cutting thick(ish) steel

[metal1313]

hey all, im looking for recommendations for a method to make some relatively accurate cuts in a sheet of 5/8 plate. i'll have one cut apx. 40" and the other 55". i do not currently own a decent oxy/acc torch, nor a plasma.

i have sawzall's and circular saws. i'm interested in opinions if a diablo steel cutting blade, for a standard circular saw will work, at least long enough to last this job. I've located a guy selling 55x55" 5/8 plate for a great price, very local to me. however he will not cut them. the full size plate is just too big for my needs so i'd like to cut it down to apx. 40x32. if the metal cutting blades at about $40 will do the job, even if i have to make several passes my future project can proceed.

anyone with opinions/experience here? or know anyone in hunterdon county nj who can do the job for a reasonable fee?

 

[f150skidoo]

I have used the diablo steel blade before and it doesn't last very long cutting 1/4" plate, those blades are good for 1/8" or thinner material. Your best bet Is to find someone who can cut it for you.

 

[Kaizen]

Discs in a grinder will take forever. Agree one off situation go to a shop with good setup


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[strength_and_power]

5/8" is going to be beyond the capacity of most shears.
I definitely wouldn't go the diablo route, that screams bad idea.
Putting it on a cnc plasma table would give you the most accurate result but I couldn't see a shop wanting to mess with it for less than $80-100.
The "great" price may not be so great after all the time and effort involved.
If 1/2" would work, you might end up cheaper getting it from a steel yard that can shear 1/2"


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[shawhite]

+3 talk to shop to have it cut.

 

[metal1313]

thats what i figured actually. guess i have to hunt for a capable shop in my area. \

btw the price is $100

 

[metalhead212121]

thats what i figured actually. guess i have to hunt for a capable shop in my area. \

btw the price is $100

you found those plate(s) on craigslist didn't you? I've been eyeing them up forever just hoping I'd have the need for one.

 

[Thumper68]

I have used the diablo steel blade before and it doesn't last very long cutting 1/4" plate, those blades are good for 1/8" or thinner material. Your best bet Is to find someone who can cut it for you.

Discs in a grinder will take forever. Agree one off situation go to a shop with good setup


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5/8" is going to be beyond the capacity of most shears.
I definitely wouldn't go the diablo route, that screams bad idea.
Putting it on a cnc plasma table would give you the most accurate result but I couldn't see a shop wanting to mess with it for less than $80-100.
The "great" price may not be so great after all the time and effort involved.
If 1/2" would work, you might end up cheaper getting it from a steel yard that can shear 1/2"


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+3 talk to shop to have it cut.

Sorry guys going to have to call BS on all of you, Why can I do that you ask.

Video proof.

The second blade I used was the Diablo after I finished cutting the 1" I made several 20+ cuts in 3/8ths followed by some long cuts in 3/16" diamond plate and the blade is still going strong.

Of course this is using a saw designed just for metal but I would have no issues picking up a blade and tossing it in one of my demo saws and cutting the 5/8ths using some cutting wax as lube.

 

[strength_and_power]

A quick check online shows a 5/8" plate 40"x32" cut to size would be $250 so that leaves $150 for your time and their labor to cut it. Of course you wouldn't have any scrap this way so if you had plans for that then it's more in your favor to find a shop.
I'm kinda curious how many 6" thin cut off wheels in a 4.5" angle grinder with the guard removed would it take. Heleta.com has 4.5" wheels for .69 each. 30-40 would be my guess. Plus an hour to clean up the mess, 3 days for the smoke,dust and smell to clear and possibly burn up a grinder. Probably 2 hours to get it done. Good times for sure


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[metal1313]

you found those plate(s) on craigslist didn't you? I've been eyeing them up forever just hoping I'd have the need for one.

exactly haha, I have another reason to be in the area soon, and need a heavy table for the garage, so i figure i'd grab one

 

[metalhead212121]

exactly haha, I have another reason to be in the area soon, and need a heavy table for the garage, so i figure i'd grab one

those things have been on craigslist FOREVER... I can't believe nobody jumped on them. I think at one point he was asking $200+ and wasn't getting any offers from what I could tell...

 

[metal1313]

i beleive he has a ton of them, if you look at the pictures, there has to be dozens of them but yea been on CL for a long time

 

[texasranger]

Sorry guys going to have to call BS on all of you, Why can I do that you ask.

Video proof.

The second blade I used was the Diablo after I finished cutting the 1" I made several 20+ cuts in 3/8ths followed by some long cuts in 3/16" diamond plate and the blade is still going strong.

Of course this is using a saw designed just for metal but I would have no issues picking up a blade and tossing it in one of my demo saws and cutting the 5/8ths using some cutting wax as lube.

It's not so much the blade as the saw. Your Milwaukee turns a good bit slower than a standard 7-1/4 circular saw meant for wood.

 

[Kaizen]

Sorry guys going to have to call BS on all of you, Why can I do that you ask.



Video proof.

The second blade I used was the Diablo after I finished cutting the 1" I made several 20+ cuts in 3/8ths followed by some long cuts in 3/16" diamond plate and the blade is still going strong.



