Cutting down this solid steel axle..

[Ktmrider83]

I don't have cutting disks at work for my grinder to try. Is it even going to work or am I better off dropping it off at the machine shop and hoping they don't get me too bad?

Thinking making 3 or 4 cuts..what you think?

 

[LXCam]

Abrasive discs are pretty cheap and you might waste one per cut if you know how to use them properly. But what are you trying to do? Are you planing on using this axle again or just want the cuts for something else?

 

[Ktmrider83]

I want to cut it up for random jobs on the press or to beat someone over the head with

 

[rsanter]

Fiber cutting disc will go right through that
I use them for cutting down axles all the time

Bob

 

[LXCam]

Oh ok so other then using it for pressing stuff it's doesn't need to be dead nuts perfect. Well you want a nice square cut for the press stuff so maybe you might consider having that done if you lack the tools. As for busting heads I'd say the knarlier the cut the better, I'd suggest a ****** cutting torch cut and leave all the slag attached. That'll leave some nice witness marks afterwards.

 

[Ktmrider83]

Ya now that I think of it the cleaner cut the better, so if my buddy has a wood chop saw I can buy a big cutting disk and toss it on there?

 

[LXCam]

I wouldn't suggest that unless your buddy doesn't care. I thought you said you have a grinder?. If you do then stop off at a local welding supply and have them suggests a cut-off disc and get 5-6.

I'm not sure where you're at but if you anywhere near Riverside CA you're welcome to come by here and I'll slice and dice those for ya.

 

[PugetDude]

4-1/2" angle grinder with a Pferd Cutoff wheel.
It will take you longer to put the wheel on the grinder than it will to make a cut.

if necessary, you can true up the cut with a bench grinder (or the angle grinder with a grinding disc- do not try to grind with a cutting disc)- use a combination square to ensure the ends are perpendicular to the sides.

I cut down a 97 Ford Explorer axle tube a couple of weeks ago. Had to shorten it 2-7/8" for my 32 Roadster project. I wrapped a piece of paper around the axle to ensure I had straight cuts for re-welding, marked both sides with blue masking tape. It only took a couple of minutes with the Pferd disc- (2) circumferential cuts in a 3.25" diameter x 1/4" wall axle tube. The finished cuts didn't need any clean up, just a quick weld bevel.

Good luck with your project.

 

[Ktmrider83]

Thanks for the tips

 

[4 FN 27]

Hit it with a file where you want to cut it. Not sure what it came out of but it might be only heat treated on the Splined end. If a file will cut it you should be fine with a Band Saw.

Let me know the results....

 

[Strouty]

I was thinking the same thing, band saw should make the cut. I don't think I have ever seen an axle that had heat treating past the splines. I would think it would be to brittle, IDK?