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Miniature Chop Saw
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Bob La Londe
Jun 23, 2017, 7:32:36 PM6/23/17
to
As part of my mold making business I often have to make insert pins for
various custom projects. Sometimes those pins are odd sizes making them
either hard to find or expensive to buy as pins. Frequently I can buy wire
of some form or another that is exactly the perfect diameter, but then I
have to cut it to length and clean up the ends. One of my common sizes is
3/32. 10lbs of 3/32 stainless tig wire makes a lot of cheap pins for the
price. I just finished a mold that requires an insert pin thats a little
over 1/16. I found some straight lengths of .064 stainless wire at McMaster
that will do the trick.
If I use a clipper of some kind the end requires a lot of dressing on the
grinder and/or bench sander. If I use a cut off wheel in a rotary hand
piece the cut is straighter with just a burr that needs to be polished off,
but its awkward and a little hazardous with sparks going everywhere. Also,
its hard to get lengths just right when length is important. The answer is
to make them a little long and grind them to length. YUCK! Huge time suck
ensues.
I debated making a little chop saw using a rotary hand piece, and setting it
up with a chute (for cut pieces to slide down into a catch box, and a length
stop of some kind so I could dial in once for a particular project and cut a
bunch of insert pins at once. I may go that way. When I was first learning
about CNC machining I built a couple setups to use rotary hand pieces as
spindles. One was an adjust dual head setup to cut two molds plates at the
same time.
ANYWAY, after spending some time thinking about I did a search for miniature
chop saws to see if there was anything out there. It looks like there
might be a few. Even if I have to modify one or make a tool to go with one
for a length stop its got to be faster than making one from scratch. I
could, but then instead of using my tools... well if you actually do your
craft to make a few dollars you see where I am coming from. I'm looking for
a solution. Not a project.
So, here are the questions:
Do you have a miniature chopsaw or know somebody who has one?
If you do (or know somebody who does) how well does it work?
If you do (or know somebody who does) how well does it hold up?
Is it home made or factory manufactured?
If it is factory made what make and model is it?
Does it use an abrasive blade or some other type?
How easy is it to change blades?
Do you (or the person you know who has one) cut metal with it?
I also make a few teflon pins. It would be nice to be able to cut them
quickly and easily to specific lengths as well. If such a saw had a toothed
metal cutting blade or could be quickly changed to a toothed blade it might
serve a dual purpose.
various custom projects. Sometimes those pins are odd sizes making them
either hard to find or expensive to buy as pins. Frequently I can buy wire
of some form or another that is exactly the perfect diameter, but then I
have to cut it to length and clean up the ends. One of my common sizes is
3/32. 10lbs of 3/32 stainless tig wire makes a lot of cheap pins for the
price. I just finished a mold that requires an insert pin thats a little
over 1/16. I found some straight lengths of .064 stainless wire at McMaster
that will do the trick.
If I use a clipper of some kind the end requires a lot of dressing on the
grinder and/or bench sander. If I use a cut off wheel in a rotary hand
piece the cut is straighter with just a burr that needs to be polished off,
but its awkward and a little hazardous with sparks going everywhere. Also,
its hard to get lengths just right when length is important. The answer is
to make them a little long and grind them to length. YUCK! Huge time suck
ensues.
I debated making a little chop saw using a rotary hand piece, and setting it
up with a chute (for cut pieces to slide down into a catch box, and a length
stop of some kind so I could dial in once for a particular project and cut a
bunch of insert pins at once. I may go that way. When I was first learning
about CNC machining I built a couple setups to use rotary hand pieces as
spindles. One was an adjust dual head setup to cut two molds plates at the
same time.
ANYWAY, after spending some time thinking about I did a search for miniature
chop saws to see if there was anything out there. It looks like there
might be a few. Even if I have to modify one or make a tool to go with one
for a length stop its got to be faster than making one from scratch. I
could, but then instead of using my tools... well if you actually do your
craft to make a few dollars you see where I am coming from. I'm looking for
a solution. Not a project.
So, here are the questions:
Do you have a miniature chopsaw or know somebody who has one?
If you do (or know somebody who does) how well does it work?
If you do (or know somebody who does) how well does it hold up?
Is it home made or factory manufactured?
If it is factory made what make and model is it?
Does it use an abrasive blade or some other type?
How easy is it to change blades?
Do you (or the person you know who has one) cut metal with it?
I also make a few teflon pins. It would be nice to be able to cut them
quickly and easily to specific lengths as well. If such a saw had a toothed
metal cutting blade or could be quickly changed to a toothed blade it might
serve a dual purpose.
Carl Ijames
Jun 23, 2017, 8:27:51 PM6/23/17
to
"Bob La Londe" wrote in message news:oik87k$qj6$1...@dont-email.me...
