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- Can you cut cast iron with metal blade?
Yes, we can cut cast iron with a metal-cutting blade, but it depends heavily on the tool, the type of blade, and the thickness of the cast iron. Here's what actually works in practice
Best options (recommended)
1.Abrasive blades (chop saw / angle grinder)14" dry-cut metal chop saw with a carbide-tipped “steel/cast iron” blade (e.g., Evolution, Morse, DeWalt “Metal Chop” blades)
→ These cut cast iron extremely well, fast, cool, and with almost no sparks. Designed specifically for cast iron, ductile iron, steel pipe, etc.
4½" or larger angle grinder with a thin (1–1.5 mm) abrasive cutoff wheel rated for metal/iron
→ Works, but slower and creates a lot of dust and sparks.
2.Carbide-tipped metal-cutting blades on a portable band saw (e.g., Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita)Excellent for soil pipe, thick castings, or in tight spaces. Cuts very cleanly and is the pro plumber’s go-to for no-hub cast iron pipe.
Practical tips when cutting cast iron
Cast iron is brittle and very abrasive → expect a lot of black dust and some sparks even with the right blade.
Use slow, steady feed pressure — forcing it overheats the blade.
Cool the blade occasionally with water or cutting oil if it starts smoking (only if the tool allows it).
For drain pipe (4" and smaller), plumbers often use a snap cutter or chain soil-pipe cutter first and only reach for power tools when they can’t.