[Towertalk] Cutting Plate?

[Robert Chudek K0RC]

Mike,

I couldn't resist sending a "me too" regarding cutting metal.  I have an old
Sears table saw that I use to cut all my aluminum stock, plate, rod, tubing,
channel, whatever.  I could use my radial arm saw, but I like the big
working surface on the table saw better.

The blade I purchased [20+ years ago] is a Kromedge Carbide Tipped 10" with
72 teeth.  Part number on the blade is 720-32556, although I doubt they
still use that number after all these years.  The more teeth, the better.

As others mentioned, you need eye and ear protection...  the cutting process
makes a lot of racket and the small metal chips fly everywhere.  But you
will end up with very straight and clean cuts...  actually, the edges can be
quite sharp and should be knocked off with a sanding block or file.

Cutting very thin stock might require tacking the metal to a piece of scrap
wood.  This will give you better control during the cut.

My 2¢ worth.

73 de Bob - K0RC

[BTW, is this thread going to get a big as "finding true North"?

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Wetzel" <mjwetzel@comcast.net>
To: "Towertalk" <Towertalk@contesting.com>
Sent: Saturday, July 20, 2002 9:29 PM
Subject: [Towertalk] Cutting Plate?


> Thanks for all the past help, one last question.
>
> My sawzall type saw quit working on me a few months ago (burned up the
> rotor, not replaceable) and I want to invest in a saw that can cut 3/8" x
8"
> aluminum plate.   In the past the sawzall evidentially got me through it,
> albeit not the best (kind of wore through it).  I have a small 3" x 6"
> cutoff saw but this cannot (no matter how you rig it) cut the 3/8" x 8"
> plate.  Kind of hard to justify spending $500 or more on something but
does
> anyone know any other saw that might do the job?  I've looked at cheap
band
> saws at Menard's, Lowe's and Homedepot and I doubt if they will do it even
> with a fine pitched blade.  Any suggestions?
>
> Mike W9RE