Chop Saw abrasive blade life?

**Gage2502** · 05-15-2012, 05:39 PM

Hello guys, me again, Anyway I was looking at getting a DeWalt Chop Saw #D28710 and wanted to know how long does the abrasive blades last? I would be cutting 2x4 14 gauge steel, and some angle iron that will be 3/16" thick.
I would use my band saw but getting it out of the basement is not going to work "weight".
Thanks......again.. ~Gage~

**mikecwik** · 05-15-2012, 07:22 PM

id be using the bandsaw in the basement. i cant wait to get a bandsaw so i can throw my dewalt abrasive as far as i can.

**Roger** · 05-15-2012, 07:57 PM

Keep the abrasive saw for what does best, portability.

**Sberry** · 05-15-2012, 09:02 PM

Its a rare day I use a bandsaw, for maint type work and odd ball fab the chop is so fast and can do a lot of things with a skilled operator. A blade goes a long way.

**Blacksmith** · 05-16-2012, 06:02 AM

Yes, an abrasive saw is noisy and messy, but also often used wrong. It cuts best on a narrow section; place a bar on edge, i.e. 1 x 1/4 is stood up to cut across the 1/4 inch, and angle is placed upside down. Plan to catch the slag and debris. Also most of these are underpowered. With typical motor efficiencies, 1 hp at 110-120 volts will draw 7-8 amps so look for saws that claim 2+ hp and draw 15+ amps. You need enough power to be able to press down hard and cut, not just make sparks and dust and wearing the blade out.

**mikecwik** · 05-16-2012, 07:52 AM

i believe that is the same model saw that i use. i never knew it was 4 hp.

back to the question, disc life will depend on individual use. i dont use my saw often but the disc life is nothing i could complain about. they last a long time. while it seems counter productive to buy a 14" and use 12" discs that is what i would recommend. it seems that you get more out of the motor that way and less deflection of the abrasive.

i was just using my poetic license when i said i would throw it, more than likely after the bandsaw comes it would just collect dust or be a tool i wouldn't worry about lending out.

it probably is one of the more dangerous tools to find in a home shop.

**BD1** · 05-16-2012, 08:17 AM

I think a lot depends on blade manufacture and steel. Sometimes the blade seems slow and others it zips
right through. I got a 30 year old Milwaukee that won't quit. It has seen everything and still cuts square. I think its a amazing tool. Its fast, efficient, noisy, messy, and leaves a nice sharp edge to use for drawing blood.
I have a HF band saw for inside and use the chop saw 90% outside only. Unfortunately, we need to have all
kinds of cutting tools. Each has its good and bad points.

**Gage2502** · 05-16-2012, 11:28 AM

I really dont want to bring my band saw outside, its bolted to the floor and it weights about 250lbs. Also I just use it for woodworking. I was worried about the chop saw abrasive blades only lasting a few cuts, I dont mind dust or noise since it will be used outside 99% of the time.
Also the steel that I would be cutting would be hot rolled steel.
Thanks ~Gage~

**BD1** · 05-16-2012, 03:11 PM

Where you located ? I'm near Great America by the Ill/Wis boarder . If you are close by I'll let you borrow one of mine to take home and try out for awhile before you buy one. Let me know.

**Gage2502** · 05-16-2012, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by BD1

Where you located ? I'm near Great America by the Ill/Wis boarder . If you are close by I'll let you borrow one of mine to take home and try out for awhile before you buy one. Let me know.

Wow thanks for the offer that was more than just nice of you, but I think im just going to buy one....The DeWalt I can get for about $160....I noticed that Porter-Cable "PC14CTSD" make one too that has the same specs as DeWalt and the Porter-Cable is $120 with tax.
They both are 15amp 4HP 3800RPMs...
Here are the Specs for the Porter Cable.........
http://www.portercable.com/Products/...roductID=24267

If I remember correctly DeWalt now owns Porter-Cable, Delta, Black & Decker. Wounder if I should just get the Porter-Cable.
~Gage~

**BD1** · 05-16-2012, 09:02 PM

Offer is still good ! You want me to deliver ? Here's some sites that may help.

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...ng-Discussions
http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php...highlight=chop
http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php...highlight=chop
http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php...highlight=chop
http://weldingweb.com/index.php

**Gage2502** · 05-17-2012, 05:30 PM

Ok so I bought the DeWalt Chop Saw, was looking at the blades and there are a few to choose from?
14" x 7/64" x 1" general purpose cutting DW8001
14" x 7/64" x 1" fabrication cutting wheel DW8002
14" x 1/8" x 1" metal cutting blade DW8020
Um any help here would be great???
Whats the difference?
Thanks ~Gage~