Do you enjoy cutting through steel with a hacksaw? - Page 2

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Do you enjoy cutting through steel with a hacksaw? (Page 2 of 3)

Posted: 3/18/2019 2:45:12 PM EST

[#1]

Nothing cuts steel faster than a linear shaped charge.

Posted: 3/18/2019 2:50:49 PM EST

[#2]

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Quoted:
Nothing cuts steel faster than a linear shaped charge.

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Lightsabers do. If you account for the setup time.
They are in the same universe where every time you have to cut even a piece or two of metal stock you have to have abrasive wheels and power tools or well shit, it just can't be done. I don't have a hacksaw.

Oh there's a hardware store down the street? So what, I don't know how to use a $4.99 bargain bin frame and a nice Lennox blade to cut two pieces of pipe.

Posted: 3/18/2019 2:52:28 PM EST

[#3]

Attached File

Posted: 3/18/2019 2:53:40 PM EST

[#4]

These are the same people that can't figure a tip without their T-92, and God forbid the GPS quits, holy fuck send the C-SARS team, my phone is dead. Help I can't breathe...

Posted: 3/18/2019 2:56:12 PM EST

[#5]

Using a nice hacksaw doesn't mean, like, welp, using a hacksaw is better than a nice dedicated chopsaw for making repetitive cuts all day and is best. Fucking derp.

Posted: 3/18/2019 3:07:49 PM EST

[#6]

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I never can get that shit cut straight. I have to plan on cutting it just a wee bit too big and then filing/grinding it to size.

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Pretty much exactly what I do usually.

Posted: 3/18/2019 3:09:25 PM EST

[#7]

Back in the late 80’s my dad, brother and me turned a 4x4 flat utility trailer into a pretty nice double jet ski trailer using nothing but hack saws and old bed frames.
Lasted for years until we sold the jet skis.

Ever need some cheap angle iron go around on trash night and find some old bed frames.

Posted: 3/18/2019 3:22:11 PM EST

[#8]

Hell no. I always get in a hurry and wind up with crooked cuts.

Posted: 3/18/2019 3:26:12 PM EST

[#9]

It's another tool in the tool box, but I prefer to use a grinder or dremel if I can.

Posted: 3/18/2019 3:26:12 PM EST

[#10]

Quote History

Quoted:
Back in the late 80’s my dad, brother and me turned a 4x4 flat utility trailer into a pretty nice jet ski trailer using nothing but hack saws and old bed frames.
Lasted for years until we sold the jet skis.

Ever need some cheap angle iron go around on trash night and find some old bed frames.

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That last line is simply hilarious. You have no idea how many millions and billions of dollars are based on "clutter is Bad" and "Recycling is when you sell perfectly usable metal stock for 9 cents on the dollar to be melted down and made into identical metal stock for 1300% markup at retail."

LOL

Posted: 3/18/2019 3:34:13 PM EST

[#11]

I have used the hacksaw blade by itself held in my hand far too many times cutting through frozen swing arm bolts on dirt bikes and 3 wheelers.
BFH wouldn't do it, heat wouldn't, I admit it was satisfying getting through the final cut at those times.

I grease my swing arm bearings unfortunately the previous owners don't.

Posted: 3/18/2019 3:44:43 PM EST

[#12]

Yes, I agree OP. Other than selecting a quality blade with the correct TPI, it's important to use a high tension hacksaw frame. The cheap frames make the task miserable.

I also like using hand planes, files, and screw drivers. Hand planing and hand filing can be especially satisfying.

Posted: 3/18/2019 4:09:51 PM EST

[#13]

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Quoted:
Yes, I agree OP. Other than selecting a quality blade with the correct TPI, it's important to use a high tension hacksaw frame. The cheap frames make the task miserable.

I also like using hand planes, files, and screw drivers. Hand planing and hand filing can be especially satisfying.

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I love using manual screwdrivers over the quick and lazy powered drivers. Not just for the satisfaction of driving that screw home by hand, but it gives you a gentler touch so you avoid hogging out the screws or stripping them.

Posted: 3/18/2019 4:17:30 PM EST

[#14]

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I use hand tools as often as possible, saws, screw drivers, etc etc. People are amazed at my grip when I shake their hand.

