I'm just looking for something that can cut through steel about a 1/4" inch thick, but for as little as possible. I was thinking of a jeweler's saw for something quick (even if it takes some time) and cheap, but I wanna see what others more knowledgeable would say. I won't be using this too much, just on occasion, so long-lasting isn't necessary (nor would I expect it).
Posted May 29, 2021, 4:16 AM UTC
Grinder?
Angle grinders are cheap.
I splurged and got a harbor freight band saw (Bauer?) $100 and it cuts anything but is handheld. I added a $140 SWAG off-road table, and I now have a pretty cheap bandsaw that cuts anything like butter.
Regardless of what you go with, learn about blades. TPI, coatings, composition, chip load. That will make more difference than anything when it comes to cutting. You don't want to be using a fine wood finishing blade to try and cut steel plate. This in itself will make your life much easier regardless of what you pick.
I've been using a jig saw with a metal blade lately and I am pretty much convinced there is nothing better. I also like the m12 3" cut off saw from Milwaukee. Been a beast removing galvanized piping.
What kind of blade on jig saw? I tried some bosch metal blades to cut 2mm sheet metal but it was so painful I just went back to regular angle grinder. I can't imagine jig saw cutting 6mm anywhere near at a comfortable pace, unless that was the only tool available.
The Lennox blades are cheap and good. They have a light metal, mid and thick. Run the saw on slow speed. Like 1/3 pressure on the switch and its fantastic. If the steel is good quality, a little lube goop makes it go faster. I was cutting 4.5 mm the other day on my cordless saw and really playing with the speed of the blade. Makes all the difference.
Skil saw with a diablo steel demon blade. Besure to cover all skin and wear a face shield and you'll be golden those blades cut almost any thing. I've cut steel like wood with those blades.
Get a portable band saw. Corded. Harbor freight. You can splurge and go cordless.
Cheap angle grinder with metal cutoff wheel, clean and quick. Or cheap reciprocating saw, whichever you’re most likely to get more use out of. Use PPE.
Hack saws are cheap, but buy a good blade.
Just use a skillsaw. Wear long sleeves and eye pro with some clamps. You’ll be fiiiine.
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A good quality blade on a hacksaw makes all the difference in the world too.