I have a circular saw that used to be used to cut concrete. It has plenty of power, so I decided to use it to cut some 14 gauge steel. It went through it very nicely! However, by the time that I had cut 65 inches of steel, the disc was disintegrated. I mean, gone. It went from 6.5" to about 3 inches in diameter. What would cause this? My piece was hanging off the table quite a bit, so it could have had some, I guess, shearing (?) force against the side of the blade. I was also being careful to keep the saw straight and had a very nice straight cut, but I might have been off as much as 1/32" at any time. (The cut did start and end in the middle of the line, but some abberation is possible.)

Any ideas? I don't want to have to spend $3 for a cutoff blade every time that I make a little cut. When I get through this project, I'll post it up. The 30x35" piece of 14 gauge fits PERFECTLY over the spare tire compartment. Good-bye, crackheads I'll also post up some pictures of the birch plywood box that I'm about to build.

Thanks.

 

Ive only used these for thicker stuff(3/16 and up plate), and would use a shear if it was only 14 gauge. However, these dont last THAT long...you figure what they are going through....ABUSE! Try to keep the cut line as close to the table as possible to keep it supported as much as possible, which will help keep it from bouncing which could be making it go away a little faster. Seriously though, if you dont know anyone with a shear, find someone around town that does it....they could do that entire cut for the price of the blade probably and it will picture perfect! Good Luck!
Kyle

 

The problem with a shear is that I'd have to drag a 100-ish pound piece of 4x8 foot 14 gauge half-way around town. Not fun.

 

Thats what happens!

I am cutting thru a 10ga plate and I go thru 5" blades OFTEN! Thats how abrasive saws cut!

Whats the solution ? Firstly get the biggest wheel you can since its going to wear down and buy the 10 packs! I have 100 wheels in my garage because I know I will use them all by the time my project is over!

Not what you wanted to hear but thats how it is

 

I have some nice *** metal cutting wheels sittin here if anyone wants to buy them at a fair/cheap price. I have 2, 2-packs. SteelPro 7-1/4" carbide tipped.