Why can't you cut ferrous metal with a DeWalt mitre saw (model DW716)?

Didn’t you ask that already?

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

It’s because of the plastic blade guard. Metal cutting produces and throws a ton of hot slag around. What you need is a metal cutting chop saw.

-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!

Sort of.

DeWalts model 872 is designed for cutting steel and has a plastic guard (poor design in my book). Metal can only be cut with a toothed blade if the saw is designed for it (low RPM, high torque). Miter saws aren’t designed for this. The motor and it’s parts aren’t sturdy enough to handle the forces needed to repetitively cut steel. As to why they’d advise against using an abrasive wheel is anyone’s guess. The speed should be fine.

Depending on the thickness involved, I’d pick up a Metal Devil blade from Northern Tool, Fastenal, or Grainger (coming soon). It’ll fit your 7 1/4” saw and will give you a very good cut (albeit a shorter blade life than with a metal saw).

I answered in the other post

-- Thos. Angle, Owyhee Design, Oregon