Need help cutting metal...

[Bootybug]

I am using a grinder with a cutting wheel. Thinking about using a recipricating saw with a metal cutting blade. Tube steel about 1/16 inch thick--some are angle cuts.

Suggestions for clean, quick cutting. No torches.

 

[A_Pmech]

Hacksaw.

 

[Monte]

What do you want to fabricate out of the tube ?

 

[creativecars]

How about a sawzall type recipricating saw, also a miter saw with a metal cutting abrasive blade would work.

 

[s_ontario]

1/16" get some good hacksaw blades makes good cardiovascular work out

just becareful of cutoff in the grinder

 

[930dreamer]

Hard to beat a chop saw.

 

[littletoes]

Abrasive chop saw, carbide chop saw, band saw-either portable type like a milwaukee, or a floor model, plasma cutter, sawzall with good Lenox Ti blades, etc.?

My favorite is the band saw.

 

[Bootybug]

burned through 7 blades with hack saw. That's why I started using the grinder.

Yeah, I don't cut small pieces as it's too dangerous with any small pieces flying around in my garage--too many cars to screw-up.

I think I'll use the new blades on my recipricating saw.

 

[bayou985]

Bootybug...Use 4" grinder with wafer blade .045 thick

 

[larry_g]

If the hack saw won't cut it then the sawzall won't either. Do you have any idea what the material is? What is the diameter of the tube?

It sounds like you have some stainless or other material besides mild steel.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[A_Pmech]

burned through 7 blades with hack saw. That's why I started using the grinder.

What is the material and what hacksaw blades are you using?

 

[dwm]

Hard to beat a chop saw.

+1. They're also inexpensive if you don't need anything fancy.

 

[superautobacs]

What is the material and what hacksaw blades are you using?

I'm no expert, and I don't like to jump into conclusion right away, but perhaps it was inferior blades and/or operator error.

The hacksaw blade will only cut in one direction; always be aware of which direction the cut stroke is. During your return stroke, the blade should only glide over your work peice. Don't operate the saw at an acute angle; always have at least a couple tooth contacting the work peice. Otherwise, you greatly risk dulling the tooth.

Here's a question for anyone: should we be concious on minimizing heat build-up into the blades? Working a hacksaw for extended periods can make the blade hot to the touch. Would that bring the temper down, or is it not a concern?

If it's a concern, then adding cutting fluid to the blade and breaking up the task as needed should prolong the blade?

I've also heard that easing back on the blade tensioner during storage is a good idea. Any thoughts on this?

 

[Sterff]

x2 on what blades are you using. I bought a pack of Lenox blades and have only used one in the last 3 years. I use my saw about once a week or so.

 

[mooman]

Jig saw with a metal cutting blade?

 

[lametec]

Band saw..

 

[y2knole]

what material?

a 4.5" grinder w/ cutting wheel should have no problem with mild steel.

nor should a sawzall, hacksaw or whatever with the right blade.

what are you trying to do?

 

[Groovy]

Saws all or 4" grinder as Y2 said is what I would use but I have a metal chop saw it was pretty cheap.