radius cut smoothing

[jake98]

That looks like plasma cutting territory, you should get Mark away from his BBQ long enough to give you a quote :laughing:
I have a pin on bucket too, and the more I hear about the QA problems, the gladder I am. That looks like a good idea you've got there.

 

[deereman75]

I would have likely wore through it with a hole saw. Seeing as I have the torch skills of an Orangutan...

 

[arrow]

I would have likely wore through it with a hole saw. Seeing as I have the torch skills of an Orangutan...

A holesaw? They have that for metal this thick? When at Lowes, I did see this drill attachment that had 4 carbide teeth welded to a collar. Didn't know what it was for but it looks as if a good drill press was needed.

 

[deereman75]

A holesaw? They have that for metal this thick?

Probably not, thats why I said wore through.

 

[Gary Fowler]

The best tool for that is a high speed die grinder with a carbide burring tool. I have several of different configurations and diameters that I use with my high speed drills since I burned up my die grinder and havent replaced it yet. They work best at high speeds and light pressure rather than the low and medium speed with likely lots of pressure as you were using on the drill. Since my die grinder burned up, I havent found enough instances of needing it to replace it. Maybe Harbor Freight will have one on sale soon.

 

[jake98]

Grizzly has a few, I just ordered an 'industrial' one :laughing: for $19.

 

[deereman75]

I bought a CH one at home depot. It works great, but I later found out that that harbor freight and princess auto have the same one for way less.

 

[TRR]

If you're only doing a few holes, a hole saw should work. The technique is to go slow and keep the cut clear of chips. See the technique from the "Welding Web forum" post #13 in this thread: Drilling 1" Holes, in 1/4 inch steel - WeldingWeb - Welding forum for pros and enthusiasts

The best would be to use an annular cutter - this one is 2" but I've heard they're made up to 4". 2" Dia x 2" DOC x 3/4" Shank M35 Cobalt Fully Ground Finish Annular Cutter | Fastenal

 

[AKwelder]

torches still work, just get some more practice. Most people just fire up and cut the steel. But for finer work try this
- Grind the scale off the front and back
- Remark and even set some punch marks for following your line
- clean your tip and set the regulators until you have a 12 inch long feather when you pull the O2. It needs to be fine and long.
- Use a good clean dark lens
- Lots of Pre-heat, and then some more.
- Get comfortable at the END of your cut and then move to the start of your cut. You will always cut better moving TOWARDS your comfort zone.
- They sell nice radius cutters that hold the torch and guild it. The better ones set to a punch hole and use a magnet

The torch set up has been around a long time and is still in every shop in the country. It works.

Good luck,

 

[jake98]

torches still work, just get some more practice. Most people just fire up and cut the steel. But for finer work try this
- Grind the scale off the front and back
- Remark and even set some punch marks for following your line
- clean your tip and set the regulators until you have a 12 inch long feather when you pull the O2. It needs to be fine and long.
- Use a good clean dark lens
- Lots of Pre-heat, and then some more.
- Get comfortable at the END of your cut and then move to the start of your cut. You will always cut better moving TOWARDS your comfort zone.
- They sell nice radius cutters that hold the torch and guild it. The better ones set to a punch hole and use a magnet

The torch set up has been around a long time and is still in every shop in the country. It works.

Good luck,

that one sounds like it's worth the price of admission right there.