Reciprocating Saw

[georgebarr]

Hello,

I need to cut 30 and 60 degree angles on 3" x 3" x 0.25" Mild Steel Square Tubes. Will a reciprocating saw be able to do this cut and make a straight-line cut? I plan to use a long blade with 18 TPI teeth.

What is the best way to do this cut? And, will a reciprocating saw do a good job?

Thanks,

[DareBee]

No it will not.

Use a mitre-capable bandsaw for best results.
Could use a chopsaw though.

[coherent]

a metal chop saw will work fine... been there done that. Best part is they are fairly inexpensive and will come in handy. If it's a one time deal, mark your cuts and take them to a scrap yard or steel supplier, they will have one and should cut them for you for cheap or nothing if it's where you got the tubing.
-marc

[georgebarr]

Coherent,

I have a 14" metal chop saw (Harbor Freight). The problem is that I have to make a 60 degree angle cut and the built-in chop saw clamping device cannot position the metal piece at such steep angles. I could use C-clamps to clamp the metal piece to the chop saw, but there is not much clamp space on the chop saw to do this.

I think I will return my reciprocating saw without opening it. I will probably buy a more sturdy and expensive chop saw at Home Depot. If all else fails, I will take it to a metal supply shop.

Thanks,

[jimbo]

what about cutting with the reciprocating saw just outside cut line and cleaning up with an angle grinder. just a thought.

[sol]

Using a reciprocating saw for this cut is no big deal; I've done it frequently for the same reason you mention...angle greater than the chop saw's swing...also for compound cuts.
Just clamp a piece of wood next to the line to be cut and use it to guide the blade; hold the saw parallel to the cut, so teeth bite the entire face, rather than at an angle as is usually done and work slowly. When the cut is complete on one face turn the tube over 180 degrees, clamp the wooden guide again and repeat.
The cuts on the remaining two sides can then be cut from the inside out; this way the metal tube itself acts as the guide so you keep your miter on all faces.
Clean with a grinder when finished but there should not be much of a mess if proper care was taken.
Nope, it is not fast but it works.