Thinking of getting one for cutting steel tubes and stuff, as I quite want have a go at making a gravity racer kart.
Also thinking of a tube notcher, but anyway...
The evolution rage saws, any experience? They say they can cut metals, wood plastic, but they kind of strike me more as a "can cut wood, but not
a problem if theres bits of metal in it"
I've seen a compound mitre version for 70 quid in various places, a green and black one, this one in fact
http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/power-tools/saws/multipurpose_saws/Evolution-210mm-Multipurpose-Compound-Mitre-Saw-11227748?ecamp=SEAPLA11738452&ef_id=
UVVfewAAAFZoOnLB:20131026205420:s
Whats the catch? Not very good? Blades don't last long cutting steel and are expensive? Seems too good to be true, especially when chop saws are
about 200 quid?
mine blew up in about 4 hours. but was an ex demo so had no warrenty etc. it looked brand new when i got it!
I have a Rage saw but never use it.
Cuts steel OK but a bit noisy and lots of sharp, hot bit of metal fly everywhere.
The clamps are not very strong and I never feel safe using it.
Also takes up a fair amount of space in the workshop.
The blades last a reasonable time before going dull - you know when they wear out.
The laser marker line went out of focus after the hot swarf melted the plastic lens in front of the laser.
I much prefer cutting steel with a thin metal cutting disc in my 4.5" grinder.
Dead easy to cut to a scribed line and you can cut sheet metal too.
[Edited on 26/10/13 by minitici]
That's cheap, screwfix are flogging for near £150!
That aside I picked up a power hacksaw on eBay this week, decent size and £75 collected which will last me years and should be able to cut washers if
required.
Have a google for homemade power hacksaws using wiper motors, with a little thought you could make something pretty good from scrap for pennies, just
a thought.
In fact I may even make something like this to sit behind my vice, just fold it up when not in use for cutting small stuff
Power hacksaw
[Edited on 26/10/13 by mark chandler]
Ok, so the evolution saw is out then! Sounds like its more suited to wood and plastic with the odd bit of metal embedded in it.
Angle grider is how I've always done things, usually not very accurately, and I figure I'd be happy spending a few quid to increase
accuracy, and keep time down
I found this though
http://www2.westfalia.net/shops/tools/power_tool/angle_grinders_and_accessories/angle_grinder_accessories_/194545-stand_for_single_hand_angle_grinde.h
tm?refKey=o_3Q6BP7G
This sort of thing any good? Cheap and wobbly? Ideally find one for my 9" grinder though
Power hacksaw looks interesting, would be a bit difficult for angles though maybe?
[Edited on 26/10/13 by blakep82]
You just turn the vice for Angles just have to make sure you can still get a full stroke of the blade without the frame fouling.
If you only need a few angles then just drill the bed to suit, my large one has a swivelling vice with graduations.
It will not save you time as they are quite slow as you only cut in one direction but can be very accurate, quiet and blades last a long time.
[Edited on 26/10/13 by mark chandler]
We have a Rage saw it was £99 at Screwfix a while back still going strong but it just rips throught steel as already described. We also have a 14" chopsaw with an abrasive disc and despite the sparks is much more user friendly. Decent little angle grinder is the way to go
Keep an eye out for the 7.99 lidl angle grinder stand.
Hi mate we have one at work that we have had for 2 years ish and has never been a problem. It gets a good hammering and has been faultless. It cuts through metal very easy and the only thing it is negative is bloody noisy but a great tool. I would 100% recommend one we were very skeptical about its ability to cut steel from one blade and wood but it does perfect. A great tool at a great price for me!.
Lots of info & ideas on here - do a search for "evolution".
Quite pleased with my Rage saw, cuts wood very well and steel (25mm box) pretty well with a little care. I've built garden decking, re-roofed
the shed, bmx ramps, steel go kart chassis, steel welding trolley etc. Blade is still going strong.
Cutting steel is noisey and as above the hot chips go everywhere. Easily contained with a bit of old carpet laid over the top though.
love my rage saw, cuts steel and ALU sheet like it's butter though it does leave a slightly rough edge.
Got a rage, 210mm compound mitre saw. It needs setting up properly and the laser can't be trusted but its pretty awesome for the money. The
sdtandard blade cuts wood and steel. I cut some 1inch bar quite easily the other day. I also have a diamond blade which I fitted to it for cutting
tiles. Tiled the kitchen and cut 5 tiles at a time. Worked brilliantly.
Screwfix prices vary all the time. Got mine for less than £80
Interesting!
First few replies were fairly negative about them (expected given the experiences) then loads of positive ones.
I'll keep looking for a stand for the 9" grinder I think. Unless the price ends up the same maybe.
Thanks for the info though!
They are good but I always feel I'm taking my life in my hands when I use mine on steel. Much prefer my chop saw.
Cheers,
Bob