Of course this is using a saw designed just for metal but I would have no issues picking up a blade and tossing it in one of my demo saws and cutting the 5/8ths using some cutting wax as lube.

Bs?? So you think he won't be sitting there all day with a grinder and discs?

I too have a metal cutting circular saw that works well but don't get the feeling op wants to spend 300 to try and save money


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[theoldwizard1]

Sorry guys going to have to call BS on all of you ...

Another video

8" Metal Cutting Circular Saw of DOOM! 3.5 Year Review of the Milwaukee Electric 6370

 

[NUTTSGT]

For $25, would this be worth trying ?

https://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/tls/6193984756.html

Here's another one for $50

https://newjersey.craigslist.org/tls/6200964287.html

 

[Thumper68]

Bs?? So you think he won't be sitting there all day with a grinder and discs?

I too have a metal cutting circular saw that works well but don't get the feeling op wants to spend 300 to try and save money


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Yup if the OP has a use for a heavy table then he is most likely going to be cutting metal in the future and I see no issue buying a tool (I got mine at Northern Tool with the 50 off 250 coupon for 240) that will make the cuts he needs now and then have the tool for future use. Notice I did not suggest that he go out and drop 1000+ on a plasma cutter.

I was just pointing out that there is a great option (BTW some tool rental places rent them as well.) out there that does not require a huge investment.

 

[tarbellb]

I think youll find a difference between throwing a Diablo metal cutting blade in a standard 7 1/4" circ saw and using the slower RPM 8" Milwaukee 6370-21...

You will likely chew up several blades if running it in the higher RPM std circ saw, maybe not. Add the cost of two blades, now you're getting close to a bad deal.

 

[Kaizen]

Yup if the OP has a use for a heavy table then he is most likely going to be cutting metal in the future and I see no issue buying a tool (I got mine at Northern Tool with the 50 off 250 coupon for 240) that will make the cuts he needs now and then have the tool for future use. Notice I did not suggest that he go out and drop 1000+ on a plasma cutter.



I was just pointing out that there is a great option (BTW some tool rental places rent them as well.) out there that does not require a huge investment.

My original post referred to trying to use a grinder and discs to make the cuts. In that size it's not bs that it will be a futile effort. Don't point op in wrong direction. We will see if op wants to buy a saw.


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[Ole Slewfoot]

My 15A grinder cuts off a 12x12 x1/2" I beam in maybe 15 using thin 7" wheel FWIW.

 

[racingtadpole]

You could cut it with a broken hacksaw blade or blunt cold chisel if you were patient enough. For some reason people seem to think you have to have massive equipment to get a job done on 'thickish' stuff.
Reality is, sometimes you gotta run what you brung.. If time is in plentiful supply (or you have no reason to put a dollar value on it) then get a box of cut off wheels and have at it with a grinder, at 69c each if you go through 50 of them (which I think would be overstating somewhat unless they are of the shittest quality), then you are still only into it for $35 plus a couple of hours of your time.
If time is more important than money, then rent a plasma and compressor (if necessary), or find a pro outfit.

 

[dutchgray]

That above
I would have already broke out the 9" grinder or the 12" petrol disc cutter and be cutting.

 

[strength_and_power]

That above

I would have already broke out the 9" grinder or the 12" petrol disc cutter and be cutting.

Problem with the larger diameter wheels is the thickness increases as well and so does the amount of material being removed unnecessarily.




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[DonPowers]

I have the 7" Morse Metal Devil saw. It was recommended by some Iron Worker friends who have used the 7" saw on plate up to 1" without any issues, just have to go slow and use the proper blade. As others have said, they run at a different speed than wood working saws.

Here is a video of the Morse saw.

 

[dr_clyde]

Take it somewhere with a cnc plasma, laser, or line burner. I would think a $50 bill and maybe a 6 pack will get the job done.

My time is worth more than the horsing around with a grinder, unless the OP wants to spend $250+, no sense in buying a tool that will see seldom use.

 

[MoonRise]

By 'relatively accurate', what do you mean there?

+/- 1/4" ?

+/- 0.005" ?

Perpendicularity needs, and straightness needs?

Making a welding table or workbench and just want it 'nice enough'?

A Diablo steel cutting blade is an awesome tool, when used within its capabilities. That means workpiece thickness, as well as matching the blade rpm rating to the saw's rpm. And it beats the snot out of cutting with an abrasive blade for speed of cut and less noise (still loud though) and cut quality (it makes a cut that is darn close to the cut you'd get on a milling machine, including the sharp edges (need to deburr them so you don't slice yourself later).

But the amount of cut for the cost of the blade is rather expensive. And that's if you do everything 'right', right saw rpm for the blade rpm, and right cut/feed rate, and keeping the saw cut straight and even as you go, and cutting within the blade's workpiece thickness rating.

A plasma or oxy-fuel torch can do the job. Use (or pay someone or a shop) to make the cuts. IMHO.

