Installing a metal cutting blade on miter saw

admin

I have a 10" dewalt dw-703 miter saw, intended for cutting only wood.  Will I ruin it if I use it to chop my 14 ga "L" s ?  I removed the yellow plastic inset that sits flush with the center of the saw, so so the sparks won't melt it.It seems to work ok, but it looks like I'll be needing a better metal cutting blade because it took a bit of work just to make one cut.Dave
Reply:I use an old skill saw with a metal cutting blade.  The 2 dollar kind from home depot.  Far as I know, the folks at skill did not intend this saw for metal, but I have been using it for ONLY metal for 10 years now.  I use my radial arm saw for aluminum.  I think the main problem is getting filings and metal pieces into the motor and bearings or heat on materials like plastic or wood.  Maybe some differences in the bearing covers or shroud to prevent stuff flying into it.  I have wondered the same thing myself, though.  Seems like cutting with a circular motion could be done on any material, given the right blade and protection for you and the motor.  Comments anyone?Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:I agree w/smithboy. I, too, have used a skill saw on metal for years and never had a problem. Hard to see the lines sometimes for all the sparks aflying, and louder than #@#$ on thin stuff,but it will git r done.  Standard warnings apply. Protect yo self.
Reply:Hey, I'm not saying that using a tool for a non-intended purpose is a no no. Never look too hard around my shop, you might be surprised what I have altered and/or beefed up if you will. But.........wood tools turn at dillerent speeds than metal cutting tools. Not as a rule, but for the material being cut/milled etc. Just use extra caution and be extremly ready for kickback or kickouts.And as for as a skill saw and metal. I've cut more roofing tin with a reversed wood blade on one skill than my ears can remember.I always look at a new tool as a new toy here in my later years. And I like toys that I get to play with.lw
Reply:As far as speed is concerned, friction blades aren't really, really fast cutters.  Steady pressure and patience is the key.  Too much pressure and the blade gets eat up quickly and the motor on the saw might heat up and/or stall (not good for it and not safe either).  IWHIWAY may be right about motor speeds, I am not really sure, but I imagine that faster rotational speeds are better for friction-type blades.  This is just me, but I tend to put just enough pressure so that the motor is running about 3/4 as fast is it would without a load.  Single phase 120v motors tend to sink fast after that.  I think it's that they just dont have the torque of heavier duty motors (220 and 3phase).  I can generally count of cutting a 2" 14 guage angle in about, say 45 seconds to a minute, maybe a little more (estimated).  It's not the fastest method, but it's smooooth.  Next best thing to a band saw for a nice finish, but faster and louder.  After seeing the new star wars movies, I am just waiting for the Dwalt Heavy Duty Light Sabre for cutting damn near anything. Last edited by smithboy; 08-08-2005 at 11:41 AM.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.