cutting blanks

[camb]

Can anyone recommend a small cut off saw that could be used for blanks and tubes and not break the bank? Thanks Jeff

 

[tommy2tone]

Harbor Frieght has a small saw for tubes. I just use my mitersaw for the blanks. Some use a bandsaw.

 

[JohnU]

I use a band saw now but prior to that I used a table saw with a sled to hold the blanks. Blade selection helps reduce breaking blanks.

 

[camb]

I notice psi has a small cut off saw but the reviews are not that great Jeff

 

[sbwertz]

I cut blanks on a bandsaw and tubes on the little two inch chop saw from Harbor Freight.

Bench Top Cut Off Saw

 

[navycop]

Yeah Sharon and camp, that's the one Jeff was talking about.

 

[sbwertz]

FYI, HF also carries the replacement blades for the little saw.

 

[kirkfranks]

I cut blanks on a bandsaw and tubes on the little two inch chop saw from Harbor Freight.

Bench Top Cut Off Saw

Sharon,
Just to confirm th 2"chop saw will NOT cut the blanks correct. I only ask because the OP asked about blanks not tubes.

Camb,
I use either the chop saw, table saw w/ slead or band saw. If you have any of those I would probably not spend money on anything else. If you don't have any of those don't forget about a miter box and a hand saw for an inexpensive option

 

[Sabaharr]

I use my scroll saw for both. It has a small footprint and with a blade change of 10 seconds can go from wood to metal cutting. It has the added advantage of being able to do scroll work too.:biggrin: To add to that I also use the RCBS bullet case reamer to clean burs off the inside and outside of tubes after trimming and when using the pen mill to trim to the brass. Its just takes a few twists of the wrist and it is super clean.

 

[monark88]

I cut blanks on a bandsaw and tubes on the little two inch chop saw from Harbor Freight.

Bench Top Cut Off Saw

I have the same saw. Its advertised to cut up to 3/4" thickness. Mine will barely do 1/2". There is a "raised" are that is approx 1/4" height on the saw bed where part to be sawn is placed. This precludes the 3/4" thick cut.

Good for brass tubes, but wood??
Russ

 

[gimpy]

I notice psi has a small cut off saw but the reviews are not that great Jeff

I purchased on years ago, sent it back the same day I received it

 

[sbwertz]

I just use it for tubes. I do a lot of custom length tubes, so it gets regular use.

 

[camb]

Thank you all Jeff

 

[JohnU]

I seen a post here a year or more ago about someone who disassembled the top half of that saw and made a chop saw table with it. It was very impressive and Ive thought about attempting it but cant find the post or pictures I kept. Its great for cutting tubes and the changes might make it able to cut blanks, but I don't think those little blades would last very long.

 

[StuartCovey]

I've used anything from chop saws to bandsaws to table saws without a problem.

 

[commercialbuilder]

To cut the tubes I use a mini tube cutter used for plumbing, the only thing I have to do is ream the ends of the tube a little. Blanks I cut on the bandsaw or miter box.

 

[navycop]

I also use the tube cutter or sometimes the hacksaw if it is closer.