================================================================
How about starting with the littlest wet abrasive tile saw from
harborfreight?
https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/tile-saws/4-12-in-portable-wet-cut-tile-saw-69230.html,
$55, 4.5" cutoff wheel, 5300 rpm. I haven't used it but it's rated 3.7/5
based on 142 reviews. They also have a couple of larger models you might
want to step up to, one still under $100.
--
Regards,
Carl Ijames
How about starting with the littlest wet abrasive tile saw from
harborfreight?
https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/tile-saws/4-12-in-portable-wet-cut-tile-saw-69230.html,
$55, 4.5" cutoff wheel, 5300 rpm. I haven't used it but it's rated 3.7/5
based on 142 reviews. They also have a couple of larger models you might
want to step up to, one still under $100.
--
Regards,
Carl Ijames
Jim Wilkins
Jun 23, 2017, 9:55:27 PM6/23/17
to
"Bob La Londe" <no...@none.com99> wrote in message
news:oik87k$qj6$1...@dont-email.me...
lathe, holding the rod in a 5C collet and cutting cleanly with an HSS
cutoff blade, very close to the collet face. That may not be the
fastest way to cut them but the lengths are accurate and the end
cleanup is minimal and easy.
-jsw
news:oik87k$qj6$1...@dont-email.me...
> As part of my mold making business I often have to make insert pins
> for various custom projects. Sometimes those pins are odd sizes
> making them either hard to find or expensive to buy as pins.
> Frequently I can buy wire of some form or another that is exactly
> the perfect diameter, but then I have to cut it to length and clean
> up the ends. One of my common sizes is 3/32. 10lbs of 3/32
> stainless tig wire makes a lot of cheap pins for the price. I just
> finished a mold that requires an insert pin thats a little over
> 1/16. I found some straight lengths of .064 stainless wire at
> McMaster that will do the trick.
>
I cut the TIG rod needles and rollers for homemade bearings on the
> for various custom projects. Sometimes those pins are odd sizes
> making them either hard to find or expensive to buy as pins.
> Frequently I can buy wire of some form or another that is exactly
> the perfect diameter, but then I have to cut it to length and clean
> up the ends. One of my common sizes is 3/32. 10lbs of 3/32
> stainless tig wire makes a lot of cheap pins for the price. I just
> finished a mold that requires an insert pin thats a little over
> 1/16. I found some straight lengths of .064 stainless wire at
> McMaster that will do the trick.
>
lathe, holding the rod in a 5C collet and cutting cleanly with an HSS
cutoff blade, very close to the collet face. That may not be the
fastest way to cut them but the lengths are accurate and the end
cleanup is minimal and easy.
-jsw
Leon Fisk
Jun 24, 2017, 10:15:38 AM6/24/17
to
On Fri, 23 Jun 2017 16:32:32 -0700
"Bob La Londe" <no...@none.com99> wrote:
<snip>
around to setting it up. Thought it would be nice for roughing out
lathe bits. HF has blades for it but they rarely go on sale. I think I
bought some but was really planning on just using the 4.5 inch blades
which you can get deals on. I have the older version of this, it was
shaped differently:
https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-55-amp-cut-off-saw-61659.html
Sorry I don't have any usage info but it probably don't matter
seeing they don't carry that version anymore...
They also have a 2 inch mini model, which sounds more like what
you are interested in:
https://www.harborfreight.com/2-in-mini-bench-top-cut-off-saw-62136.html
I'm pretty sure you can get a version of that from Micro-Mart too...
That being said you could probably use a cable nipper. Like a Greenlee
722 Wire Rope & Wire Cutter or the HK Porter version.
https://www.amazon.com/Greenlee-722-Wire-Rope-Cutter/dp/B00125KG9C/
https://www.amazon.com/Porter-Pocket-Wire-Cable-Cutter/dp/B0009Z88OQ/
These are pretty tough cutters and have a scissors action which
shouldn't leave much of a burr...
--
Leon Fisk
Grand Rapids MI/Zone 5b
Remove no.spam for email
"Bob La Londe" <no...@none.com99> wrote:
<snip>
>Do you have a miniature chopsaw or know somebody who has one?
I have a new HF 6 inch Chop Saw. It's still new in the box, never got
around to setting it up. Thought it would be nice for roughing out
lathe bits. HF has blades for it but they rarely go on sale. I think I
bought some but was really planning on just using the 4.5 inch blades
which you can get deals on. I have the older version of this, it was
shaped differently:
https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-55-amp-cut-off-saw-61659.html
Sorry I don't have any usage info but it probably don't matter
seeing they don't carry that version anymore...
They also have a 2 inch mini model, which sounds more like what
you are interested in:
https://www.harborfreight.com/2-in-mini-bench-top-cut-off-saw-62136.html
I'm pretty sure you can get a version of that from Micro-Mart too...
