Hand held steel cutter

J

jball1125

Joined
Aug 26, 2011
Messages
3,400
I need a recommendation on what type of tool to buy to cut steel slabs. I am thinking either an angle grinder or a jig saw.
What tool would get the job done with the most precision? Band saws are out of the question do to space issues.

Appeciate any feedback.

THANKS
 
I went thru a couple of cheaper ones pretty quick, bought a Bosch and been using it the last year without problems. 18-20 TPI blades seem to work best for me on .180" material and thinner.
 
I agree with a portaband.

I just got the Canadian Harbour freight equivalent.

It's one of the best $100 I've ever spent.



Smooth vibration free & cuts faster than I thought.
A jig saw would vibrate my arm off before I cut anything with it.

$80 for you
http://www.harborfreight.com/portable-variable-speed-bandsaw-47840.html
image_11347.jpg
 
I use a cheapo 4.5" angle grinder, gets the job done. It requires more trimming than a band saw though, as you can't get as tight of lines on curves and whatnot.
 
12345678910 said:
I agree with a portaband.

I just got the Canadian Harbour freight equivalent.

It's one of the best $100 I've ever spent.



Smooth vibration free & cuts faster than I thought.
A jig saw would vibrate my arm off before I cut anything with it.

$80 for you
http://www.harborfreight.com/portable-variable-speed-bandsaw-47840.html
image_11347.jpg
Click to expand...

Good to know, didn't realize there was a low cost alternative. I'll agree with the vibration thing, but it's usually only bad when the stock is above .200 in thickness or the when the blade starts getting dull (about 6 skinners in cpm 3v). 99 % of the time I just use a good 12" hacksaw, its a little work but I aint scared of it.
 
Angle grinder all the way! You can get it from Harbour Freight for under $ 30.00 (with extended warrantee - recomended. They will replace it for 2 years even if you drop it).

Jim L.
 
Cool I have never seen one of those portabands. Do you guys use it as a handheld or do you attach it to a vise like on the link provided by BMK?
 
I've used it handheld as a cutoff saw- it's very handy.

Lots of folks here have figured out mounts.

I've just clamped it in the vise and run it,

I'm either thinking about a stand that I can quick change it on and off, or buying another one and fixing one into a stand permanent
 
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