I've used one in school and it is great, the blades can be sharpened by a skilled sharpening shop. The only complaint I have is that it is very loud with a screaching schrill attack on the ears, even earplugs with ear muffs didn't help!!!!
pjseaman
We've purchased a couple of the Milwaukee's lately.
The first job I used it for was cutting 2" x 8" x 3/16" rect. tubing, and it worked like a dream. The blade lasted through the whole job, about 500 cuts.
Then while I was out of the shop, one of my not too bright guys decided to rip 1/2" grade 50 plate with the saw. It completed the job, about 20' of cut, but he burnt the motor in the process.
Since then I've got a new one and use it often. It works really good on bar grating, but that is kind of rough on the blade. However, if you respect the saw and don't abuse it, the blade will last a good long time.
They have 2 different blades, 42 tpi for thicker metal and 51 tpi for sheet metal. (Those tpi's might be a little off as I'm quoting from an over used memory)
In short, the saw will pay for itself over and over in rapid succession.
Tim
Thanks everyone for the replys. My use would mostly be thinner stuff (16GA to 1/4"). I just missed seeing one in use at a jobsite, but I did see the cuts it made and they were very nice! I also have a posting on the Hobart WeldTalk board on this same subject.