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More of a beginner SS MarkV question
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 6:36 am
by cobra.driver
Can you use this machine to cut rebar? I'm not sure about a saw blade out there that can do it or if the motor can handle it.
Thx,
Vladimir
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 11:03 am
by Gene Howe
A ferrous metal cutting blade in the band saw would work.
At slow speed and a judicious feed rate, there's reason the motor wouldn't handle it.
A dedicated chop saw would be much better.
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 11:31 pm
by riot_nrrd
I have used the grinding wheel arbor, a cutoff wheel, and plenty of cutting fluid to cut steel rod before... but it was slow going. Lots of sparks (and associated metal fragments, so cover important parts with aluminium foil and no dust collector!). Be careful.
Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 11:48 pm
by a1gutterman
cobra.driver wrote:Can you use this machine to cut rebar? I'm not sure about a saw blade out there that can do it or if the motor can handle it.
Thx,
Vladimir
Although the SS is primarily a wood working machine, people (including SS) have converted them to metal work. You just need the right attachments/blades/etc.
Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2010 12:33 am
by JPG
If using an abrasive cutoff wheel, be aware of the following:
The by products(sparks[hot metal fragments]) and abrasive grit(wheel wear) are not friendly to the ss. Protect any part that will be subjected to the debris.
The metal 'workpieces' will mar/scratch the aluminum tables etc.
The wheel is prone to breakage(pieces flying off) so do not place yourself in a position to 'catch' them.
Sparks are hot enough to start a fire. Keep combustable material away from them.
Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2010 1:48 am
by iclark
cobra.driver wrote:Can you use this machine to cut rebar? I'm not sure about a saw blade out there that can do it or if the motor can handle it.
can you - yes.
do you want to - probably not.
using a vise and a hacksaw is too quick and easy compared to the prep work and clean up required to safely cut soft iron on your woodworking tools.
just my opinion, of course,
Ivan
Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2010 1:04 pm
by cobra.driver
Well thank you very much for all this expertise and sage wisdom.
Survey SAAAYYYYYSSSSS?
GRRRNNNNTTT
I shall use the time honored hack-saw or better yet find a shop to cut a length for me. Whats the worse that could happen there? I'm out 5 bucks?
Thanx again
Vladimir
cutting rebar
Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2010 1:53 pm
by fiatben
Unless it had to be very specific length, I bought a HUGE bolt cutter at HF which is what I would use to trim a piece or two of rebar. If it was more than that I would probably put the appropriate blade in my little $15 Craftsman jigsaw, put the rebar in a vise, and cut away. Personally, unless there was absolutely no way around it, I would never cut metal in my SS with the possible exception of the bandsaw and then I would have to think long and hard about it.
Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2010 2:50 pm
by tom_k/mo
I just use my "gas axe" (acetylene torch). It makes short work of rebar...
Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2010 3:20 pm
by mickyd
This may violate one or more OSHA / common sense rules but......I cut bolts by chucking them up, going to slowest speed, and cutting it with a hand held hacksaw as the rotates. Works fine for me.