Abrasive blade in small table saw?

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I have a small table 8"saw I am thinking of putting a 7" abrasive blade on. I think I can then cut plate stock square with the fence and cut repetive lenghts with proper stop blocks. Has any one done this or are there any comments? Thanks
Reply:I've done it.Be sure you don't have any plastic blade guides like my Ryobi did - (I had replacements - but the melting plastic got on the metal)I was cutting 1/4" mild steel plate that was ~7"X9" into 6-7" triangles for gussets, and some 3-4" ones.I used a Norton disk (10") on my 10" Ryobi.You can do it on yours, but make sure your saws' RPMs are lower than the rated rpms for the disk.
Reply:Beware!  Table and circular saws don't take kindly to cutting metal with abrasive blades.  All the dust produces wreaks havoc with with the woodworking tools.Andy
Reply:Originally posted by vtecrx Beware!  Table and circular saws don't take kindly to cutting metal with abrasive blades.  All the dust produces wreaks havoc with with the woodworking tools.Andy
Reply:S-10,If your saw is direct drive, you'll wind up with metal chips in the motor, no matter what you do.  You have a better chance if it's a belt drive saw, but at 8", I doubt that's what you have.Be well.hank
Reply:The table saw I listed in my first post here is 8" and came from AMT back in the 60's. I haven't used it for 20 years and will now only be used on metal if it works. It uses a belt and there are only steel and cast iron parts in the arbor assembly, no plastic, the motor will be about a foot behind the blade. I almost have it ready to try. I will post my results in a few days.
Reply:You're nuts... but go for it... I would be concerned about the RPM and the blade... if you are using abrasive, I would do it from behind a bullet proof shield, or you are liable to be a candiate for Darwin...  This is the same reason you don't use a miter saw with an abrasive blade... I suppose you could if you used a router controller and slowed things down a bit... I still wouldn't though. Good luck.
Reply:I would be concerned about the RPM and the blade...I suppose you could if you used a router controller and slowed things down a bit... I still wouldn't though
Reply:I have used both a radial arm saw and a hand (skil) saw with abrasive blades to cut steel at times, and both work well.Take care to go SLOW (don't force the cut - you are not cutting wood!) and don't go deep... especially if you are trying a table or radial arm saw.  I have found that it is better to take out a pass at a time, than to try to cut through a piece in a single pass.I originally tried the radial arm saw when I needed to cut through a tractor drawbar in a precise manner (and didn't have a cut-off saw).  I tried several different kinds of hack saws, and they wouldn't even touch that steel (I think it was forged), I just took the teeth off on the first pass, so I was up against the wall.It did burn the board for the saw somewhat (I later replaced that anyway) and it did melt a little bit of plastic that was near the shield, but otherwise, no harm done.  I now keep a Skil saw setup just for cutting metal, and I use it when I need a long cut in a plate.  It works out pretty good until I can afford plasma...Hey! Bring the camera...Is it still hot?   $%#^%^#  Guess so...