cutting D2

[rokspydr]

I am cutting out a blade from d2 and it is some tough stuff. whar is the best way to cut a shape out?

Marc

 

[mlovett]

Well for fost things I have a trick i use. but it is very dangerous, noisy, and dirty. D-2 eats band saw blades the way Texans eat BB-Q. So I had a small table welded up with a thin slot cut in it. I bolt this in front of My 2 hp high speed buffer, bolt on a 14" Norton Long Life blade. and have at it. It lazers thruthe stuff. I've personaly known two people who have had these (UNKNOWN BRAND), Cutt off blade explode on them. One in in a wheel chair, and had mild brain damage from loss of blood. The other Looks like he has had a stroke. the Blade cut thru nervs in his arm, neck. These things are extremly dangerous. "Do Not" induce side loads. Do Not run a damaged blade. Do not force the Blade. Go slow. I wear a Lexan Shield, Saftey goggels, Breather Leather Apron. Heavy long sleeve shirt, and Heavy Welding Gloves. I've been lucky so far. But I'm very careful,and give the machine a high degree of respect. The dust is full of silicon Carbide. Silicosis is Deadly. In Sheffield England it use to be called the Cuttlers desease. Many grinders in Europe died in their 30 from it. This stuff in no joke. But the blades are cheap, and melt thru 1/4 D-2 like a table saw thru ply wood. I would in no way suggest that you do this. It just works for me. Mike

 

[flatgrinder]

Or try one of these:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Category.taf?CategoryID=261&pricetype=

If you need more versatility and angles, an angle grinder fitted with a cut off wheel works.

 

[rokspydr]

I need to make a 22" long cut. I guess take my time with a cut off wheel? It eats "torch" blades wich supprised me.


Thanks

 

[Steve Hayden]

I use a DeWalt 4" offset grinder with metal cutoff disks.

DO NOT use the cheap disks, they will fragment or shatter on you. I spend a couple of bucks per for the good quality thin ones and they last well, often cutting a couple of hunter size blades each. Almost all the steel I use is D2, with some A2 and S30V. If you think D2 is bad try some S30V.

 

[Gossman Knives]

I've been cutting D2 with my bandsaw for 2 years and have no problem. BTW, still using the same saw blade. Before that I used a hacksaw.
Scott

 

[rashid11]

Scott - what blades do you use ? Bimetal, TPI ? Speed ? Is it a metal bandsaw ?

 

[Mike Hull]

I've been cutting D2 with my bandsaw for 2 years and have no problem. BTW, still using the same saw blade. Before that I used a hacksaw.
Scott

Yep, just don't get the blade stock heated up using the bandsaw and then stop cutting to take a break part way through. It air hardens.

I use WD 40 as a cutting lube and it seems to keep things cooler.

I use Lennox 14/18 tooth, or more often a 14 tooth bi metal blade. The one 14 tooth has been on my bandsaw longer than I can remember and it still cuts good.

I have to clarify, that I'm not cutting metal everyday now, but still, it's been years since I changed it.
Contrary to popular opinion, I use the fastest speed on the 4x6 horz/vert bandsaw, about 200 fps. I use it that way for stainless etc. Cuts faster than the other two slower speeds I tried on that machine.

 

[miden]

If I may add something to the safety wisdom regarding cutting disks, angle grinders etc.
My best buddy got killed about 25 years ago. We were both 22 at the time. We had both survived a war, he took a bullet in the chest at one point but survived it an was very proud if his scar. A young mans dream, a bullet wound to show off to the girls.
He was cutting a steel gate post on his farm and he just was not thinking I guess, or the guy that was helping him was not paying attention. The weight of the post eventually jammed the blade, the blade shattered, he had removed the guard because the disk he had bought for the job was just too big. A piece hit him in the heart.
A series of small, unnecessary silly mistakes turned what should have been a simple job into a terrible tragedy, especially given the fact that his younger brother had kiiled himself on a motorcycle 2 years previously.
Machines of all types are a joy to work with but they are ALL very unforgiving and seem to turn on you when you make the slightest mistake.
You have got to think of only the job when you use them and you have to think before you use them.
Sorry to put a damper on things but when I read about Mike Lovett's modification it turned my stomach. I hope you have a guard on that thing Mike.
Take care,

Mike

 

[Gossman Knives]

Scott - what blades do you use ? Bimetal, TPI ? Speed ? Is it a metal bandsaw ?

I have a vertical/horizonal metal cutting bandsaw. I bought it used. I'm not sure of the speed, I do know it's sloooow. The blade has large off set teeth. On the invoice where the blade was bought by the prior owner, the part # was Len 80160.
Scott

 

[kenvia]

I just cut out a d2 blade using a 4x6 bandsaw it worked fine and I was using the cheap blade that came with it. I cat it at the lowest speed 60 I think. Just picked it up from northern tools yesterday best 199.00 I've spent.

 

[sinawalli]

Haven't cut D2, but I cut 01 all the time with a jig saw, and bimetal blades and lots of coolant. Either that or elbow grease and a hacksaw. The key is to make sure the blade runs slow.