Misusing tools for fun and profit?

Joined
Aug 24, 1999
Messages
933
Hey, all...had a quick question. I just picked up an older Makita table saw. It takes the small 8" blades, and I got to thinking (which is always dangerous...ask my wife about the Bognor Birdman competition and watch her shudder reflexively!!):

Can you put a cut-off wheel on a table saw, and use it to cut, or 'rip' steel? I just wonder, because I have some 1/4" stock that's been chewing through bandsaw blades like they're candy. Mind you, I know it wouldn't be fast, if it's even possible, but could you do it? I don't have a lot of cash to buy a multitude of saws and such with, so most of my stuff does double/triple/infinite duty.

Thoughts?

:confused:
 
I have been thinking about doing the same thing. Jim Hrisoulas has diagrams in one of his books of them. Also, they used to make, and maybe still do, industrial machines like you are talking about. They even had auto feed and stuff.

Let us know if you make one and how it works. I bet she could have some nasty kick back though.
 
Here's my throught, if you care very much for the table saw and plan on useing it to do wood working in the future, I wouldn't put a metal cutting blade on it, but thats just my take. I used an old hand held skilsaw with a metal cutting blade a lot before I got my chopsaw, and I still use it some yet, you can rip and chop with it, just use a good face shield. Also I use dewalt cermic metal cutting blades, they seem to hold up pretty well.

Have fun

Bill
 
I wouldn't do it. Just because a chop saw wheel may fit, doesn't mean it's the right thing to do. I'm talking about safety. A table saw is a dangerous tool all on its own, let alone one modified well beyond its original purpose.

Ask yourself: How valuable are my fingers?

You hit the nail on the head in the title of your post, Bill. Misuse. I've done some real bonehead things in my day, but I've learned time and again that shortcuts rarely, if ever, produce the desired results.

Jeff:p
 
I use a 10in miter saw with a metal cutting blade to do all my profiling. I've had it about 18 months now with no problem. The only problem I have is when cutting thick stock I have to let it rest 30 sec or so every couple of minutes to keep the motor from getting to hot.

Steve
Double S Custom
 
I have used a set up like this for many years. I had a old table saw, and lots of used up chop saw blades that were too small to fit my 14" chop saw. I put one of these worn down chop saw blades on the table saw and it has worked great. I have used it for many different projects. I have used it to cut strips of 1/8 metal, which leaves a much smoother finish than a cutting torch, I used to slot guards on it until I bought a milling machine. I had a problem with the motor overheating until I bought a 1 hp motor. I would hate to be without it. As far as safety, I have never had a chop saw blade come apart on this table saw or on my chop saw, and I have used up dozens and dozens of chopsaw blades. I use safety glasses, a respirator, and full face shield, but really feel the danger is minimal.
 
I used an old Craftsman 10" with the chop blades quite a bit and never had any problem. I always felt a bit uneasy so treated it with a great amount of respect, being extremely careful not to get things in a bind, and never got lax.
 
Danger Will Robinson! chop saw blades DO come apart and it's nasty. A tablesaw doesnt have any sort of shield on it and the blade is turning in a way to be always aiming at YOU! if yer gonna do that it would be better to use a skillsaw they have a good guard over the blade and then you can clamp the steel in a vise or something for way better control. Harbor Freight has 14" cutoff saws on sale for $50 Thats the best way to go.
 
I am using a old Black and decker table saw that uses the 7 1/4 inch cutoff wheels now myself.I picked it up at a yard sale for 10 bucks and don't really care if I burn it up.But I have been using it for almost a year now with no problems.Just don't dog it to much or let stuff get in a bind.I have seen the big cutoff wheels explode when I was using a gas powered metal cutoff saw at the scrap yard and it isn't pretty or funny when the pieces hit you (as how I know)
Just use your head when using a set up like this and you should be fine.
Bruce
 
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