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Unread 18-02-2014, 14:17
sanddrag sanddrag is offline
On to my 16th year in FRC
FRC #0696 (Circuit Breakers)
Team Role: Teacher
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Rookie Year: 2002
Location: Glendale, CA
Posts: 8,518
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Re: Wrecked Aluminium from chopsaw

We have a Grizzly horizontal bandsaw, a Dewalt 12" miter saw, and a Rage Evolution saw. The Dewalt is by far the go-to saw for precise cuts in box tubing. With a 72 tooth carbide tipped blade and a careful operator, it makes very nice, very precise cuts, with no real danger involved. You just have to go slow and not cut small pieces. I've even cut small pieces at odd angles with care and caution, and I've even cut 2" solid bar stock on it.

For bar stock, the horizontal bandsaw is our go-to machine. We run a Starret bi-metal blade, and put on a flood coolant system. These two improvements have made a night and day difference. Also, we put on a new 1/2 HP NEMA 56 frame motor. The original caught fire (actual flames) when we stalled the blade in some stock.

The Rage saw is great for steel box tubing, and I'll use it to cut aluminum flat bar now and then. But, it doesn't dry cut without clogging, and the vise is junky and hard to get square. It's good for quick rough cuts with a shot of Kool Mist or WD40.

I just haven't been able to justify the cost of a $1000+ cold saw yet. Anyone have an inexpensive one they're happy with?
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Teacher/Engineer/Machinist - Team 696 Circuit Breakers, 2011 - Present
Mentor/Engineer/Machinist, Team 968 RAWC, 2007-2010
Technical Mentor, Team 696 Circuit Breakers, 2005-2007
Student Mechanical Leader and Driver, Team 696 Circuit Breakers, 2002-2004
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