Plasma cutting square tubing or angle iron

[3Lfarms]

One thing I found out the hard way about the plasma is that it tends to harden the steel on either side of the kerf. It can be hardened so much that it will ruin a band saw blade when trying to cut through the heat affected zone. It’s only a few thousandths thick, but it’s enough that saw teeth don’t like it at all.

 

[HCJtractor]

One thing I found out the hard way about the plasma is that it tends to harden the steel on either side of the kerf. It can be hardened so much that it will ruin a band saw blade when trying to cut through the heat affected zone. It’s only a few thousandths thick, but it’s enough that saw teeth don’t like it at all.

Interesting. Never knew that.

 

[bcp]

WHAT is a power hack saw? Funny, a friend was talking about one last night saying how much cheaper it was to run than a band saw. I get good life out of band saw blades.

Marvel Power Hacksaw Vs Harbor Freight Bandsaw - YouTube


Bruce

 

[pgk]

I did a lifetime of farming (50 years) of cutting with oxy-acetylene and added an abrasive chop saw when they came out.

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Now that I知 retired I have a couple of bandsaws

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a power hacksaw

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and a plasma cutter

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As someone else mentioned a chop saw (abrasive or dry cut) would probably be your best choice.

Nice restro on that Ellis

 

[Big Barn]

Thanks, pgk!

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

One thing I found out the hard way about the plasma is that it tends to harden the steel on either side of the kerf. It can be hardened so much that it will ruin a band saw blade when trying to cut through the heat affected zone. It’s only a few thousandths thick, but it’s enough that saw teeth don’t like it at all.

I believe the hardness is from formation of nitrides.

 

[metalbender]

Plasma all the way. Although very unforgiving with mistakes, once you get the hang of it, you'll wonder how life existed without. Have a 9x16 band, deep cut porta band, abrasive and angle grinders. All work in various applications. My plasma is the goto for most jobs. Cutting sheet aluminum or steel is a pure joy. I try to use a straight edge wherever I can. Saved hrs of drilling when I installed the cutting edges on my land plane. Needed quite a few 5/8 holes, a quick one hole jig, clamp in place and pop a hole. Took seconds for each hole.

 

[dragoneggs]

Plasma all the way. Although very unforgiving with mistakes, once you get the hang of it, you'll wonder how life existed without. Have a 9x16 band, deep cut porta band, abrasive and angle grinders. All work in various applications. My plasma is the goto for most jobs. Cutting sheet aluminum or steel is a pure joy. I try to use a straight edge wherever I can. Saved hrs of drilling when I installed the cutting edges on my land plane. Needed quite a few 5/8 holes, a quick one hole jig, clamp in place and pop a hole. Took seconds for each hole.

Are you talking about piercing for bolt holes? I haven't tried that yet. I suppose you blast with a jig and then drill out to final diameter? Sounds like I need to experiment with hole jigs to see what I can do!

 

[metalbender]

Yup, pierce in the middle, work to the guide and do a circle dance. I did eighteen holes in 3/8x3"x six ft angle in short order. Setting those pieces up in the drill press would be a major PIA. Trying to drill to final size would likely eat the bit, as was stated before, there is a hardened are at the cut.