Are you tired of struggling to cut through tough materials like cast iron with your reciprocating saw?
Look no further than the diamond grit SAWZALL® TORCHTM blade.
With up to 30 times longer life than standard blades and a thick, rigid body, this blade is designed to resist bending and fracturing, making it ideal for cutting abrasive and hard materials.
But with different lengths and teeth per inch (TPI) options available, it’s important to know which blade is right for your specific job.
In this article, we’ll explore the best sawzall blades for cutting cast iron and other tough metals, so you can make the most of your reciprocating saw.
What Sawzall Blade Cuts Cast Iron
When it comes to cutting cast iron, the Lenox 9 inch diamond recip saw blade is a popular choice among DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. Equipped with tangs on both ends, this blade allows you to switch ends when one section gets dull, making it a cost-effective option for those who frequently work with cast iron.
But if you’re looking for a blade that can cut through cast iron even faster and with more precision, the diamond grit SAWZALL® TORCHTM blade is the way to go. With its unique geometry that reduces blade twisting for straight, accurate cuts, this blade is designed to make your job easier and more efficient.
Available in 6 inch, 9 inch, and 12 inch lengths, the diamond grit SAWZALL® TORCHTM blade also comes in different TPI options. For cutting thick metals like cast iron, the 8 TPI blade is your best bet. However, if you’re cutting thinner metals like sheet metal, a finer cut is required and an 18-24 TPI bi-metal blade is recommended.
It’s important to note that not all reciprocating saw blades are suitable for cutting cast iron. The 20 TPI blade, for example, is designed for cutting thin metal and should not be used for cutting cast iron.
Understanding Cast Iron And Its Properties
Cast iron is a type of iron-carbon alloy that contains 2 to 4 percent carbon and varying amounts of silicon and manganese. It is produced by reducing iron ore in a blast furnace and is primarily made from pig iron produced from smelted iron ore in a furnace. Cast iron also contains impurities such as phosphorus and sulfur.
One of the most important properties of cast iron is its hardness, which refers to the material’s resistance to abrasion and indentation. Cast iron is also known for its toughness, or its ability to absorb energy, and its ductility, or its ability to deform without fracture. However, cast iron tends to be brittle, except for malleable cast irons.
Most cast iron is either gray iron or white iron, with gray iron containing more silicon and being less hard and more machinable than white iron. Ductile cast iron is another type of cast iron that has spherical graphite “nodules” which stop cracks from further progressing, making it more ductile than other cast iron products. It is predominantly used for its relative ductility and can be found extensively in water and sewerage infrastructure.
Cast iron has become an engineering material with a wide range of applications, including pipes, machines, and automotive industry parts such as cylinder heads, cylinder blocks, and gearbox cases. Cast iron’s high compressive strength, high hardness, and high wear resistance make it a popular choice for these applications. However, it is notoriously difficult to weld.
When cutting cast iron with a reciprocating saw, it’s important to choose the right blade for the job. The Lenox 9 inch diamond recip saw blade is a popular choice among DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike due to its cost-effectiveness. However, for faster and more precise cuts through cast iron, the diamond grit SAWZALL® TORCHTM blade is recommended. It has a unique geometry that reduces blade twisting for straight, accurate cuts and comes in different TPI options depending on the thickness of the metal being cut.
Why A Standard Sawzall Blade Won’t Cut It
While a standard sawzall blade may work for cutting through some metals, it won’t cut through cast iron. This is due to the extreme density of cast iron, which makes it far too difficult for most metal cutting blades to penetrate. Cast iron contains between 2% to 4% carbon and is very hard to cut with a toothed blade. If you try to cut cast iron with a standard sawzall blade, you’ll quickly find that the blade will jump around on you due to the density of the material.
To cut through cast iron, you need a blade that is specifically designed for the job. The diamond grit SAWZALL® TORCHTM blade is an excellent choice, as it is designed with a unique geometry that reduces blade twisting for straight, accurate cuts. This blade is also equipped with diamond grit, which allows it to cut through the dense material easily and efficiently.
It’s important to remember that when cutting cast iron, the blade needs to be at least 2 inches longer than the material you’re cutting. This will ensure that you have enough blade length to make a clean cut without damaging the blade. Additionally, it’s recommended that you start cutting slowly until you get about 1/4 inch into the material before using full power. This will help keep the blade in line and prevent it from jumping around on you.