That being said you could probably use a cable nipper. Like a Greenlee
722 Wire Rope & Wire Cutter or the HK Porter version.
https://www.amazon.com/Greenlee-722-Wire-Rope-Cutter/dp/B00125KG9C/
https://www.amazon.com/Porter-Pocket-Wire-Cable-Cutter/dp/B0009Z88OQ/
These are pretty tough cutters and have a scissors action which
shouldn't leave much of a burr...
--
Leon Fisk
Grand Rapids MI/Zone 5b
Remove no.spam for email
et...@whidbey.com
Jun 24, 2017, 12:52:30 PM6/24/17
to
On Fri, 23 Jun 2017 16:32:32 -0700, "Bob La Londe" <no...@none.com99>
wrote:
Greetings Bob,
Years ago I had a similar job. I had to cut hundreds of springs that
were just a straight rod about 4 inches long. The spring stock came in
36 inch lengths. I had to make rods from two different diameters, 2 mm
and 2.5 mm. An abrasive cutoff saw was needed but they were expensive.
What I ended up using was a chop saw made for wood. The saw was made
for 7 inch saw blades but I put an abrasive blade on it. I put a
little air vise on it. I mounted a switch on the saw that controlled a
solenoid valve that caused the vise to open when the saw was raised.
This setup made for very fast cutting of the spring steel.
Eric
wrote:
Years ago I had a similar job. I had to cut hundreds of springs that
were just a straight rod about 4 inches long. The spring stock came in
36 inch lengths. I had to make rods from two different diameters, 2 mm
and 2.5 mm. An abrasive cutoff saw was needed but they were expensive.
What I ended up using was a chop saw made for wood. The saw was made
for 7 inch saw blades but I put an abrasive blade on it. I put a
little air vise on it. I mounted a switch on the saw that controlled a
solenoid valve that caused the vise to open when the saw was raised.
This setup made for very fast cutting of the spring steel.
Eric
Jim Wilkins
Jun 24, 2017, 1:07:56 PM6/24/17
to
<et...@whidbey.com> wrote in message
news:c46tkc1ihc5hu65tr...@4ax.com...
I've used a cutoff wheel in a table saw for pieces large enough to
hold safely.
The burrs that it leaves prevent cleaning up the ends on my collet
lathe. I put a 1/2"-20 mount Jacobs chuck on an AA/Sears lathe and use
it for tasks like that which need high RPMs but not accuracy.
-jsw
news:c46tkc1ihc5hu65tr...@4ax.com...
hold safely.
The burrs that it leaves prevent cleaning up the ends on my collet
lathe. I put a 1/2"-20 mount Jacobs chuck on an AA/Sears lathe and use
it for tasks like that which need high RPMs but not accuracy.
-jsw
Leon Fisk
Jun 24, 2017, 2:59:51 PM6/24/17
to
On Sat, 24 Jun 2017 10:15:43 -0400
Leon Fisk <lf...@no.spam.iserv.net> wrote:
<snip>
http://www.micromark.com/MicroLux-Mini-Miter-Cut-Off-Saw
They have abrasive blades in the listing which I didn't find for at
HF. If you really want to blow some bucks they have a Proxxon model
too:
http://www.micromark.com/Proxxon-Mini-Chop-Miter-Saw-for-Hobby-Use
Looks like that one uses a 3.25 inch blade. Best be sitting down though
when you see the price :)
Leon Fisk <lf...@no.spam.iserv.net> wrote:
<snip>
>They also have a 2 inch mini model, which sounds more like what
>you are interested in:
>
>https://www.harborfreight.com/2-in-mini-bench-top-cut-off-saw-62136.html
>
>I'm pretty sure you can get a version of that from Micro-Mart too...
Here is the Micro-Mark version:
>you are interested in:
>
>https://www.harborfreight.com/2-in-mini-bench-top-cut-off-saw-62136.html
>
>I'm pretty sure you can get a version of that from Micro-Mart too...
http://www.micromark.com/MicroLux-Mini-Miter-Cut-Off-Saw
They have abrasive blades in the listing which I didn't find for at
HF. If you really want to blow some bucks they have a Proxxon model
too:
http://www.micromark.com/Proxxon-Mini-Chop-Miter-Saw-for-Hobby-Use
Looks like that one uses a 3.25 inch blade. Best be sitting down though
when you see the price :)
Gunner Asch
Jun 25, 2017, 3:05:50 AM6/25/17
to
On Fri, 23 Jun 2017 20:26:39 -0400, "Carl Ijames"
<carl.ij...@EEEverizon.net> wrote:
>
>If it is factory made what make and model is it?
>
>Does it use an abrasive blade or some other type?
>
>How easy is it to change blades?
>
>Do you (or the person you know who has one) cut metal with it?
