Alright, so all I've got is a port-a-band which is really hard to make straight cuts with, and a cheap crappy 14" metal circular saw. The circ. saw pretty much met it's match today against 2x4x1/4 tubing. Took about 5 minutes to get an eight of the way through it so I gave up. So, short of getting a full size bandsaw (I don't have room) what are some good (and hopefully not to expensive) metal saws you guys use?

 

chop saw and angle grinder

 

Harbor frieght 14" chop shop. under 100. Or you can buy a horizontal/vertical band saw for around 200.

 

The 14" saw I have is probably a Harbor Freight or equivalent, complete with engrish warning stickers lol. Maybe mine is just old and worn out (it's gotta be 10+ years old)? Do you or anyone you know have one? Can it cut 2x4x1/4 tube?


P.S. I've found out that some people custom make a table that the porta-band mounts to effectively turning it into a vertical bandsaw. I may just try it.

 

I use my 14" chop saw to cut my 2x4 tubing, as well as C channel... and all kinds of othere things that will fit in it.

I also have the harbor frieght horizontal bandsaw.. as well as a porta band. Each tool has its own purpose. I use my porta band to cut my DOM..... I use the band saw when I am doing a lot of repeatable cuts. I use the chop saw If there is no issue with fitting weldments up, or where EXACT (to the 32nd) measurements are not critical.

 

Dewalt Angle Grinder, and a SawZall with a hack blade works good.

 

i use a horizontal band saw now..but you said you dont have room. i used to only use a 4.5 inch grinder for every cut.

swagoffroad.com has a couple stands for making a portaband into a vertical badsaw. they have two different styles($45-80)....they also make a bunch of other cool diy stuff.

 

i got a chop saw it works good but i wish i had a horizontal band saw so much nicer cuts and quiter. if you can afford it id get the band saw.

 

with the chop saw it's all about where you have the metal positioned. try moving it forward or backward so it's not cutting as much material all at once. it sounds stupid but it will make a world of difference. i've used expensive and inexpensive saws and it mattered on both of them

 

milwaukee has a toothed metal chop saw that makes the nicest cuts ive ever seen. just bought one and worth every penny, heres a link.

http://www.cpomilwaukee.com/factory-...l-cutting-saws

 

Not Fab, moved to Chat.

 

We have these at work....simply awesome when sharp.

At home I use a Menards metal cutting chop saw or reciprocating saw with a metal cutting blade. I've also used a circular saw with the abrasive blade in the past.