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widebody911 widebody911 is offline
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Carmichael, CA
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Ok, I bought the Evolution S380, I've done a couple of projects with it, and here are my observations. First, plain cuts with a fresh blade are like a hot knife through butter - it's amazing! However, cutting small stock and angles are not quite as sweet. I was trying to cut some 8mmx1mm tubing and it didn't seem to like it at all - the edges came out ragged. Same for trying to cut a 60° angle - it didn't work well and buggered up the blade. Once your blade is worn or damaged, all bets are off. In this regard, I think the abrasive saw is better - it tolerates clumsy cuts and a wider variety of materials, and the blade is never actually dull. I think for a home hobbyist, the abrasive saw is a better choice - it's more forgiving and versatile. For a production shop in skilled hands, the cold saw is better. The other issue with the cold saw is while it doesn't throw sparks, it does throw hot, sharp chips, which are just as bad or worse.

Here's an example of one of the first and one of the last cuts with this saw. I've already had to replace the blade, and these suckers are not cheap. I bought an off-brand blade that seems to work well, and it was still $90







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Old 06-20-2020, 02:26 PM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #14 (permalink)