I bought a 12" TCT metal cutting blade. Cost me Aud $90. I used it to cut a structural steel channel, 50mm x 100 mm with 6 mm walls. I do not know the grade, but I am guessing not mild steel. So 255, 355 grade etc.

My saw runs at 3800 RPM and the TCT blade is able to handle that....or should.

The first cut was wonderful. Seconds to go through the channel. Clean cut. Dead accurate. Best metal cut I have ever experienced.

Second cut was throwing splinters of the work piece all over the place. Really had to push hard. Blade was riding up on the face of the channel and left a shard on the bottom of the cut, for all my pushing. Took about 3 times as long as the first cut.

Third cut was a washout. The blade will now burn a 2X1 piece of pine.

Have I done something wrong, or is this a crap blade? The first cut was like a hot knife through butter, the second like a wooden razor, to quote a couple of phrases.

Appreciate any help or advice on this. I want to go back to the vendor with some knowledge.


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