Cutting 5/8" 304ss

[Osbourn]

I'm going to be working on some fantasy blades out of 5/8" stainless. (They're supposed to look like silver.) My band saw is a portable model, and only cuts in 4" increments from the edge. Any suggestions for cutting it? My jig saw just whined and made a notch, and I'll need to make a few of these.
Thanks in advance.

 

[L6steel]

Oz, when I need to cut a piece of steel longer than the capacity of my bandsaw, I stand the steel on edge. You'll end up with a slight bevel on the ends but it's better than wasting 4-5 inches of steel by cutting the stock at an angle.

 

[Osbourn]

I have two bandsaws. The first, I know better than to even try. It's very similar to this one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=40981
The second is the one I was talking about that does the 4" cuts is:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=6608
I was thinking of cutting as much as I could into either side with the band saw, then drilling holes every 1/8" or as close as I can get them, and playing connect the dots with the angle grinder, jig saw, dremel, diamond files, whatever it takes. Whatcha think?

 

[Lynn]

Osbourn, I cut a lot of 316C which should be a lot the same. I use abrasive blades on a side grinder. I use the blades from a cutoff saw at a muffler shop that he saves for me when they are too small for his saw. It's an operation that takes extreame care!
If you use the 4 or 4 1/2" side grinder blades be sure to get the reenforced ones, not the thin ones.
I get the 316C free in scrap and build lots of stage blades. Not good for hitting togather. They notch and leave edges that can cut up the actor.
Making it look good, Lynn