5 in Double cut saw

Ted in NE-OH · Aug 1, 2013

Harbor Freight has on sale a 5 in double cut power hand saw where two blades go in opposite directions.

Has anyone used one for cutting ribbed steel siding? Any good for that.

Stan in Oly, WA · Aug 1, 2013

Ted,

I'd advise you to wait until you've heard an opinion or two from people who have actually used that saw. The reason I say that is because I have a memory of somebody on this site saying that a saw like that was absolutely worthless---but it may not have been the Harbor Freight version, or it may not have even been that exact configuration (might have been a different size, for instance).

Harbor Freight sells a few tools that rise high above their usual, indifferent quality, but nobody would ever be able to guess which ones those were, and it's expensive and infuriating to find them by trial and error. If you hear good things about that saw, and you get one, let us know what you think of it.

Stan

Frankmn · Aug 1, 2013

When you cut a steel siding product you want to shear the metal. The reason is that the shearing process pushes the galvanizing layers over the steel core and prevents rust from starting. A saw is easier but is not the recommended procedure.

Dusty MI · Aug 1, 2013

If it's painted steel then you don't want to cut it with anything that makes hot chips. They will land on the siding and melt/stick to the paint then rust.
I have a nibbler that chucks into a drill motor. Probably not as nice as a self powered nibbler, but it works for me.

Dusty

big a · Aug 1, 2013

Dad bought one of the ones sold on TV, cut a lot of tin with it. Works great, but LOUD. Eye protection is a must also.

schrade · Aug 3, 2013

have one we used on steel siding works great son says they use one at the factory he works at that they use to cut all kinds of metal up to 1" thick not sure what brand of saw they have

blueridge · Aug 3, 2013

i got one of these saws from Harbor Frieght and tried it & promptly returned it, there is no base or guide to line up anything, you have to hold it off work to saw, all it looks like to me, is a 5 in. grinder turned on its side with 2 blades.
if you want to whack off pipe or wooden dowels, it would work, using blade for guide. i needed a new circular saw and saw that, took it back & bought a good circular saw. i had a gift card from there. Gene

5 in Double cut saw

Ted in NE-OH

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Stan in Oly, WA

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Frankmn

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Dusty MI

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big a

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schrade

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blueridge

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