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

[Threepoint]

Small things usually turn into bigger things. Be prepared!

Yep! :laughing:

 

[JKR]

I use a Milwaukee 8" metal saw, portable band saw and a 4" grinder with a cutoff wheel.
I also have a large band saw Startrite H225 1" saw. I only use a torch for heating and bending.
Plasma cutter would be nice but I don;t have a use for it.
I did buy a twin blade saw for Home Depot. Nice saw I can cut a 2" pipe length ways easy and straight. It make a lot of chips.

 

[dragoneggs]

Thanks for all the replies gents! I let this run a bit since I was getting great responses but I left out a very key word... cutting 'Curves'. Mostly sheet/plate.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I use a jigsaw for that up to about 5/16. Has to be a real good jigsaw and a real good blade, otherwise the bottom of the cut will follow a different line than the top.

 

[JKR]

A jig saw would work, but you must take your time. This is were a plasma cutter works the best or a torch with a #1 tip. Them you have to grind it smooth for a finish.
If I need something that's a one off I see my buddy with a water jet.

 

[dragoneggs]

I use a jigsaw for that up to about 5/16. Has to be a real good jigsaw and a real good blade, otherwise the bottom of the cut will follow a different line than the top.

Yes I have a good Bosch jig saw but I often get an 'angled' cut due to the blade bending/wandering on the far side. Thus my search for a better set up that won't break the bank. A plasma cutter would be awesome, it's the justification that is the issue. But God knows, I haven't justified most of the tools in my shop

 

[Threepoint]

[snip]
Plasma cutter would be nice but I don;t have a use for it.[snip]

Dangerous talk, Dude, unless you're saying that only to yourself. At least tack on ", right at this moment."

 

[k0ua]

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

It is handy and makes precise angles easily. No sparks and not much noise.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Bosch makes a jigsaw blade designed for curved cuts in metal - T218A. It is not a magic bullet but it is less prone to wandering than regular metal cutting blades. Not as costly as a plasma cutter but not as much fun either.

 

[dragoneggs]

Bosch makes a jigsaw blade designed for curved cuts in metal - T218A. It is not a magic bullet but it is less prone to wandering than regular metal cutting blades. Not as costly as a plasma cutter but not as much fun either.

Ha ha... thanks Pat. Might have to hunt that down until I can pull the trigger on a Plasma or Oxy set up.