Advice in cutting up metal/old saws?

[jarrett]

Any one have advice on what I should use to cut up a cheap saw?

I have a couple of cheap saws that I originally bought to practice sharpening on. (It's the same one here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320687265213) I didn't realize what "hardpoint" meant, so I ended up not doing anything due to all those induction hardened teeth.

Anyway, I now want to make some other tools out of the metal--maybe a beading tool (like here: http://www.leevalley.com/newsletters/woodworking/1/1/Article1-2.htm) and maybe a croze. But I'm having trouble figuring out how to get this metal to size. I haven't really tried any tools for fear of damaging them by cutting steel. It's thicker than your average flashing-weight sheet metal.

Some attachment for a dremel? Special metal shears?

Thanks--

 

[CarvedTones]

I have had success with Dremel discs and the metal cutting discs in an angle grinder. Both can mess with the temper of the metal as it heats up a lot while cutting - a metal vise is required.

 

[Mike Davis]

Have you tried a hack saw? On those cheep saws only the teeth are hardened.

 

[jarrett]

I will try the hacksaw tonight, thanks!

 

[froglips]

Jarrett,

I have a "plate shear" that'll do the job for ya in less time than it took me to write that I have one

If you'd some time on it, happy to bring it to a future HOW meeting. (If Ed will part with it!)

One option I've used with acceptable results (and good speed) is an abrasive cutoff blade in a circular saw. Preferred it over an angle grinder (which works great too), as I could jig up the saw and get straighter cuts. But, you'll burn the edge, so keep in mind you want to make the cuts as far from the good edge as you can.

Plate shear is a zero heat tool.

If you dream of doing lots of this kind of stuff, check out Grizzly's option. One can be had for around $60.

This is an 8" one currently on sale from $79 now $63..... http://www.grizzly.com/outlet/Plate-Shear-8-/H0733

Jim