If I could only have one cutting tool...?

[joe48]

My choices:
1.Definitely torches if $ available, get good ones it's worth it. only good for steel.but can gas weld steel, braze iron,copper, brass , if you won't use a lot get the exchange tanks at TSC or others that don't have rental on them,rather than buy your own tanks, or rent.
2.Chop saw or inexpensive metal band saw ie; harbor frt.,cut steel ,iron,ok on copper ,brass. stinks, messy, noise
3.if lots of $$ available plasma torch would be first. greatest versatility, cut any metal ; SS,aluminum,steel ,iron. can be can be very precise once you develope skill and tricks. can cut thin sheet metal and then go to 1/2" steel.
4. my new toy: metal cutting carbide 7.1/4" circular saw from harbor frt. on sale for $69.00, thought I would give it a try for the price. I was really suprised, cut sheet metal or 3/8 plate like it was wood,it's only rated for 1/4". Straight clean, machined edge. metal is cool , saw is as noisy as a wood saw. Only drawback, because of extra guards difficult to see and line up cuts, takes extra time to get right, but worth it.

 

[tawilson]

I picked a metal saw up at TSC a while back when I wanted to cut up a bunch of stainless and was impressed with it. I'm a tinknocker and we started using the Dewalt 18V cordless metal saw at work. Very handy to have around for cutting duct. It does a good job cutting threaded rod too.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Thanks for all the response and advice. Keep it coming. I'll have to look more closely at the band saw idea.

I was a woodworker before I was a metal worker, so that explains why the chop saw even came up. I'm glad that I asked so that I could be set straight on the truth about the precision (or lack thereof).

I've got a question with the torch... Are there ways to set up jigs, straight edges, miter guages, etc. to help get the cuts straight and the angles right?

 

[ovrszd]

Thanks for all the response and advice. Keep it coming. I'll have to look more closely at the band saw idea.

I was a woodworker before I was a metal worker, so that explains why the chop saw even came up. I'm glad that I asked so that I could be set straight on the truth about the precision (or lack thereof).

I've got a question with the torch... Are there ways to set up jigs, straight edges, miter guages, etc. to help get the cuts straight and the angles right?

Yes, if cutting a straight line, you can clamp an angle iron or whatever fits the need and follow it with the torch tip. I always use a guide when applicable with my Plasma Cutter. It's not quite as critical with a torch, but still improves the product until you get used to running it freehand. I only use my torch to blow holes. I only use my cutoff saw to cut small pieces at angle. My Plasma Cutter gets the most use. Not sure how I got along without it before buying it a year ago. I paid $200 for my torch setup at a farm sale fifteen years ago. I paid $50 for my cutoff saw used five years ago. I paid $1800 for my Plasma Cutter. So,,, as in everything else,,, depends on how much money you are willing to spend??

 

[GT2]

To answer your orignal question, Torch.

My experiance with all the tools mentioned:

Band saw: nice for cutting brackets and very thick metals, but slow.
I wouldent buy a hand held band saw, just get a saws-all with bi-metal blades.

Chop saw: much quicker for production work, easy to move around and portable (if you have power). Contrary to the mentioned accuracy, my chop saw cuts to within .010" in average size tubing. Of corse you have to make sure everything is level and square!

I use my chop saw the most out of all my tools by far, but given an eather/or I'd have to pick the torch.

 

[Tom_Veatch]

MSC has blades reasonably priced. A good blade chart is on page 1680 of their catalog. MSC Big Book

Thanks for the link, tlbuser! I'll check that out. I've been online shopping, and these are about the finest pitch blades that I've found so far in the 1/2 x .025 size my saw uses. Lenox has a pretty good reputation for woodcutting blades, so I'll probably try a few in my metal cutter.

 

[thingy]

Well,ifin I could only have one,,would choose a plasma cutter,,thingy

 

[AlanB]

Thanks for all the response and advice. Keep it coming. I'll have to look more closely at the band saw idea.

I was a woodworker before I was a metal worker, so that explains why the chop saw even came up. I'm glad that I asked so that I could be set straight on the truth about the precision (or lack thereof).

I've got a question with the torch... Are there ways to set up jigs, straight edges, miter guages, etc. to help get the cuts straight and the angles right?

Yes, just as in woodworking, your imagination is the limit.

One thing I like with my Plasma is I can make the templates and forms out of masonite or 1/4" plywood.

If you can, hook up with someone that is really good with a torch to learn, it can be really helpful. My dad, who is literally blind in one eye and can hardly see out of the other still puts me to shame running a torch. I run a standard Victor, I think Journeyman, but it may not be. A torch is another item that in my opinion it pays to buy quality.

You may also want to look at what is called a Henrob, or Dillon torch. I cannot stand them, and Dad did not like them either, BUT, there are a lot of guys that like that style torch. I kind of look at them as the "shopsmith" of Torches.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I love discussions like this. I feel like someone opened my skull and is just pouring the wisdom of centuries of combined experience into my brain. Thanks everyone.

I'm convinced that a torch is the way to go for me. I'm on the verge of being convinced to re-prioritize funds. Since I'm a compulsive cheapskate, I'm going to look for a used unit this spring and summer as I visit various esatate sales and yard sales in the area.

Now I need advice what to look for...

-I've gathered that Victor is a good brand. Are there other "You can't go wrong" brands?
-Within these brands are there some models to steer clear of?
-If I find a used torch in the back of someone's grandpa's garage for a steal, what do I look for to see if it's worth it?

 

[toy]

Thanks for all the response and advice. Keep it coming. I'll have to look more closely at the band saw idea.

I was a woodworker before I was a metal worker, so that explains why the chop saw even came up. I'm glad that I asked so that I could be set straight on the truth about the precision (or lack thereof).

I've got a question with the torch... Are there ways to set up jigs, straight edges, miter guages, etc. to help get the cuts straight and the angles right?

I just bought a power hacksaw last week for 50 bucks used. It has a patent date of aug 1893 and under that it has a jan 1892 date. It has a flat belt that drives the saw and an electric motor has been added to it at some point but originally I beleive it ran off a over head belt line{ just kindly guessing] . My first cut with it was a little skueed but I adjusted it a little[ I beleive it got out of line during moving it] after adjusting it a little I got a good straight cut. I'm tickled with it 114 years old and still chugging along just fine. Our ancesters when they did it they did it right. I have the 14 inch abrasive shop saw it does ok but I don't like the smell of the abrasivewheel when it is cutting. I have a two stage torch regulator set does a good job in the hands of my brother who knows what he's a doing and not me. Ps. I'm getting better at it though.