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Miter saws can be a useful addition to your work sets and are capable of cutting precise pieces. Its ability to cut through dense materials is undisputed. But, can a mitersaw actually cut metal?
If youre uneasy about potentially damaging your power tool, our pro woodworkers will share what they know from years of experience in this guide.
Common Cuts Can Be Made With A Miter Saw
Miter sawsare known to be a handy tool when making accurate degree crosscuts, bevel cuts, and compound cuts. What woodworkers love most about this power tool is its ability to produce the most accurate cuts, especially with articulate woodworking projects.
Is It A Good Idea To Use A Miter Saw To Cut Metal?
The versatility of miter saws has been demonstrated.
What To Consider
Miter Saws Motor Power
The miter saw’s motor power is designed to trim and cut wood pieces. This means you could overwork your engine if it’s used for cutting aluminum or other harder metals. Exercise caution and safety because while it has the ability to cut ferrous metal and non-ferrous metals, theres always a risk of disintegrating the blades, and the sparks flying.
Miter Saw Blade Type And TPI
The number of standard blade teeth for miter saws that cut wood varies depending on the type and size of the cut. It can vary from 60 to 80. However, with metal, most miter saws require a blade change with smaller teeth, to make it more apt for the harder material.
The Overall Condition Of The Miter Saw
It is important to assess the condition of your mitersaw before you expand its useability for cutting steel. This is especially true since it was not intended to do so.
How To Safely Cut Metal With A Miter Saw
You should be realistic about your expectations before you start to cut steel with a mitersaw or break PVC with it. It won’t be as efficient with it as wood. Our experts recommend looking for a triple chip grind blade, to achieve cleaner cuts and minimize the debris falling out since metal cutting produces more metal chips.
1. The Best Miter Saw Blades For Cutting Metal
There are many saw blades you can replace your saws with when cutting metal. Keep in mind that since there are different metal pieces, each will require a certain blade type, hence heres a breakdown for your reference.
Aluminum Oxide Blades
For cutting metal pieces like aluminum bars and pipes, we recommend working with aluminum oxide blades as the material of the blade allows more precise cuts.
Diamond Blades
Miter saws can cut many materials and can also be used to cut cast Irons. As long as the blade is replaced with a diamond-bladed angle grinder, it will work. The blade will not last as long as you expect because it grinds the material instead of ripping or trimming.
Carbide Blades
It is important to use the right blade type for quality metal cutting. A carbide metal cutting blade is more wear-resistant and has varieties that make it a perfect material for working cuts with ferrous metal building materials such as steel roofing, and nonferrous metals.
Calibrate a slower blade speed with carbide blades to cold cut saws, and it wont need an abrasive wheel to get going.
2. The Blade TPI Is Available Here
A Teeth per Inch (TPI), between 14-16, is recommended to cut aluminum pieces without causing damage.
Metal Cutting Blades Will Last On A Miter Saw.
Every power tool is purpose-built. A metal cutting blade, while an option for mitering, will not last as long as a standard miter saw. A standard miter saw can last for 30 to 60 years, provided it is well-maintained and used purposely, but a lot can happen with these kinds of modifications.
Is It Possible To Damage A Miter Saw By Cutting Metal?
Knowing how to attach the correct blade or grinding disk, the proper cutting speed and understanding the motors of saws will give you an advantage when cutting metal with your miter saw. Following these considerations and safety precautions based on theusers guidewill avoid damage to your miter saw.
To avoid any damage to the metal parts, our team recommends that the blade be run at full speed before cutting. This power tool is not made specifically for metal. It’s best to avoid using it frequently for metal or larger pieces.
Also, remember that when working with metal and any saw, use necessary and proper safety gears to prevent accidents.
Alternative Saws And Blades For Cutting Metal
Other than a miter-saw, there are many other saws that can cut metals, such as a circular saw, chop saw, or one with an abrasive disk. The compound sliding miter is another famous saw that can be used interchangeably with chop saws.
A ferrous metal cutting knife can be used to cut mild steel or a steel angle. A rotary tool, on the other hand is better for cutting stainless materials. DeWalt, Evolution Power Tools and other brands offer metal cutting tools. You can also check with your local hardware shop.
FAQ
Is there a metal that is easier to cut than others?
Modified miters or the famous chop saw are more effective for cutting non-ferrous materials, such as aluminum, laminate flooring and copper.
Conclusion
Tools are designed purposely and trying to use them in other ways than their necessary features should be carefully researched. A metal saw might be a good investment for professionals in the construction trade. Metal cutting with a miter saw can cause damage to the machine.
