The title says it all. If I set up a Square tube under a torch on a CNC Plasma cutter and, instead of moving in X, for example, I rotate the tube so that the dx/dt is similar to what it would be for linear IPM, oh, and THC keeps the cutting height constant, can I do a reasonably clean cutoff of square tube?
interestingā¦almost like using a table saw for a 4x4ā¦
you would need a fence or block to keep the end and/or side in the same position.
Yeah, Iām thinking of a fourth axis motor that is driven (in a scaled way) by the X axis commands. There have been previous discussions on this on this forum but I never realized the value of them until I started thinking about getting into welding. Square tube is like the lego building block to start withā¦
to be honest seems like a lot of work to cut square tube.
i do a lot of welding and a porta-band or a basic chop saw work great.
1 Like
Iāve got a chop saw, but I canāt imagine cutting 2" x 1/8" square tube on it. Can I?
are you using an abrasive blade or an actual metal cutting blade with teeth?
You can? I cut a lot of aluminum on mine using a good carbide tip blade. A little lube and cut. I have cut steel on mine using an abrasive blade made for cutting steel. LOTS OF SPARKS! Do not force the cut but keep steady pressure. I use my shop vac to pull the sparks and or aluminum chips away. Wear your face shieldā¦ and pay attention!! I have cut 2x2x1/8" steel tube. I clamped the material so it couldnāt move and bindā¦ I am talking about the saw I normally cut woodā¦
1 Like
I have both an abrasive chop saw and an evolution rage ācold cutā saw meant for metal working.
You donāt want to throw a metal cutting blade in a standard chop saw, there is a torque rpm issue I believe. I havenāt tried, I donāt want to ruin an expensive blade.
That said, I cut my 2x2 tubing with the abrasive chop saw. The cold cut will do it, but I think itās at the threshold of what they recommend. Plus I like to keep the blade fresh to use with my smaller thin walled tubing where there is less room for error when fitting and welding.
1 Like
Cool. Thanks. Do you have links to both of those? There have to be a BILLION products called EZ-Cut!
all I did was type portaband in good old Googleā¦and those came up on the imagesā¦
here is one link
Edit: even Pinterest has home designs if you type in portaband
real basicā¦
LOL, this woodworker never heard of the term āportabandāā¦ 
Nice. I have a small 6" abrasive disc chop saw from HF and their portable bandsaw with Lenox blades. I got a table setup like yours from SWAG Offroad. Was considering the Revolution saws but saw very mixed reviews online.
I like the chop saw setup from Portaband but they donāt list my saw. Iāll have to look to see whether Dewalt or Milwaukeeās saw is similar enough that I could mod the stand to fit.
Nice find.
Jim & @toolboy, I like Milwaukee and Dewalt tools, but given my meager needs, Iām wondering if the Horizontal bandsaw from HF (https://www.harborfreight.com/horizontal-vertical-metal-cutting-bandsaw-93762.html) will be sufficient. If itās total crap then the answer is obvious, butā¦
if itās reasonably useful with good blades on it, itās probably good enough for my needs.
Any thoughts?
I bought the GF Bauer one (I think they have/had another alternative but the reviews on the Bauer were better). Thereās not a ton of stuff on mods to it on YT which is generally a good sign as it means itās not rough out of the box - I check whenever I get anything from HF to see what hacks & mods are out there because they often make a big difference in usability of one of their tools.
In addition to the SWAG table I also got a foot pedal so I can start & stop it easier than using the handle switch when itās mounted.
I also got a new miter fence although I havenāt really noticed any issue with the stock one. The saw came in a nice blow-molded plastic case that I donāt use because itās mostly mounted on the table.
Definitely go with good blades. I went with Lenox metal cutting blades because I was sceptical of the stuff I saw at HF. It tracks well and doesnāt waver.
Hereās the model info.
hahahaā¦of course I have thoughtsā¦but he meds the doctor gave me are helping with the voicesā¦
I do not know much about HFā¦but what I do know is it is you get what you pay forā¦it all depends on what you do with itā¦
you guys are lucky with HFā¦the store we have similar has thisā¦half the size and double the cost
https://www.princessauto.com/en/3-1-2-in-band-saw/product/PA0008354789
1 Like
This it true on the cheap end of things, but paying more these days doesnāt guarantee youāll get more.
That said, if I was getting a portable bandsaw then Iād definitely get a brand I know. However, the horizontal saw seems to have what I need for less that the cost of a name brand portable so I think Iāll try that route. I can just keep it in my loft for the occasional cut and drop it down to the yard in front of the shop if Iām going to be doing some serious cutting.
Thanks for everyoneās help!
@jamesdhatch, good tip to search for mods. Yes, Iāve done that sometimes, but doing as a rule is a good idea. Iāll go with the Lenox blades on your recommendation. From what Iāve read, to cut square tube, I probably want 14TPI? And also do blade break in?
1 Like