Saws for metal
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Woodworking & metalworking
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Saws
- Japanese saws with interchangeable blade
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Saws
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Saws for metal
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE METAL-CUTTING SAWS
Choosing the right metal-cutting saw
When selecting a suitable metal-cutting saw, you should consider the material, the intended application and the required cutting performance.
For thicker materials, solid metal bars or pipes, a robust hacksaw is the best choice. For finer work, such as craft applications or jewellery making, a compact mini hacksaw or a coping saw is more suitable.
Consider in advance which materials you want to cut (metal, plastic or composite materials) and choose a blade that matches the application.
How to use a metal-cutting saw correctly
Proper handling is essential for efficient and safe work. Always ensure that the workpiece is securely clamped. Select a blade appropriate for the material you are cutting.
Most metal-cutting hand saws cut on the push stroke, meaning material is removed primarily during the forward movement. Begin with short, controlled strokes. If necessary, use a file to create a small starting notch to guide the blade.
Work with minimal pressure – the saw should do the cutting. Once the cut is established, use the full length of the blade for efficient sawing.
Types of metal-cutting saws
Metal-cutting saws are available for a wide range of applications, from rough cutting of structural steel to fine, precise work in jewellery making.
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Hacksaws
The standard metal-cutting hand saw, consisting of a tensioned blade mounted in a rigid frame. Suitable for cutting unhardened steel, plastics and non-ferrous metals such as copper, brass and aluminium. -
Compact hacksaws (PUK saws)
A smaller, lightweight variant of the hacksaw, often designed for one-handed use. In many models, the frame and handle are formed from a single bent steel rod. The blade is tensioned by compressing the frame. -
Mini hacksaws
Compact saws for confined spaces and detailed work. Unlike standard hacksaws, some designs use a rigid spine to support the blade, which limits the depth of cut but improves control. -
Coping saws with metal-cutting blades
Primarily designed for curved cuts, these saws can be fitted with fine metal-cutting blades. They are suitable for very thin materials and delicate work, such as jewellery making.
Which blades are suitable for metal?
For metalworking, a dedicated metal-cutting saw is essential. Wood-cutting saws are generally unsuitable for metal: their teeth dull quickly or may even break.
Metal-cutting blades are hardened and have a much finer tooth pitch, usually specified in teeth per inch (tpi). While wood-cutting blades typically have around 8–10 tpi, metal-cutting blades usually range from 10 to 32 tpi.
Because of this fine pitch, metal-cutting blades are often unset. Instead, many feature a wavy set to provide sufficient kerf clearance and reduce binding.
Different metals require different tooth pitches. Softer materials such as aluminium require fewer teeth (larger gullets) for effective chip clearance, whereas harder materials such as brass or steel require a finer pitch.
Typical tooth pitches:
- Aluminium, copper, mild steel, large bars (> 40 mm): 8–18 tpi
- Brass, cast iron, steel, smaller bars (< 40 mm): 18–22 tpi
- Sheet metal, hard castings, thin-walled tubes and plastics: 22–32 tpi
Metal-cutting blades for power tools (circular saws, plunge saws, jigsaws, etc.) can be found in the category »Power tools & accessories«.