circular saw cutting metal?

[jackfrost]

sorry if this is a dumb question, but am I correct in thinking you can put an abrasive metal cutting blade on a "normal" circular saw and/or compound mitre saw and cut metal with it?

http://power-tools.hardwarestore.com/54-361-circular-saw-blade-metal.aspx

[John Wright]

Yes, you can but the saw won't hold up very long with continued use. Bearings and windings aren't made to keep the metal shaving out very well...regular ole saw dust isn't conductive or attracted by the magnetic fields like the metal shavings are.

For lots of production use a cold cut chop saw, it turns at half the rpms and has heavy bearings and windings made just for this type of work. The work stays cool to the touch.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200307901_200307901

[79_EFI_Z]

I have that exact saw John posted in the link. It cuts steel like butter. I love it.

[Jared Rude]

I haven't used the Milwaulkee posted, but I borrow my dad's Hitachi CD14F which is very similar. Makes nice clean cuts, very little if any edge treatment required.

[monza]

Have you seen the circular saw (hand held) specifically for metal? Works amazing,I was skeptical when a buddy bought one, blew me away first time I saw it rip through steel. It still impresses me....http://power-tools.hardwarestore.com/61-357-circular-saws/metal-cutting-saw-615980.aspx