Cut steel with recip saw


  #1  
Old 06-30-05, 10:07 AM
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Cut steel with recip saw

I need to cut some steel fencing down. The rails are about 1/8" x 2". Should I cut with the blade flat on the 2" side or straight down the 1/8" side? Should the blade be flat against the metal or at an angle? Sawing motion or just hold the blade in one spot?
 
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Old 06-30-05, 11:21 AM
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You should cut the 1/8" edge.
Place the foot firmly against the 2" side to prevent the saw from bouncing.
 
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Old 06-30-05, 11:24 AM
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I would

Cut it from the 1/8 side.
Keep the blade at a comfortable angle.
Not use sawing motion, that's the saw's job.

There are really no rules (except safety, of course) when using a demolition tool. It's not like appearance will matter Just do what gives you best results fast.
 
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Old 06-30-05, 01:18 PM
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Place the blade at least a 45-degree angle to the metal surface, if not 90-degrees. You want to cut the cross-section of the rail. I find that the blade cuts faster when applied this way.
 
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Old 06-30-05, 05:32 PM
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Moving the saw a bit helps to use different parts of the blade.

Make sure you use a blade for thinner metals (higher tooth count).

Cut on the 1/8 inch side.
 
 

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