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Arthritis and tendonitis. Beware if you do this all the time.

Posted: 3/18/2019 4:19:11 PM EST

[#15]

I own a horizontal and vertical band saw so that I don't have to use a hack saw.

Posted: 3/18/2019 4:21:52 PM EST

[#16]

No. Arc gouger, plasma torch, oxy-acetylene, die grinder, etc. Hand tools are cool for some things but cutting steel, not so much, at least not for most fabrication purposes.

Posted: 3/18/2019 4:25:39 PM EST

[#17]

Cut off wheel in a cheap ass Harbor Freight 4" grinder.

I still want a cordless Dewalt 4" grinder too.

Posted: 3/18/2019 4:27:18 PM EST

[#18]

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https://images.homedepot-static.com/productImages/a2d230b9-7d07-4530-9b39-004511e130ca/svn/milwaukee-portable-band-saws-0729-21-64_1000.jpg

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Beat. Portaband>hacksaw. It never gets tired.

Posted: 3/18/2019 5:07:06 PM EST

[#19]

This is about as primitive as I like to get.

Attached File

Posted: 3/18/2019 5:12:29 PM EST

[#20]

Quoted:
In a world full of power tools it’s easy to forget how effective a hacksaw with a new blade can be. Might even be faster in some cases.

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Sometimes I will use one, like you said, might even be faster.

Posted: 3/18/2019 5:17:53 PM EST

[#21]

I know Snap-On tools are extremely expensive ($80-100K sitting in a toolbox) but a Snap-On hacksaw blade is by far the best metal cutting blade in the universe. I've tried just about all of them and I'll buy Snap-On blades until I die.

Posted: 3/18/2019 6:20:08 PM EST

[#22]

I have one of these:

With the gearbox on the back to switch between wood cutting or metal cutting.

And I have one of these:

Posted: 3/18/2019 6:35:51 PM EST

[#23]

I have abrasive "cookie" wheels for my Dremel, two inch grinder and four inch grinder. Life's way to short to use a hacksaw.

Posted: 3/18/2019 6:39:16 PM EST

[#24]

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I have abrasive "cookie" wheels for my Dremel, two inch grinder and four inch grinder. Life's way to short to use a hacksaw.

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I bet many of you have never used a good hacksaw if you think it takes long. When you see that blade sinking through the steel with each stroke, that is satisfying.

Posted: 3/18/2019 6:43:26 PM EST

[#25]

Attached File

Posted: 3/18/2019 6:45:25 PM EST

[#26]

Plasma cutter.

Posted: 3/18/2019 6:46:00 PM EST

[#27]

No, but I do love cutting wood with a Japanese pull saw.

Posted: 3/18/2019 6:46:37 PM EST

[#28]

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Quoted:
I cant think of any cases where a hacksaw would be faster than an angle grinder with a cut off wheel

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Cutting right next to a gas tank.

Posted: 3/18/2019 6:48:18 PM EST

[#29]

I use a hack saw for small jobs... or maybe the Sawzall...or the 3" cut-off wheel...or a cutting wheel in the grinder... or the abrasive chop saw...or maybe the 4x6 band saw.

A good sharp blade is a joy to use.

Posted: 3/18/2019 7:09:38 PM EST

[#30]

i have a lot of scars on my fingers from cutting emt too fast with a hacksaw and catching the end of the conduit with a knuckle

Posted: 3/18/2019 7:28:40 PM EST

[#31]

NO!
That's why I have:
three recip saws
14" chop saw
4.5 inch angle grinders
And when all else fails, a plasma cutter that will part 3/4 inch steel

OK, maybe if you have to make one cut on a small rod or bolt, it's quicker to cut with a hack saw. If one is handy. The metallurgy in new blades is outstanding, but nothing like a dull blade to piss me off.

Posted: 3/18/2019 7:29:14 PM EST

[#32]

It must be tough being poor

Posted: 3/18/2019 7:36:52 PM EST

[#33]

Sometimes it's just as easy to use a hacksaw.

Posted: 3/18/2019 7:55:05 PM EST

[#34]

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Quoted:
https://images.homedepot-static.com/productImages/a2d230b9-7d07-4530-9b39-004511e130ca/svn/milwaukee-portable-band-saws-0729-21-64_1000.jpg

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That thing would be unbelievably slow cutting, unless of course you put a blade on it.

