Best way to ctu zinc came

[Patrice]

I have been working with stained glass for about a year and a half.  Most of the panels I have done have been small so I have been using 1/8 inch channel and cut it with a notcher.  It works great.  I am now working on a larger panel and want to finish it with a 3/8 inch piece of zinc.  What is the best way to cut zinc came?  I have been using a hack saw - with a new blade - and miter box.  It seems to take me forever to cut through it and when I finally get it cut the angle is at an angle.  Is there an easier way??        Thanks in advance.

[Tre V]

Patrice, I have one of those Harbor Freight Hobby saws aka cut off saw   http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42307  , It works like a champ, but always always wear safety glasses.. you won't believe the tiny shards of metal dust it creates! A very clean cut though

[Glassic]

I have one too, works very well for the price. If you buy one andthe store is not closeby, get the extra blades!

[Kev]

Glastar also sells a came cut off saw as well. that swivels 45 degrees in both directions for easy mitered corner cuts. It is quite a bit more expensive than the mini cut off saw from Harbour Freight, but I find it much more useful.

[Anne]

Glastar also sells a came cut off saw as well. that swivels 45 degrees in both directions for easy mitered corner cuts. It is quite a bit more expensive than the mini cut off saw from Harbour Freight, but I find it much more useful.

I have a gryphon that works the same.  So thankfull to have it, we used to cut by hand, what a crappy job that is. (no offense Patrice) Would recommend a saw if you can afford one.

[Amber]

I just use a dremel with a reinforced cut off wheel, I like it because I bought another tip and was able to engrave a birth date on a suncatcher too!

[Audrey]

I also use a Dremel because I have one and it works well enough. When the corners are soldered it covers up any inconsistency from free hand cutting with the dremel. But then I am not a professional, but a hobbiest.

[ct4mom]

I purchases a small chop saw at harbor freight for under 20.00. Work good and was having problem put a new blade in a works great.

[Wayne]

If you are not going to be making many items using the larger widths of zinc/brass/copper came, I would stay with the hacksaw.  If you are, then maybe a saw is the way to go for you.

[Kev]

For yeas I used the morton set up with the little hacksaw...but the mini cut off saw is much quicker.

[Wayne]

For years, my shop used nails in a boad to hold the various sizes of zinc and a hacksaw to cut it.  Then the Jasco came out and I bought it and have used it for the last 20 some years...

[Patrice]

Thanks for all of your advice.  I am learning so much from all of you. I am going to definitely check out the harbor freight website and also take a look at the Dremel.