The nice thing about metal working over woodworking... you can always fill in a gap with a welder.  But with wood, you gotta go find a new piece of wood.   PackratLincoln 225 AC/DC, Hobart 140 Mig. Oxy/propane Victor torch.(2) Makita 5" angle grinders  one with zip disk, 14" chop saw.  and just about every other tool you can think of. Whoever has the most toys when he die's ..... Wins!
Reply:Generally use a band saw or cutoff wheel in the grinder and touch it up.Setup on the bandsaw is critical, and the cheapies are tough to set up. There is a lot of info on how to make these things do a great job, but they don't end up quite as inexpensive by the time you are done (good blade, rigid stand, etc)
Reply:Thanks guys... I will mark the positions on my chop saw and try not to get to foreceful cutting it... I will keep an eye out for a GOOD bandsaw... Take care... Marc
Reply:Originally Posted by haulinkidsThanks guys... I will mark the positions on my chop saw and try not to get to foreceful cutting it... I will keep an eye out for a GOOD bandsaw... Take care... Marc
Reply:As Sandy stated secure clamping is a must.  Clamp the material with an additional clamp.  As you turn the material clamping power decreases and surface cutting area increases.  There is a tendency for the blade to pull the material through the saw as the cut is made.
Reply:I use a tubing cutter to cut off thinwall conduit at 90*This is great stock to use for vertical shelf supports.I use an angle grinder held in a $20 Harborfreight device for angle cuts. It makes the 4 1/2" grinder into a mini-chopsaw.I can't claim any welding knowlege but use conduit all the time for shop projects.
Reply:Thanks or the help guys!  I used a angle gauge and adjusted the fence.. tightned the hell out of it....because I saw it move when I cranked it down... Made the cuts slow and smooth and then hit it on a 12 inch disc sander I picked up today that also has a adjustable fence...... The fit was better than I ever could have dream.. perfect!  THANKS!!  Take care..Marc