Re: Non Abrasive Metal Cutting Chop Saw

On 5/21/2025 1:30 PM, Bob La Londe wrote:

I waste a couple inches over the course of chopping blanks from a 12ft (standard stock length) piece of bar stock.  A couple inches of waste is no big deal, but a couple inches added onto the remnant at the end of the bar can mean one more blank and one more completed part.

I bought a Fein carbide tooth metal cutting band saw from Zoro (Grainger retail).  With a 20% off coupon it was fairly cheap as this type of saw goes.  I used it for the first time today with the blade it came with. Knowing a bit of issue can occur and having used carbide toothed blade son faster saws to cut aluminum in the past I lubricated my cuts with WD40.  I buy WD40 by the case from MSC after shopping around to find the best price per ounce.
I can't speak to how it will cut steel (mild steel at hardest I would assume), but it cuts aluminum okay.
Maybe its a free spin vs load thing, but it definitely slows down in the cut.   I was cutting 2 pieces of 1/2 x 2 6061 at a time into sections for mold blanks.  I was just working on the ground (concrete slab) outdoors using scrap metal to support the stock.
Its fast.  Functionally it was cutting one inch wide by 2 inches high, and it was very quick.  I am reminded why I hate working on the ground however.  If this becomes part of my regular work flow I'll have to build a cutting table for it that supports the sock and has a work step.   This has the disadvantage that I have to stand there to use this saw, but its so quick compared to the horizontal bands aw that it might be worth it for the stock that fits in it.
Its not perfectly square cutting, but its pretty close.  I haven't taken any effort to square anything yet, and cut pieces long for now like I do with the horizontal band saw.  I can see it saving a few work pieces over time if I get it setup on a proper work table built for it and spend a little time squaring everything up.  I do have some miter stands that are not currently in use, but they don't have enough length of support in my opinion.  Roller stands are definitely not the right solution.  I've used them (and still use them) but they have their issues.
I can very much see somebody buying one of these and never buying a horizontal band saw.
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Bob La Londe
CNC Molds N Stuff
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