Introducing The Diamond Grit SAWZALL® TORCHTM Blade
The Diamond Grit SAWZALL® TORCHTM blade is a game-changer when it comes to cutting through tough and abrasive materials like cast iron. Featuring coarse industrial diamond grit embedded in high-strength nickel allow braze, this blade lasts up to 30 times longer than traditional carbide grit blades and cuts up to 2 times faster.
What sets the Diamond Grit SAWZALL® TORCHTM blade apart is its 1″ tall durable profile, which delivers straighter and cleaner cuts than the competition. This added height also reduces blade twisting for more accurate cuts.
Aside from cast iron, this blade also excels in cutting other hard and abrasive materials such as fiberglass, grade five porcelain tile, brick, ceramics, masonry, and plaster. Available in 6″ and 9″ lengths, the Diamond Grit SAWZALL® TORCHTM blade is equipped with 1/2 in. Universal Tangs that fit all SAWZALLS® for maximum versatility.
While other methods for cutting cast iron include carbide grit blades, abrasives, and pipe snap cutters, the Diamond Grit SAWZALL® TORCHTM blade provides fast and straight cuts that are traditionally a struggle to achieve accurately. With its precision diamond-grit size and placement, this blade delivers fast cutting and exceptional durability.
Choosing The Right Blade Length And TPI For Cutting Cast Iron
When it comes to cutting cast iron, choosing the right blade length and TPI is crucial for achieving a clean and efficient cut. For thicker cast iron materials, it is recommended to choose a blade that is at least four inches longer than the diameter/width of the material. This ensures safety and allows for better control during the cutting process.
As for TPI, an 8 TPI blade is ideal for cutting through thick cast iron materials. This blade has fewer teeth per inch, which allows for faster cutting and reduced blade wear. However, if you’re cutting thinner cast iron materials, a higher TPI blade such as an 18-24 TPI bi-metal blade is recommended. This blade has more teeth per inch and can provide a smoother and cleaner cut.
It’s important to note that using the wrong TPI blade can result in damage to both the material being cut and the blade itself. Always make sure to choose the appropriate TPI for the specific material you will be cutting.
Tips For Cutting Cast Iron Safely And Efficiently
Cutting cast iron can be a challenging task, but with the right blade and techniques, it can be done safely and efficiently. Here are some tips to keep in mind when cutting cast iron:
1. Wear protective gear: Always wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from flying debris.
2. Choose the right blade: Use a diamond grit or carbide-tipped blade with at least 8 TPI for cutting cast iron. Avoid using blades with a lower TPI as they may cause the blade to bind or break.
3. Secure the cast iron: Use clamps or a vise to secure the cast iron in place before cutting. This will prevent it from moving or vibrating during the cut.
4. Start slow: Begin your cut slowly and gradually increase the speed as you progress. This will help prevent the blade from binding or overheating.
5. Use a lubricant: Apply a lubricant like cutting oil or WD-40 to the blade before cutting. This will help reduce friction and prolong the life of the blade.
6. Keep the blade cool: Cast iron can generate a lot of heat during cutting, which can cause the blade to wear out quickly. To prevent this, take breaks every few minutes to let the blade cool down.
7. Finish with sandpaper: After making your cut, use sandpaper or a file to smooth out any rough edges on the newly created opening.
By following these tips, you can safely and efficiently cut cast iron with your reciprocating saw and avoid damaging your equipment or injuring yourself in the process.
Other Tough Materials You Can Cut With A Sawzall And The Right Blade
Aside from cast iron, a Sawzall with the right blade can cut through a variety of tough materials. For example, if you need to cut through concrete or masonry, a carbide grit blade is recommended. These blades are designed to withstand the abrasiveness of these materials and can make quick work of tough cuts.
If you’re cutting through metal pipes or rebar, a bi-metal blade with a high TPI count is recommended. This type of blade can easily cut through the tough exterior of the metal while still maintaining precision and accuracy.
For cutting through wood with nails or other embedded materials, a demolition blade with large gullets and a thicker profile is recommended. These blades are designed to withstand the impact of hitting nails and other obstructions while still cutting through the wood.
Finally, if you need to cut through PVC or other plastic materials, a specialized plastic cutting blade is recommended. These blades have a unique tooth design that allows them to easily slice through plastic without melting or distorting the material.
In summary, there are a variety of tough materials that can be cut with a Sawzall and the right blade. It’s important to choose the correct blade for the material you’re cutting in order to achieve precise and efficient cuts.