15N20 Sheets....help

klammer

klammer

Joined
Jan 30, 2009
Messages
580
Hello Folks - I was able to pick up about 15 sq ft of 3/32 15N20 for free. It is in 1' X 3' sheets.

My dilemma is how best to cut it up? Attacking it with a hack saw did not get me far as it seems to be hardened already. Do not have the ability to anneal the sheets as they are. I could use an angle grinder to profile out single blades but would like to cut it into strips to make it easier to work with. I assume its too hard to shear if it brought it a shop?

Advice / options?

I guess water jet is always an option :)
 
It is not the best way but you can put a friction blade in a regular "skilsaw" and cut it like wood. Anytime you use one of those blades be prepared, they can blow up on you but probably not as easily as on an angle grinder.

I'm sure there are a dozen better ways to do this, it is just what I would do with the tools I have.
 
I either get it sheared or put an abrasive blade on my table saw . A skill saw will work with an abrasive blade as well but is a bit more work. Good luck.
 
I won't say it is safe but we have used an abrasive cut off wheel in a table saw to cut up big circular saw blades into strips.
As Paul suggested also it works.
 
back when I was in university I mostly used a dremel to score pre-hardened steel and then I would crack it to shape... you'll find cracks that are already in a lot of used steel that way...

I still use an angle grinder a lot, just take your time, get in a comfortable position and be careful (and try not to light stuff on fire with the sparks
 
Kelly Cupples shears his 15n20 but told me its hard on the shear blades. I think it takes a heavy duty shear. Plasma cutter will slice through it with ease. It may pay to have it done one way or the other.
 
Thank you all - I am going to see if I can get it done on the cheap locally. Much appreciated!
 
A local machine shop should only charge you about $30-40 to shear it all into whatever widths you ask for.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top