Posted: 3/18/2019 7:58:04 PM EST

[#35]

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Quoted:
It must be tough being poor

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Oh come on, you can buy a sawzall second hand for $10. This thread is about enjoying the physical exertion and personal satisfaction that a good hacksaw with a sharp blade can bring.

Posted: 3/18/2019 8:00:10 PM EST

[#36]

I value efficiency over the hollow sense of self satisfaction over mindless physical exertion.

Posted: 3/18/2019 8:02:36 PM EST

[#37]

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Quoted:
I value efficiency over the hollow sense of self satisfaction over mindless physical exertion.

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Well, as said earlier, sometimes the hacksaw is a time saver, especially if it’s a small job.

No physical exertion is mindless. It’s all good for you.

There, I’ve led you to the water. Don’t drink it if you don’t want to.

Posted: 3/18/2019 8:02:43 PM EST

[#38]

Nope. It's a last resort.

Mankind didn't invent all the badass power tools and implements of destruction we have and and me having bought most of them, to not use them.

Posted: 3/18/2019 8:07:50 PM EST

[#39]

Quote History

Quoted:
Cutting right next to a gas tank.

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I cant think of any cases where a hacksaw would be faster than an angle grinder with a cut off wheel

Cutting right next to a gas tank.

Smarter and Safer, obviously. But not faster

Posted: 3/18/2019 8:15:53 PM EST

[#40]

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Quoted:

Smarter and Safer, obviously. But not faster

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Get a new Lennox blade going in a good rhythm and it won’t be much slower.

Posted: 3/18/2019 8:21:36 PM EST

[#41]

Quote History

Quoted:
Well, as said earlier, sometimes the hacksaw is a time saver, especially if it’s a small job.

No physical exertion is mindless. It’s all good for you.

There, I’ve led you to the water. Don’t drink it if you don’t want to.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I value efficiency over the hollow sense of self satisfaction over mindless physical exertion.

Well, as said earlier, sometimes the hacksaw is a time saver, especially if it’s a small job.

No physical exertion is mindless. It’s all good for you.

There, I’ve led you to the water. Don’t drink it if you don’t want to.

The time spent mindlessly hacking away at it is time not spent doing something else. Something more productive that can provide a genuine sense of pride.

Posted: 3/18/2019 8:22:45 PM EST

[#42]

How do we cut 2 in. radius rounded corners on 1/4 plate? My skil-saw sucked even with new metal cutting blades.

Paladin

Posted: 3/18/2019 8:25:49 PM EST

[#43]

Hacksaws have their place, and are sometimes the right tool for the job. But a portable power bandsaw just cuts through things like angle iron so easily with no vibration. And I just learned a few weeks ago that a 7" grinder with a diamond metal cutting blade will just go through a 3" cast iron pipe in about 45 seconds. I had to use that tool because of the access was limited, so I could only fit the grinder in there, otherwise the bandsaw would have been good.

Posted: 3/18/2019 8:26:04 PM EST

[#44]

Quoted:
In a world full of power tools it’s easy to forget how effective a hacksaw with a new blade can be. Might even be faster in some cases.

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You want to know how I know that you've never run a vertical or horizontal bandsaw or a Bridgeport?

Posted: 3/18/2019 8:26:11 PM EST

[#45]

I’m going to guess you’ve never used a plasma torch. Reciprocating band tools suck for cutting steel. Sometimes it’s your only option though.

Posted: 3/18/2019 8:27:45 PM EST

[#46]

What about a cutting torch?

Posted: 3/18/2019 8:29:52 PM EST

[#47]

Quote History

Quoted:

You want to know how I know that you've never run a vertical or horizontal bandsaw or a Bridgeport?

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I have, and I like hacksaws too. I just used one yesterday for the first time in a while, when my pneumatic whiz saw wouldn't fit, and had a great time. That's why I am trying to spread the word.

Posted: 3/18/2019 8:32:33 PM EST

[#48]

Quote History

Quoted:

I have, and I like hacksaws too. I just used one yesterday for the first time in a while, when my pneumatic whiz saw wouldn't fit, and had a great time. That's why I am trying to spread the word.

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Sort of a Johnny Hacksawblade guy, huh?