chop saw opinions pleas

[cookey]

hi lads seen theas chop saws so i sed ill order one as they are cheap whats opinions and any one have one ??

http://www.wholesaleweldingsupplies...duct/product&path=141_691_702&product_id=3439

 

[cookey]

 

[anto44]

I haven't used one of them particular saws but have used similar. They're a good saw but I don't think the blade would last too long if your cutting a lot of steel with it. What will you be using it to cut mainly?

 

[cookey]

its just for hobby and diy work in shed ..
im going to try making a atv tipper trailer

 

[Bsmith]

Did you note that it's 110v? Their tools are reasonable priced.

 

[norlander]

I have a baby one I use from time to time to cut light box section/angle (steel). I have found the blade lasts longer if you do the cut in bursts-ie cut a bit, lift the blade for a few secs, then cut another bit.
Noise can be hideous, so wear ear protection, and gloves etc cos they can spit out shrapnel.Not bad for the money.

 

[arthur]

After band saws and abrasive cutting for years I just got a Raptor (the pro ish ver of the rage TCT) it cuts very well and as said is very noisy, cuts are clean and quick and I use it mainly for mitres, warning would be work needs to be clamped correctly and cuts thought out I.e not just dropped in a band saw and left to do its thing, when things go wrong at 1500 rpm damage to the 100 quid blade are often loss of teeth and warping, we have used TCT blades for many applications other than steel. All in all I am pleased with mine so far, the pros and cons often end up that you own them all in the end.

 

[norlander]

warning would be work needs to be clamped correctly

Good point, the material clamping is not top quality on some of them, I have glued sandpaper to the fence, and I have wooden blocks faced with sandpaper which I use to hold against the workpiece, helps distance my hand from the blade as well.

 

[arthur]

Agree, It's the silly things, angle iron needs a block for support etc, thin flat bar I'd stick to the grinder, if it goes wrong it's going to cost you something, I'd NOT want to have an accident with one involving flesh!

They are a long way from a slow turning cold saw but faster and more consistent than a band saw, I'd like to find a safer method but at 300 quid it was worth a go in my case.

 

[cookey]

They suply 110v plus 220v ..
Well I have it orderd so will have to w8 and see what it is like it's was at a good price that's the main reason for the buy

 

[sardine]

I use the circular saw version, cuts up to 6 mm plate, one of the best tools I've ever owned. No problems with the blades, the key is never to force the cut, just guide it gently.

Every new model they bring out is more flimsy though. Mine is one of the first models, built like a tank.

 

[Perry Owens]

I have one of those. I quickly found out that it doesn't like rebar! I bought a new blade and now just use it for wood and stick to my Warco bandsaw for metal.

Perry

 

[Bede]

I use Evolution Raptors. Got through 5 or 6 now but they get hammered at work. They are a fantastic tool but keep pressure very light on the blade and let the blade do the work. We use the blue steel TCT blade and pay £66 from Buck & Hickman. Everywhere else are far more expensive.

I've had the Rage chopsaws too but the extra money for the Raptor is worth it as the bed and clamp are much more heavy duty.

 

[cookey]

The price of a new blade for eveluation rage 4 is 37 euro ..
Not that expencive iv tought and you can get them edged for a fiver I I think when I get the saw if I'm happy with it I'll just buy a few more blades ..
Also get a decent clamping system sorted

 

[Bede]

The Raptor and Rage II are 355 mm blades.

 

[Kent]

I haven't used a TCT bladed saw buy I cannot see how they could be better than a "proper QUALITY" band saw? I use abrasive wheel as I have broken metal chop saw blades before and its not good and very costly ( I can live with the dust for now) .

 

[norlander]

I haven't used a TCT bladed saw buy I cannot see how they could be better than a "proper QUALITY" band saw? I

Because they are light and easy to shift around, create minimal, if any sparks, and have their place in some peoples tool set up.

 

[cookey]

if one could have a band saw at a cheap price i would but i dont have the money to buy a ban saw

 

[Bede]

I run both. The chop saw is dead quick for cutting light stuff like box section upto about 60mm (although it'll cut upto 100 x 100) and flats and angle but it's horribly noisy. Anything bigger goes on the bandsaw.

Have roller tracks set up on both to accommodate 7.6m stock lengths with ease.

They both serve a purpose. But a decent bandsaw is pushing a grand used, running into many thousands new, against about £350 for a new Raptor.

 

[arthur]

We have a number of band saw's that I use, a larger industrial (old) not sure of blade size or make but approx an inch and quarter tall blade with cutting fluid and a couple of smaller hobby style saw's, the smaller saw's are great for free hand quick cuts, load and forget cuts, and other simple fabrication tasks, I do get frustrated with them as ours are not consistant mainly as they are now so worn now, but even from new they were never reliable IMO for angle work (they are only low end) they are very slow compared to the TCT but quiet and reliable, they seem to need the correct amount of downforce for the tasks or they go widoy off line and quality band saw blades are a must, guess it depends on how much of a rush your in and what you need to cut. As said a band saw and TCT are a very handy duo.