Metal cutoff wheel types question

[SE18]

Had to cut a 1.65" steel rod (don't know the steel type) so I did it with my Harbor Freight 14" 2HP cutoff saw:

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-hp-14-inch-heavy-duty-cut-off-saw-91938.html

The wheel it came with seemed to work better than the DeWalt ones I purchased (by better, I mean cutting through faster). I'm not sure of the specs for the HF 14" wheel, since the tag fell off some time ago.

http://www.zoro.com/i/G1508141/?utm...hopping_Feed&gclid=CKvwuZy80sICFVNp7AodVVMAjQ

the DeWalt is Grit 24, ceramic coated alum oxide.

Perhaps a differrent type is better

(Yes, I know I need to eventually get a bandsaw)

 

[JimDawson]

I have the same Hitachi cutoff machine. I have found the the HF wheels don't work as well as the original. The HF wheels seem to be more flimsy and tend to walk sideways. I started using Norton wheels and have had much better luck.

 

[markknx]

I don't know about the 14 wheels dewart puts out but the "6 & 4" cutoffs suuck as bad as their 4" & 6" grinding wheels ( you know the ones for small angle grinders)

 

[Bill C.]

Had to cut a 1.65" steel rod (don't know the steel type) so I did it with my Harbor Freight 14" 2HP cutoff saw:

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-hp-14-inch-heavy-duty-cut-off-saw-91938.html

The wheel it came with seemed to work better than the DeWalt ones I purchased (by better, I mean cutting through faster). I'm not sure of the specs for the HF 14" wheel, since the tag fell off some time ago.

http://www.zoro.com/i/G1508141/?utm...hopping_Feed&gclid=CKvwuZy80sICFVNp7AodVVMAjQ

the DeWalt is Grit 24, ceramic coated alum oxide.

Perhaps a differrent type is better

(Yes, I know I need to eventually get a bandsaw)

I have used chop saws like that. The wheels do wear down quickly. Just don't cut non-ferrous material because they clog up the wheels. At GE we used Carborundum Abrasive wheels.

For those who never used a chop saw. Used eye and ear protection. Also once the wheel makes contact try not to stop appling downward pressure. They are good saws but do throw out a lot of sparks and grit.

 

[e189552]

Plus one for the Norton cut-off wheels.
We have been using the Dewalt as it was easy to get at local big box lumber store.
Lucked into a freebe Norton wheel, big difference.
Norton does not clog, so cuts cleaner, doesn't seem to wander a bad.
Now I gotta find some more...........