Cutting round bar

[mrsbruce]

When cutting round stock for the lathe (up to 50mm diameter), I use an Evolution Rage chop saw, and I love it, but my abuse has blunted the blade, so am ordering a couple of new ones, of course. I originally used a Lidle ‘special’ grinding blade chop saw, but it is scary sparkly when using it, so it doesn’t get used much (coward at heart, me).

Conclusion, maybe I should be thinking of an alternative. I do not have room for a decent powered hacksaw (although now I think of it, it could live in the hut porch, if kept covered). Also, it would have to be the smallest available (Small porch). This has led me to consider buying one of those portable bandsaws, complete with stand.

Any advice on what might be the best approach to take? Invest in a Clarke/Axminster powered hacksaw, or the cheaper portable bandsaw.

Remember, cost, and space are the key for me, also we are not talking huge amount of use.

 

[Dr.Al]

When cutting round stock for the lathe (up to 50mm diameter), I use an Evolution Rage chop saw, and I love it, but my abuse has blunted the blade, so am ordering a couple of new ones, of course. I originally used a Lidle ‘special’ grinding blade chop saw, but it is scary sparkly when using it, so it doesn’t get used much (coward at heart, me).

Conclusion, maybe I should be thinking of an alternative. I do not have room for a decent powered hacksaw (although now I think of it, it could live in the hut porch, if kept covered). Also, it would have to be the smallest available (Small porch). This has led me to consider buying one of those portable bandsaws, complete with stand.

Any advice on what might be the best approach to take? Invest in a Clarke/Axminster powered hacksaw, or the cheaper portable bandsaw.

Remember, cost, and space are the key for me, also we are not talking huge amount of use.

I wouldn't want to be without my bandsaw for any metal working really. Mine is the Clarke 6×4 one which I guess might be too big for you? They regularly appear on ebay (search for bandsaw metal or horizontal bandsaw) second hand for £100 or thereabouts. Or you could talk nicely to @Mikey D and see if you can have his broken one before he breaks it up for spares for the likes of me! Might be a fun little project to restore it.

I've never used a powered hacksaw so others might be better placed to comment on them, but everything I've read says that a bandsaw is the best tool for cutting through a lot of metal stock.

 

[Munkul]

My brother bought the big evolution 355mm saw, and the TCT blades last impressively well for cutting all kinds! I'd just keep a spare blade for your evo rage, and keep using it, if I were you.

I love my bandsaw, but there's some jobs that it's wayyy faster to blitz through with the chop saw.

 

[slimjim]

Make a powered hacksaw, out of a hacksaw, must be plenty of ones made on YouTube.

 

[God mode restorations]

Angle grinder with a 0.8 cutting disk. That's what I use. Mark the length and scribe the line. Sorted.

 

[Stupoty]

When cutting round stock for the lathe (up to 50mm diameter), I use an Evolution Rage chop saw, and I love it, but my abuse has blunted the blade, so am ordering a couple of new ones, of course. I originally used a Lidle ‘special’ grinding blade chop saw, but it is scary sparkly when using it, so it doesn’t get used much (coward at heart, me).

Conclusion, maybe I should be thinking of an alternative. I do not have room for a decent powered hacksaw (although now I think of it, it could live in the hut porch, if kept covered). Also, it would have to be the smallest available (Small porch). This has led me to consider buying one of those portable bandsaws, complete with stand.

Any advice on what might be the best approach to take? Invest in a Clarke/Axminster powered hacksaw, or the cheaper portable bandsaw.

Remember, cost, and space are the key for me, also we are not talking huge amount of use.

I love my evolution rage chop saw but the one thing it doesn't like to cut is thick bar stock , I found that destroyed the blade very quickly.

(mileage may vary and all that)

 

[ukracer]

Angle grinder with a 0.8 cutting disk. That's what I use. Mark the length and scribe the line. Sorted.

Yeah. For minimum use that's a better option than fast chop saw.

 

[God mode restorations]

Yeah. For minimum use that's a better option than fast chop saw.

I use this method 95 percent of the time. If you mark it correctly you can get a very good result in cutting it true.

 

[Munkul]

I love my evolution rage chop saw but the one thing it doesn't like to cut is thick bar stock , I found that destroyed the blade very quickly.

(mileage may vary and all that)

This makes sense... TCT likes section more than solid because of a) chip loading will be high on solid bar, and b) there is no cooling effect so blades will overheat in solid bar.
For angle, pipe and box section, I've been super impressed with how well TCT blades work and last.

 

[gaz1]

Angle grinder with a 0.8 cutting disk. That's what I use. Mark the length and scribe the line. Sorted.

Yeah. For minimum use that's a better option than fast chop saw.

I just use same as them normal 4 1/2" grinder and spin the bar while cutting it

chop saw and bandsaw is more for precise work so dont tend to use them

both chop saw and grinder are sparky dont be scared of them whilst the rage saw is chippy hot bits

 

[slim_boy_fat]

When cutting round stock for the lathe (up to 50mm diameter)

As @spencer 427 says, angle grinder. I wrap a piece of electrical tape round the bar [other types are available ] to get it 'square' then cut it, turning if necessary. Gives acceptable results most of the time, especially as you'll likely be facing it off in the lathe anyway.

 

[fizzy]

I have only tried cutting bar stock once with my big Rage saw once. Give me a bandsaw any day.
I am very tempted with a hand held bandsaw though. Much easier to take the saw to the work - especially on long bars.

 

[jgr2015]

The more options the better - I have to say as a recreational metalworker, the 6x4 bandsaw is one of my favourite tools for utility and value. I bought a second hand one from ebay and I wouldn't be without one now. It works far better than anyone has a right to expect. A big unexpected bonus is the relative quietness.

 

[fizzy]

I fancy one of these - not cheap though!

https://www.lawson-his.co.uk/makita-2107fk-portable-bandsaw-710watt-21-p29985

 

[God mode restorations]

I totally detest those rage saws. Awful things. I know some of you guys and gals use them...one thing I will say about the grinder and 0.8 disc is make sure the work piece is supported just before the cut line. After the cut line I have supports that are a couple of millimeters lower..this allows the off cut to drop a little without nipping the disc...the 0.8 discs are great but can easily shatter...

 

[Gareth J]

A cold cut saw might fit the bill. Smaller than a hacksaw or bandsaw and far less angry than a rage (clue's in the name!) And much less messy than an abrasive.

Generally a bit pricey though.

 

[Kram]

The aldi bandsaw is great for small space, mine lives under the lathe bench and move it outside to use.

 

[God mode restorations]

A cold cut saw might fit the bill. Smaller than a hacksaw or bandsaw and far less angry than a rage (clue's in the name!) And much less messy than an abrasive.

Generally a bit pricey though.

Yes a cold saw is the best...big money for a nice one with a good size. 355mm is the biggest I believe

 

[123hotchef]

I fancy one of these - not cheap though!

https://www.lawson-his.co.uk/makita-2107fk-portable-bandsaw-710watt-21-p29985

I have the makita one its good but it dont cut straight enough for anything critical

 

[fizzy]

I have the makita one its good but it dont cut straight enough for anything critical

I guessed that would be a problem with handheld but ideal for chopping bits off long bars to go in the lathe etc.
Alternative is for me to have a huge tidy up so I can get long pieces in my horizontal bandsaw - oh and get a roller rest thing