cutting a little steel

[Professor Marvel]

Looking for suggestions for a fairly inexpensive way to cut steel up to maybe 1/4 in. I will only need to cut steel occasionally but I want to be able to make the shapes I need to make repairs on farm equipment (mower decks, wagons etc). I don't need anything commercial but I don't like junk either.

 

[F3506]

What's your budget? An oxy/acetylene torch would be cheapest. A full blown CAD operated, computerized cutter would be the other end of the equation.

 

[Shield Arc]

This is a fairly inexpensive way to cut steel. :thumbsup:

 

[Professor Marvel]

SA
Sorry, I explained it inaccurately. A hack saw is indeed fine for cutting stock but I was wondering about sheet type metal. An example is repairing a deck on a bushog.

 

[Professor Marvel]

What's your budget? An oxy/acetylene torch would be cheapest. A full blown CAD operated, computerized cutter would be the other end of the equation.

I am certainly considering a torch. I guess I was just hoping somebody might know of a saw or possibly other device that I had not though about or be aware of.

 

[Shield Arc]

SA
Sorry, I explained it inaccurately. A hack saw is indeed fine for cutting stock but I was wondering about sheet type metal. An example is repairing a deck on a bushog.

These work good for that, a lot more money tho.

 

[Scooby074]

Budget.

For a tractor owner, a Oxy Fuel torch is the most versatile tool. From cutting metal to being able to heat and bend or loosen rusted fasteners.

For purely cutting, the sawzall or the milwaulkee metal circ saw would work.

A plain old 4.5" grinder with a zip cut would work too, and a grinder is an essential piece of equipment

 

[CNC Dan]

I am certainly considering a torch. I guess I was just hoping somebody might know of a saw or possibly other device that I had not though about or be aware of.

How about a nibbler. The small air powered ones can go up to 16ga.

Bigger ones get expensive real quick.

Or a body saw. Works like a mini sawzall.

 

[Shield Arc]

If you go with a torch, use propane to save some money. Takes a little longer on the preheat, but does make some nice cuts.

 

[F3506]

If you go with a torch, use propane to save some money. Takes a little longer on the preheat, but does make some nice cuts.

I've heard of using propane, but never done it. What pressure do you set the regulator at for something like 1/4" mild steel? Same pressure on Oxygen as the acetylene set up? Same tip?