Miter saw to cut steel?

[Moose-Hunter]

Howdy All...

I need to cut up a bunch of 2x2 steel angle and some 1x2 square tubing. I can't get a hold of my buddy's chop saw, but have a cutting wheel that just happens to fit my power miter saw. This saw was originally designed to cut wood, but couldn't I just pull off the blade and replace it with the wheel without any problems?

Thanks....

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M-H (aka: Dan)

[#Boater#]

Two things moose-hunter,
First, the power of your mitre saw may not have the power to withstand a lot of cutting. It will take more time and you need to let the saw cool down. Secondly, most mitre saws have aluminum decks on them. The steel will wear on the surface pretty fast. If you can attatch a thin piece of plywood to the surface would help a lot. Good luck, I hope this helps ya....

[Moose-Hunter]

Hey there Boater....

Thanks for the info and the heads up about the deck. I kind of figured on the extended cool down times. Just gotta take it slow and easy.

Now for another question.... My saw, although of commercial grade, still has some plastic parts on it. Such as the drop down guard and the dust chute/tube. I'm a bit concerned about things melting from all the sparks/filings. Would it be a good idea (to prevent damage to the saw) to remove these plastic pieces?

Thanks....

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M-H (aka: Dan)

[IFallsRon]

You can get a portable band saw with a steel-cutting blade at most rental places. They're pretty much a power hacksaw. You'll get a more accurate cut.

[Surface Tension]

Before you go out and buy a bunch of abrasive blades, which you'll need, you may want to get yourself a reciprocating saw. It'll cut faster, cleaner and a whole lot of less noise and sparks. Keep the cutting speed down and the blades will last a lot longer.

[Moose-Hunter]

Thanks for the help guys....

Now that I'm going to be working more in steel and aluminum, I can probably convince myself to pick up a few more tools. (As if THAT were tough anyway. )

I found a band saw at a local rental shop, so I think I'm going that route for this project, then it's tool shopin' time!!

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M-H (aka: Dan)

[ChuckN]

I've tried several tools for cutting angle iron and the best method was a metal cutting blade used on my circular saw. The blade was cheap and it was brown in color, looked like it was made of thick sand paper. LOL I don't recall the name of it, but boy did it cut a lot of steel. You can't miss it on the shelf. It will work on a miter saw too.

Recipricating saw was not good, especially after burning several blades up on each cut, and spending lots of $$$.

[Surface Tension]

Chuck keep the speed down and the foot tight on your work and the blades last a long time.