Fork cutting question

[SkogenMe]

I started really looking at TBN about six months ago when I was looking for a new tractor. In my wanderings across the forums and back through the archives I came across an interesting thread about making a set of forks and it turned out the two forks had been split from one pallet fork with a cutoff blade as I remember it....with a fair amount of time using the search feature I haven't been able to relocate the thread now that I am interested in cutting a set of forks I have. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Any references to the thread, thoughts on splitting forks (loss of strength etc) or thoughts on how to do a better search would be much appreciated.
thanks

 

[bluecarpenter]

I'm not sure what the best way to do it would be but I'm fixing to split a couple forks. The 2 that I have are about 93 pounds. I want lighter ones. so I will try the abrasive blade first and then mayby a torch. Mine are rated at 5000 pounds lifting. so I don't think that I will hurt them. I will let you know how they turn out. Mark

 

[JRP]

I remember the thread. Use a metal cutting abrasive wheel in a circular saw. You will need several. Make an edge guide (angle or plywood scrap) that will clamp to the fork and give a straight edge to run the saw base along.

You will need to take many shallow passes. It took the guy hours (days).

The torch may affect the temper, and also will make many small gouges that could cause stress concentrations and be a crack start. After you cut the forks clean up the forks with a disk grinder.

Forks are one of my best attachments. Be sure to look at my post "POST YOUR PICTURES OF FORKS". It is one of TBN's most popular posts for "Build it Now". Many good ideas from many TBN members. .

You are doing the right thing to start with real forks. The metalurgy is much better than forks made from channel or tubing.

 

[SkogenMe]

bluecarpenter - it would be great to hear your progress. I have set of 4.5' x 7" pallet forks. I don't know how much they weigh but it is quite a bit! They go on a backframe I made for a 3pth loader I had. The backframe is all 4" box so it isn't light itself. I was going to make a new backframe with smaller forks for the FEL.
JRP-thanks for regenerating the main points of the thread. Now I have to figure out if I want to just get another set of smaller used forks and sell the ones I have or start cutting!...Lets see if my time is worth 2 cents...it sounds like a deal....or just write it off as a months worth of fustration release /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
thanks for the thoughts

 

[mrcaptainbob]

Use a cut off wheel in an angle grinder. I went the route of the abrasive wheels in the hand saw to cut some thin flanged I-beam. Burnt up the saw. Those wheels are a bit thicker than the cutoffs and require a LOT of HP to grind through the metal. THe cutoffs are much thinner, the angle grinder has greater RPM's, too. Face mask, heavy gloves, ear protection....(yes, MOM!!!) /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif