Beginner-Do i need chop saw ?

[Daithi2015]

I finally decided to take the plunge and am ordering new 180A MIG welder and all the accessories etc.
My guess is i need a chop saw also ? something like.Hitachi cc14SF ??
will be learning from scratch to do artworks / furniture.
Any thoughts greatly appreciated. Just cant see myself cutting with hacksaw/grinder ?

 

[rockweasel]

A chop saw was my first purchase. I figured that I had to be able to cut the steel before sticking it back together again. I have an Evolution Rage 3 compound mitre saw. Mixed feelings about it. Great for cutting wood. A new blade will cut through steel, but replacement blades are a bit on the steep side. It's not the most accurate of cuts either. I will use it for a rough cut, but resort to an angle grinder to square up the rough edges. I prefer to measure and mark the steel with a pencil and then stick a length of Frog Tape (or similar) along the line as a clear guide to where to cut with a steel cutting disc on my angle grinder.

Note: I know ****-all about fabrication! I'm just making things up as I go along. The above may well be total BS

 

[Gareth0123]

I would go for either a cold cut saw or a horizontal bandsaw. Both are little pricey, but that initial investment will be worth it in the medium to long term. ..... ...... and good condition secondhand ones do pop up from time to time.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

I am not a fan of chopsaws, noisy and cover everything in dust. I use a horizontal bandsaw for most stuff and either a 4 1\2" or 9" angle grinder with a skinny disc if I have to or a plasma for intricate sheet or heavy sections (UB or UC).

 

[sardine]

You also need a stand or trestle to support long peices of steel section, other wise you will have to cut twice, once into rough lengths, then again to size.

 

[PTvor]

Any thoughts greatly appreciated. Just cant see myself cutting with hacksaw/grinder ?

View attachment 72225

Using a hacksaw or grinder with a cutting disc are skills worth developing and certainly have their place. For instance, some things are too awkward to cut with a chop saw.

 

[rikrobson]

I went for an evolution Rage. You can get factory refurbished 210mm sliders for iro £70.

 

[Gareth J]

If you're going to do lots of repetitive square (or angled) cuts, something that can make them will save loads of time. Maybe your furniture projects would benefit. You don't need one to learn though and as a second tool after the welder, a 4.5" angle grinder would be a better purchase.

 

[Kent]

Yes you need a chop saw unless you have enough space and money for a decent bandsaw get an abrasive wheel one it will handle all you need anyhow
Just add a dust mask a full face visor and a dust pan and brush
Tct types are to greedy on blades though hss slow cut off saws with coolant feeds are a level tye with bandsaws imo

 

[Richard.]

I have an abrasive wheel chop saw and I never use it now. Noisy , sparks, dust etc. it would carve through metal easily and quickly but if you've people living close by it's not great. A now use a horizontal bandsaw for every thing. It's a good bit slower than the chop saw but on the other hand it's quicker. I can chuck several bits of flat clamped up in the vice and leave it to do its thing while I crack on.

 

[sardine]

The key with the rage type saws is not to force the cut, just let it go at its own speed.

 

[ms08]

I was in the same position as you...bought a horizontal band saw from Machine Mart using one of their VAT free offers.
Just put it together yesterday but not used in anger yet.
Not a fan of chop saws I am afraid.......noise and digits.

 

[addjunkie]

I have band saw rarley use it, except for solid bar to machine.

Use thin cutting discs and 41/2 grinder. Also have an evolution mitre saw, tct blade, used it a few times, on angle etc. for miters,

Had an abrasivve chop saw too much noise, dust etc no thanks

 

[skotl]

I have an evo rage chopsaw and, for the money, it's great (or relegate to "fine" if you have higher standards than me )

I try to use it in the garden rather than in the garage cos, as said, it throws out tons of dust and splinters. I also tend to wear a full face welding mask and a woolly hat to stop my face and head getting lacerated by what it's spitting out.

It's not the most accurate of beasts but if you have a lot of cuts to make it's a lot easier and quicker than using the angle grinder.

 

[CornishPete]

I'm in a similar position looking at a chopsaw. I realise a bandsaw is better in a lot of ways but they're not exactly portable. I'm looking at a chopsaw to get out and use on drive or garden so If you did have to get a chopsaw would you recommend a tct one or an abrasive wheel one? Also, how are they less accurate/square than using an angle grinder? I was looking at one so cuts are more square and accurate!

 

[Richard.]

I'm in a similar position looking at a chopsaw. I realise a bandsaw is better in a lot of ways but they're not exactly portable. I'm looking at a chopsaw to get out and use on drive or garden so If you did have to get a chopsaw would you recommend a tct one or an abrasive wheel one? Also, how are they less accurate/square than using an angle grinder? I was looking at one so cuts are more square and accurate!

I don't think they are less accurate than a hand grinder. (An angle grinder is only as accurate as the guy on the end) if I was going to buy one I'd have a cold cut now.