Cutting up to 1/4in steel - what do you recommend?

[ericher69]

Something like this

http://youtu.be/BZVOYHXg6iw

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[lostcreekranch]

K0ua - thanks, that's the saw I was looking at, seems like a pretty good value for a small timer like me.

Dave;

It has a 110 / 220 volt motor. You can get on either side of the argument with that one. ;-)

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[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Dave;

It has a 110 / 220 volt motor. You can get on either side of the argument with that one. ;-)

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Uh oh...clearly only a novice would run it on 120volts - but if the metal gets too thick and into pro territory you better stop cutting and switch it over :laughing:

 

[lostcreekranch]

Well stated.

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[Brad_Blazer]

Bosch makes a high-dollar metal cutting jigsaw but it doesn't seem to be offered in the US. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzH5y4iciAI

There is a generic version of that bandsaw. Slightly smaller rectangular cut spec. WT 4-1/2" Metal Cutting Bandsaw with Angle Cutting
They estimate $30 shipping.

 

[flusher]

Looking to spawn a discussion on tools, brands, accessories for cutting steel and I suppose aluminum. I only have a 14in chop saw for metal. Wondering about what to invest in... Oxy Torch, Plasma, whatever. Doubt I will do much of anything thicker than 1/4in and most will be 1/8in or less. I am a hobby/weekend warrior and will not be doing offsite work. Please advise!

I do most of my cutting with a 4-1/2" angle grinder (7/8" arbor) and a carbide cutoff blade. It's fast and accurate using a guide to make straight cuts. I have a chop saw and a band saw both rarely used.

Good luck.

 

[k0ua]

Bosch makes a high-dollar metal cutting jigsaw but it doesn't seem to be offered in the US. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzH5y4iciAI

There is a generic version of that bandsaw. Slightly smaller rectangular cut spec. WT 4-1/2" Metal Cutting Bandsaw with Angle Cutting
They estimate $30 shipping.

That bandsaw is smaller than the Grizzly.

 

[muddstopper]

Goodness, I keep looking for the perfect metal cutting tool and havent found it yet. I have always had oxy/acet torches. For more precise cuts, I stated using a Sawzall, Evenually got around to buying a 14" abrasive chop saw. Then got a plasma, and not to long ago got a 8x14 hort/vert bandsaw. I have used jig saws for cutting curves and even circular saws with the blade turned backwards for cutting sheet metal. Been know to cut with a chisel and even a screwdriver with one side sharpened to cut tops out of barrels. Have even bent metal double and beat the crease with a hammer to make it break. Or taken an old axe and bent cable over it striking it with a hammer to cut the cable. One day, I might find the perfect all around cutting tool, if I live long enough.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

That bandsaw is smaller than the Grizzly.

Like I said the rectangular spec is a little smaller, 4-1/2 x 6 vs. 5x6, but I would be surprised if there was much real difference. Might be rounding in the conversion from millimeters.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Something like this

http://youtu.be/BZVOYHXg6iw

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If the YouTube guy had much further to cut he would have been way off at the end. In about 2" he was off by the width of the chalk line, started from center of the line and was at least 1/16" of by the time he finished.