Cutting steel- was Re: [TheForge] Re: A recipe for Emperor Wilson...

[xlch58 at swbell.net]

Phlip wrote:

>OK, the problem here is cash. I very badly want a chop saw, and it will be
>the next item of equipment on my agenda, but for the time being, since I'm
>not working, I just can't afford one. I'm seriously considering buying the
>used band saw from Art because it will do the job, and I CAN afford it, but
>I'm just now making the transition from puttering for my own amusement, to
>needing the equipment to turn out several pieces at a time. Until now, my
>priority has been to do thinks using period/primitive techniques. Now that I
>have that under control, I can move on.
>
>Trust me, none of you want me to get a chop saw anywhere near as badly as I
>want one ;-) It just wasn't necessary until now ;-)
>
>  
>
If I could only have one, I would go with the bandsaw.  In my opinion it 
is more versatile.  It is slower, but it can also be left to cut 
unnattended.   I also like my big shear and boltcutters over a chopsaw.  
Faster than the chopsaw and I really hate the noise and sparks that a 
chopsaw create.  In general I am tired of noisy tools in general and 
tend to gravitate to whatever is quietest.   I used a rebar cutter once 
that was basically a bolt cutter with one jaw fixed to a mounting plate 
and the other to an arm.  It was pretty handy for up to 5/8 stock.    I 
have been meaning to build one like it, but with a foot lever for when I 
do demos in the field.  If you are doing mainly small stock it might be 
an option for you.   At this point I have a completely foot/handpowered 
shop put together for demos with drill presses, grinders, buffers etc. 

Charles