The Useful Metal Circular Saw

Posted on Sep 25, 2020

The Useful Metal Circular Saw

A metal circular saw, sometimes called a metal cutting circular saw, is a common type of sawing machine used particularly for cutting metallic workpieces, such as metal bars or metal sheets. The cutting mechanism of such a device is a circular blade. The blade is basically a round disc with sharp teeth on its perimeter. A piece of metal is dissected by the teeth as the blade rotates at a high speed.

Easy Ways to Cut Metal

When using a metal circular saw, you need to make sure that you are using the correct saw blade for the material being cut. Not only will you need a different metal saw blade than for wood, but a metal saw blade should not be used on the same saw that is used to cut wood. This is because the metal circular saw for cutting wood has an open motor housing. While the hacksaw has a waste container to prevent metal shavings from entering the machine, the hacksaw was not designed in this way. If you decide to use a wood-to-metal saw, use only a 7 1/4 inch saw blade and preferably a worm drive blade that provides extra torque. Please note that while most saw blades should be installed with the label visible, the worm drives are mounted on the opposite side.

You will need different blades for different types of metal. For non-ferrous metals such as brass, aluminum, copper, or lead, you should be able to use a cemented carbide cutter wheel. Carbide-tipped blades last up to 10 times longer than ordinary steel blades. The pitch and design of the blade selected will also vary depending on the thickness of the metal in question. In general, you will need more teeth for thinner metals and fewer teeth for thicker metals. The packaging of the blade should specify what material and thickness of the blade it is suitable for, and you can always contact the manufacturer if you have any questions.

 

Right Blade Type Betters the Cutting Result

There is nothing wrong with using a good old-fashioned hacksaw, but there are faster and easier ways to cut metallic materials; a metal circular saw is one of the efficient solutions. One of the advantages of applying such a cutting tool is that the circular saws can work with multiple types of cutting blades to achieve the best result for your job. When it comes to cutting materials that are hard to deal with with a typical sawing machine, a diamond blade is probably the best among the choices.

An angle grinder equipped with an abrasive metal cutting disc works well for cutting all types of metal, including bolts, angles, rebar, and even sheet metal. But the discs wear out quickly, cut slowly, and shrink with use. Instead, we recommend using a diamond blade designed for cutting ferrous metals. They will last much longer, cut faster and cleaner, and wear much slower than grinding wheels. You'll find diamond cutting discs for ferrous metals priced between $ 13- $ 40 at home malls, hardware stores, and online.

It may not be an obvious choice, but with the right blade, a metal circular saw is an excellent tool for cutting metal. In our test, it cut through the reinforcement effortlessly. You can cut mild steel up to about 3/8 inch thick using a ferrous cutter blade. But be careful! Hot metal shavings will fly everywhere. Put on protective gear, keep bystanders away, and cover anything you don't want with metal shavings. You can find ferrous metal cutting blades at home malls, hardware stores, and online. There are two types: inexpensive steel-tooth blades and carbide-tipped blades ($ 8- $ 40). Carbide-tooth blades are more expensive but have a longer service life.
 

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Cut Aluminum with Your Miter Saw

It is easy to make accurate cuts of bars, pipes, and aluminum angles with the miter saw and blade designed for cutting non-ferrous metals (check the label). If the saw motor housing is open and metal chips can collect in it, stick a piece of cloth over these holes to protect the motor windings and bearings when cutting aluminum. (Be sure to remove it when the saw returns to normal operation or the motor overheats.) Trapping the aluminum with a wooden backing as shown reduces the risk of metal debris being thrown out and makes it easier to hold the metal in place while cutting. This tip is especially important when cutting thin-walled components. Without a backplate, the blade often catches on the metal and distorts it, and renders it unusable.

 

Tips for Cutting Metal Safely

Cutting or grinding metal produces fine chips or splinters everywhere. And they can be hot and spicy. To avoid eye injury, cuts, burns, and other injuries caused by cutting metal, follow these guidelines:

  • Read and follow the precautions printed on metal cutting discs and blades.
  • Wear safety glasses, a face shield ($ 8- $ 30), and hearing protection.
  • Cover all exposed skin with gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and pants.
  • Allow freshly cut metal to cool before touching.
  • Wear gloves when working with metal that may have sharp edges.
  • Fix the metal securely before cutting.
  • Never let anyone close to you when cutting metal unless they are wearing ear and eye protection.

 

Cutting Stainless Steel with a Grinding Wheel

There are many types of stainless steel, and some hard varieties are challenging to cut. For small jobs like cutting stainless steel backsplash tiles, a rotary tool fitted with an abrasive metal-cutting disc works fine. For larger jobs, mount an abrasive disc in an angle grinder.

 

Simple Score and Snap

Siding contractors and roofers routinely score and snap aluminum siding and flashing to create straight, precise cuts. And you can use the same technique anytime you need a straight cut on aluminum or other light-gauge sheet metal, even steel. Clamp or hold a straightedge or square along the cutting marks and score a line with the tip of a sharp utility knife blade. Then bend the sheet back and forth a few times to snap it. You can use the same trick to cut metal studs. Snip the two sides. Then score a line between the cuts and bend the stud to break it.

 

Get into Tight Spots with an Oscillating Tool

When access is tight, or you need to make a flush cut, an oscillating tool fitted with a metal-cutting blade will solve the problem. Corroded mounting nuts on toilets and faucets are easy to cut off with an oscillating tool. You can also use an oscillating tool to cut plumbing pipes, automotive bolts, nails, and other metal objects in places where a larger tool wouldn't fit. Just make sure the blade is intended to cut metal.

 

Every DIYer Should Have an Oscillating Tool - But Which Model Is Right for You?

With the right blade or grinding disc, you can cut almost any kind of metal. The key is to match the blade to the material. There are two types of metal: ferrous and nonferrous. (The term “ferrous” is derived from the Latin word "ferrum", which means iron.) Any metal that contains iron is a ferrous metal and requires a ferrous-metal cutting blade. Steel angle iron, steel roofing, rebar, and steel bolts are examples of ferrous-metal building materials. Most metal-cutting blades and discs are labeled for cutting either nonferrous or ferrous metal.

 

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