A miter saw is a piece of equipment you can use to cut numerous materials with ease. The saw has versatile uses, and you can adjust it to perform a specified function.
Nevertheless, miter saws are manufactured to cut composites and wood.
Therefore, they are instrumental in woodworking and construction applications. Often construction and woodworkers ask “can i cut copper pipe with a miter saw”. Read on and find out!
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Using a Miter Saw to Cut Copper
Copper is the most common material used to make water pipes. Moreover, it is also used to make drains and waste pipes. Most copper pipes have either ¾ or ½ inch diameter.
In case there is construction taking place or any form of repairs, you are likely going to cut copper pipes. One of the most common pieces of equipment construction hobbyists have is a miter saw.
Since it is a substantial piece of equipment, one will get tempted to cut copper.
It is possible to cut copper using a miter saw. But, you may not get perfect results.
Moreover, I would not recommend the use of a miter saw to cut dozens of copper pipes. It is not possible to keep up the production using a miter saw.
More importantly, copper will wear down the miter saw. In case you use a miter saw to cut non-wooden materials, it will wear out with no time.
How to Cut Copper With a Miter Saw
If you have decided to use a miter saw to cut copper, you should proceed with caution. Copper is softer than wood. Considering that a miter saw is designed to cut wood, you will have an easier time cutting wood than cutting copper.
Therefore, you should proceed slowly and, at the same time, ensure that you are holding the copper tightly to avoid accidents.
Additionally, I would recommend that if the motor is open, use a piece of cloth to cover it to protect the windings and bearings.
Failure to this, the motor can collect some copper chips in the cutting process.
After you are through, I would also recommend that you recall removing the piece of cloth before you resume your usual activity, which is probably cutting wood. If you fail to remove the piece of cloth, the motor will overheat.
Moreover, you can also trap the copper using a wood backer to protect yourself from flying copper shards. Moreover, this will help you hold the metal in place while cutting.
I recommend you do this when you are cutting thin copper pipes. If you do not use the backing board, the saw’s blade will likely get stuck on the metal, destroying it or distorting it.
Why Cut Copper With a Miter Saw?
As highlighted earlier, copper contains a ductile material. Therefore, it is often used in the manufacturing of pipes and tubes.
The problem is it is hard to have a collection of tools in your house. In that case, you are likely going to use a miter saw to cut the copper.
In most cases, you will succeed in cutting copper using a miter saw, but you may end up destroying the saw.
If what you are working on is not an emergency, it is a good idea to get the equipment recommended for cutting copper.
What Kind of Saw Do You Recommend to Use for Cutting Copper
Any moment you intend to join sections of copper pipes, you have to cut them using an appropriate length.
Ideally, I would recommend you use a chop saw that has an abrasive wheel to cut copper. Such a piece of equipment will offer exceptional results and remain in good condition.
Here’s a really good video explaining in detail everything you might need to know about converting your miter saw to cutting metal, safely:
Using a Miter Saw to Cut Brass
Brass is a metal that is made of both zinc and copper. In most cases, it is used in manufacturing electrical fittings and pipes.
As is the case with copper, you are likely to cut brass pipes when renovating a home. For various reasons. Most people who work on construction view brass as a multipurpose tool.
Therefore, using a miter saw to cut brass, a non-ferrous metal, is not a stray one.
It is possible to cut brass pipes using a miter saw, but you have to follow various rules to ensure that your cuts will be of high quality and the cutting process will be safe.
How to Cut Brass With a Miter Saw
It is not difficult to cut brass pipes with a miter designed to cut non-ferrous metal.
You can identify whether your saw is suitable for cutting non-ferrous metal by checking the label. I would also recommend that you read the safety precautions before you proceed to cut the pipe.
It is also a good idea to put on safety glasses and other safety clothing to protect yourself from unforeseen accidents.
More importantly, ensure that the motor housing is covered to prevent it from collecting brass chips. Cover it with a piece of cloth to protect the bearings and windings.
I would also advise that you use a sturdy vise for this type of job, when cutting brass.
After that, make cuts that are close to minimize vibrations. In case the tube is too thin, you can use a piece of wood to add extra support.
As a result, you will reduce the risk of the blade getting stuck on the pipe. If the saw gets stuck, it will destroy the brass pipe.
Before you switch on the power, ensure the saw’s guard is in good condition. And also, it is in the right position. Additionally, you can adjust the miter locks to make sure that your cuts will be accurate.
When working, ensure that you maintain the pressure consistently as you cut the pipe. After you have completed cutting, hold the miter saw down and release the power.
I would also recommend that you hold the tool still until the blade has stopped moving completely. Later you can return it to the upright position.
Cutting Brass With Miter Saw
As much as a miter saw can cut brass pipes, it’s also not the best because it will put more wear on the saw.
If you want your saw to offer you lengthy service, use it to cut wood only. For brass, go for tools designed to cut brass, such as a chop saw.
What Kind of Saw Do You Recommend to Use for Cutting Brass
The best tool to use when cutting a brass pipe is a chop saw manufactured with an abrasive wheel. But if you need a few pieces, you can cut brass using the miter saw.
But for high production, I would recommend using the right cutting blade made of non-ferrous metal.
A miter saw can cut either copper or brass pipes. But it is not recommended because the saw may wear out in the process. For effective results, it is good to get the right blade as a chop saw.