>
>I also make a few teflon pins. It would be nice to be able to cut them
>quickly and easily to specific lengths as well. If such a saw had a toothed
>metal cutting blade or could be quickly changed to a toothed blade it might
>serve a dual purpose.
>================================================================
>
>How about starting with the littlest wet abrasive tile saw from
>harborfreight?
>https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/tile-saws/4-12-in-portable-wet-cut-tile-saw-69230.html,
>$55, 4.5" cutoff wheel, 5300 rpm. I haven't used it but it's rated 3.7/5
>based on 142 reviews. They also have a couple of larger models you might
>want to step up to, one still under $100.
>
>--
>Regards,
>Carl Ijames
>
http://www.ebay.com/sch/items/?_nkw=arrow+saw&_sacat=&_ex_kw=&_mPrRngCbx=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_sop=12&_fpos=&_fspt=1&_sadis=&LH_CAds=&rmvSB=true
<carl.ij...@EEEverizon.net> wrote:
>
>If it is factory made what make and model is it?
>
>Does it use an abrasive blade or some other type?
>
>How easy is it to change blades?
>
>Do you (or the person you know who has one) cut metal with it?
>
>I also make a few teflon pins. It would be nice to be able to cut them
>quickly and easily to specific lengths as well. If such a saw had a toothed
>metal cutting blade or could be quickly changed to a toothed blade it might
>serve a dual purpose.
>================================================================
>
>How about starting with the littlest wet abrasive tile saw from
>harborfreight?
>https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/tile-saws/4-12-in-portable-wet-cut-tile-saw-69230.html,
>$55, 4.5" cutoff wheel, 5300 rpm. I haven't used it but it's rated 3.7/5
>based on 142 reviews. They also have a couple of larger models you might
>want to step up to, one still under $100.
>
>--
>Regards,
>Carl Ijames
>
---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus
Bob La Londe
Jun 26, 2017, 3:45:11 PM6/26/17
to
Thanks guys. All good suggestions. Still not sure which way I will go with
it. Have some .065 pins to cut today though. Probably have to improvise to
get these done.
it. Have some .065 pins to cut today though. Probably have to improvise to
get these done.
Jim Wilkins
Jun 26, 2017, 5:58:38 PM6/26/17
to
"Bob La Londe" <no...@none.com99> wrote in message
news:oiro14$e9h$1...@dont-email.me...
double flaring it:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/389104/lee-chamfer-and-deburring-tool
The inside cone is truncated too large for 0.065" pins but the design
is simple and looks promising for a home made tool.
news:oiro14$e9h$1...@dont-email.me...
> Thanks guys. All good suggestions. Still not sure which way I will
> go with it. Have some .065 pins to cut today though. Probably have
> to improvise to get these done.
>
>
I bought this tool to deburr cut brake line evenly all around before
> go with it. Have some .065 pins to cut today though. Probably have
> to improvise to get these done.
>
>
double flaring it:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/389104/lee-chamfer-and-deburring-tool
The inside cone is truncated too large for 0.065" pins but the design
is simple and looks promising for a home made tool.
Bob La Londe
Jun 27, 2017, 12:20:59 PM6/27/17
to
"Gunner Asch" wrote in message
news:26oukchc02v2s3bm8...@4ax.com...
That is an interesting variation of the Microlux/HarborFright design saw
paired with a measuring jig. It wouldn't work for my application, but it
does give me some nice simple ideas for cutting wire pins as needed.
Thanks.
(Well, and some other saws depending on which one.)
news:26oukchc02v2s3bm8...@4ax.com...
paired with a measuring jig. It wouldn't work for my application, but it
does give me some nice simple ideas for cutting wire pins as needed.
Thanks.
(Well, and some other saws depending on which one.)
Gunner Asch
Jun 27, 2017, 4:08:06 PM6/27/17
to
On Tue, 27 Jun 2017 09:20:51 -0700, "Bob La Londe" <no...@none.com99>
wrote:
Thought it might be of interest.
Btw..these are just about the best ferris cutting blades Ive found.
They can be had cheaper if you look around
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Norton-47767-3-X-1-16-Reinforced-Cut-Off-Blade-5-Count-/162093130999
This may be of interest as well:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1311.R4.TR9.TRC1.A0.H0.Xslitting+saw.TRS0&_nkw=slitting+saw+blades&_sacat=0
Gunner
wrote:
Btw..these are just about the best ferris cutting blades Ive found.
They can be had cheaper if you look around
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Norton-47767-3-X-1-16-Reinforced-Cut-Off-Blade-5-Count-/162093130999
This may be of interest as well:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1311.R4.TR9.TRC1.A0.H0.Xslitting+saw.TRS0&_nkw=slitting+saw+blades&_sacat=0
Gunner
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