Need toothbar advice

bones1 · Jul 5, 2006

I have aquired a toothbar supposedly designed for a 60' bucket but it measures 60 7/8 and won't fit in the 60' bucket.I need to shorten it by about 1 in to fit.Since the teeth are at the very edges I will need to shorten by 1in in the center.This is a Deere toothbar and very thick steel,about 5/8 that would have to be cut and re welded.Any ideas on the best way to cut this thing.I don't have a plasma cutter but that would do it. How about oxy-acetelene as I do have that.Thanks for any input.

keving · Jul 5, 2006

A metal bandsaw would be my preferred way to cut it. Much cleaner than plasma and torches. Also, make sure the prep for the weld is clean and the weld penetration is correct.

RoyJackson · Jul 5, 2006

I agree with Keving 100%.

I modified a 54" bar to work in a 61" bucket. I used a horizontal band saw which worked fine. Then I ground a bevel on bothe sawn ends to ensure full penetration of the weld.

Your modification will be easier since there's only one weld to be done.

BTW, my modified 61" bar fit better then the 54" bar I purchased.

texasjohn · Jul 5, 2006

I have a John Deere tooth bar so I know how thick it is.

I'd use a metal cut-off blade in a Skill Saw. It gives a smooth cut. I've used the cut off blades very successfully on many occasions, not having a torch. Wear eye protection, sparks occur.

GaryE · Jul 5, 2006

I have both saws and a torch. I can tell you, I can cut, bevel and have it ready to weld much quicker and just as accurate with the torch. Find someone in your area that knows how to use a torch.

Good luck,

Gary

wrenchturner · Jul 6, 2006

I agree with RoyJackson. Been there, done that. A metal cutting blade for a skill saw is less than 10 dollars. You can bevel the cut for the weld and it leaves a smooth finish and there is no need for grinding to prepare the surface for welding. Besides, anyone can use a skillsaw.

wrenchturner · Jul 6, 2006

Sorry, I meant to say I agree with texasjohn.

bones1 · Jul 6, 2006

Great ideas,never thought of a wheel mounted on a circular saw.I just measured the thickness of the metal where I have to cut it's 3/4 thick.Still think these wheels I just bought will do it?
They are 7 in diameter, 1/8 thick and fit I suppose on a circular saw and cost $2.49 each.look kind of flimsy to me but i'll try em tonight.

deerhunterf350 · Jul 6, 2006

Check the Wheel for Max operating RPM's and make sure the Circular Saw does not exceed those.

Very dangerous if wheel EXPLODES half way through cutting the bar.

George2615 · Jul 6, 2006

HF also sells a porta band saw for around $70. I bought one a while ago with extra blades. Still on my first blade and boy does it cut through like butter. I cut through a 1/2"thick x 4" wide plow cutting edge in half the time my torch would have taken and had a nice clean edge.