thinking of geting a cold saw....what do you think???

[mud ice]

hey everyone...i am looking into a new chop saw and wanted to know somethings....

i was looking into a cold saw kinda like this one
http://www.nationaltoolsupply.com/detail.cfm?ID=LC1230&storeid=1
i have been kinda reading up a little on them but the only thing i dont like is it only has a 4 1/2" cutting capacitie at 90% and 3 1/2" at 45% and i have never seen one or used one but i am sick of the abrasive disk kind. i have a nice plasma cutter so most flat stock i can use that. i just want something nice for cutting 45 deg's and what not. or should i get a cheap 14" chop saw and then get a nice band saw???

thanks

[Eroq]

i like cold saws, no dust to deal with. BUT you need to have the cooling system for them and all that. and make sure its always working properly.

i would say get a cheap chopsaw and get good cutting wheels for it.

[Bowtie972]

Chop saws are nice, straight cuts.  I wouldnt go too cheap if your gonna use it alot.  I had two different cheap ones and burned them both up. Then I bought my Rigid brand and have had it for 3 years now with no troubles.   I guess it depends on how much your gonna use it.  Definately buy brand name blades, Dewalt, Milwaukee ETC.  blades from Harbor freight are junk!



Just My                 

[mud ice]

i found this one...they sell online for around $380



and i fixed the link on the first post...dont know what i did.... lol

[Econo-box from Hell]

I built most of my Metro using a chop saw.  I read your link and I think it is a good way to saw metal.  I purchased a band saw to reduce the amount of abrasive material flying around the shop.

[mud ice]

true on the band saw...i have never seen one of these saws in action but i bet unless you build a hood kinda like a box around it. you would probably have sharp steel pices all over the shop like a nibbler

[Wild One]

We have a Milwakee at work. 
Pros:   Cuts great. Reasonable price
Cons:  Lots of steel shaving fly, VERY LOUD.
           Blades go for about $85.00  each, for a good one.

Just upgraded to a good bandsaw, 
Cons:   A lot of  $$$,     but well worth it, if enough work.
            Larger floor space.
Pros:    Cuts great. No flying steel, and quiet.
            Blades go for about $32.00 and have at least double the life.

Weigh your needs,  keep your eye on auctions, good luck on either.
I am in Lapeer too, if you want to see both, PM me, they are in Oxford.

[bigdawg41]

imo alot of money for 1 tool. i have a bandsaw, blades are about $20 each. saw was about $200 10 years ago. has been a very good investment.  for $380 you could get a bandsaw and a chopsaw. just a thought.  if my saw was to small for the job i was working on i grabbed my torches and then my grinder to clean things up. hope this helps.