 

[sberry]

My time is worth more than the horsing around with a grinder, unless the OP wants to spend $250+, no sense in buying a tool that will see seldom use.

How much is the cut charge and how much is the time worth? A couple hrs with a grinder might be worth 100$.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Especially if you figure you have to take it to the shop, wait for them to set up , etc, you could easily be more than an hour into it anyway.

 

[dr_clyde]

How much is the cut charge and how much is the time worth? A couple hrs with a grinder might be worth 100$.

Especially if you figure you have to take it to the shop, wait for them to set up , etc, you could easily be more than an hour into it anyway.

Let's assume there's 3 options here, ranging from from cheapest to most expensive, assuming time is free (which it really isn't, opportunity costs are still a thing). Angle grinder w/ cutoff wheels, hiring it out, and buying a plate saw.

If the OP already had a plate saw, that would be the answer. But he says he doesn't have a torch, plasma, or plate saw, so those are all over $200 and out for the purposes of this discussion.

An angle grinder would be effective, but messy, unpleasant, and with a sketchy at best cut quality comparatively. It may burn out a cheaper grinder, meaning you could easily have $150 into grinding it, even before you figure the couple of hours and general unpleasant nature of that job. That leaves hiring it done.

I ran a CNC plasma table for a while, and deal with a laser cutting shop on a pretty much daily basis. If you have the right tools, this is a piece of cake job that wouldn't take more than 30 minutes. 5 minutes to draw the part, 10 minutes to load and square the part on the table, less than 10 minutes to make the cut and take the part back off the table. My laser guy would do it for the $40 set up fee. Some shops charge an hour minimum, so lets say anywhere from $60-$100 at most. I'd pay that to have a perfect part with no grinding grit down my shirt.


If you don't need a super fine edge, a shear works great to make it straight. My old welding table was 3/4", and that was sheared before I profiled it on the waterjet. Any steel supply should have a proper plate shear, and would probably do it for a case of beer, especially if you ask the guys on the floor.

 

[speed bump]

You could rent a gas cutoff saw. Otherwise a shop with torch or a plasma cutter should be able to make quick work of it. Figure they will charge you an hour of shop time.

As a completely random idea, circular saw with a metal cutting blade and a router variable speed controller to slow the blade down.

 

[metal1313]

Just to clarify, the blades I was talking about in my OP are meant to be used in a standard circular saw. Most are rated for 1/8 to 1/4 cutting capacity, I was wondering really if I did multiple passes if I could get the job done, however as I suspected the job is best farmed out to a shop. Now I just have to FIND a shop that will do the job for a decent price, that's somewhat local to me

 

[Bighead38]

30 min from Clifton. Really old school shop that should do it cheap for you. Not sure why it says government on the google page. It's just an old guy and his friends.

https://g.co/kgs/8TPP6d

Rockland iron works. Iirc his name is moe.

 

[PugetDude]

Rent a cutting torch. Use a piece of angle as a guide. It will take you longer to go get the torch and return it after you're done than it will to make the cuts.

 

[OccupantRJ]

What are you going to haul and handle it with?

 

[rnscustom]

Not sure the effort it would take to cut that . Usually my consideration is that most times I'm either disappointed in the workmanship that was done or I say that was easier than I thought boy did I get ripped off . So for me if it's possible I can do it I will try first ( usually succeed ) . value of your time , it's a learning experience and you may be talking a hole day??

 

[metal1313]

30 min from Clifton. Really old school shop that should do it cheap for you. Not sure why it says government on the google page. It's just an old guy and his friends.

https://g.co/kgs/8TPP6d

Rockland iron works. Iirc his name is moe.

thats about 75miles from me, im in CLINTON, not clifton.

once i get some quotes i'll decide if its worth it to just buy a thinner plate cut to size already.

now as far as handling the plate, i have a few options to pick it up. it fits in my f150, i have a trailer it fits in, and also have access to a rack body with lift gate. more than likely i'll use my trailer, then cut it down on the trailer. i also have an engine hoist, and access to a tractor with forks at home. annd i have about 200' of 1.5, 1.75, 2.0 and 3.0 square tube stored away so i figured nows the time to make a decent welding table. I also want to mount my vise, and be able to mount my hossfeld or jd2 bender, or use it as an outfeed table for my table saw. it has to cover many tasks, so being heavy is important, to resist movement and tipping

 

[Bighead38]

Guess I need to get my lasik surgery redone worse than I thought. Still a good place if you don't mind an hour drive lol.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Reason I asked, is that on a trailer you can place sheet metal down to protect the bed, place the steel plate on blocks, haul it to a shop where they can torch the plate without handling it.

 

[PugetDude]

How much is the cut charge and how much is the time worth? A couple hrs with a grinder might be worth 100$.

It's only worth $100 if he can invoice someone for it. Otherwise, it's "free time".

 

[ChevyEFI]

I picked up the HF metal cutting circ. saw and an extra blade last year in order to cut a 3/8" sheet about 6' and change long.

If you honestly want a nice straight edge when it's all said and done, get someone who can do that for you. If you just want good nuff, proceed with the saw.