how to cut steel? help

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BITEME

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Hey guys can you help out an aspiring knifemaker?I'm trying to cut out my profiles for my knives, I've tried using an abrasive wheel,a bench grinder and have been as of late just using a hacksaw and sweating all the way there,I know Ideally I would like to buy a metal cutting bandsaw but their pretty spendy. Can you guys recommend different real world methods that have worked for you for less than $ 500 -thanks again
 
Metabo Slicer disks in a good quality 4.5" angle grinder, or same thing in a good quality 9" grinder.

Send them out for WaterJet cutting.

Jigsaw with Tungsten Grit blade (may or may not work, never tried those things)

Make sure your steel is annealed, a good high tension hacksaw (can be had for $10 from DeWalt, or a fancier one for more) and high quality blades with at least 24TPI, maybe 32TPI for cutting steel. Will not work unless your material is annealed.

The angle grinder should do a right fast job though, just remove the bulk with the cutting disk only cutting straight lines and grind to shape.
 
Fastest method for a hobbiest seems to be the handheld disk grinder, but you need to keep a big bucket of water handy and quench often to keep from overheating the steel.
 
Forless than 500,you can buy a portable band saw and build a stand for it or you can buy the small Harbor Freight metal cutting bandsaw for abut 250,and get some good blades for it.Depend on how much room you have.
Stan
 
Portable band saw with 24 TPI bi-metal blade. Under $200.
Harbor Freight 4" X 6" metal cutting bandsaw with a good quality 24 TPI bi-metal blade. Under $300.
 
You can get a decent bandsaw from Harbor Freight for about $200.
 
SBuzek said:
Forless than 500,you can buy a portable band saw and build a stand for it or you can buy the small Harbor Freight metal cutting bandsaw for abut 250,and get some good blades for it.Depend on how much room you have.
Stan
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i second this portable bandsaw works great, generally you can get one with a couple year warranty when and if you would like to upgrade
 
Thanks guys this is helping out alot .I have limited space,the portable bandsaw is an idea that I might try,I'm thinking my steel is annealed it's 5/32" 1095 CRA from Admiral.I believe the CRA designation meant annealed-thanks again
 
There's always the tried and true method of drilling out holes around the profile and then going to the hacksaw. That way you're only cutting the bits between the holes.

-d
 
Portaband, I picked up a Porter Cable on Craigslist for $100 and have used it like crazy. Build a bigger table and use it vertical. There are some threads on here showing how to make the table and mount it upright.
 
HF portaband can't be beat for the price. Make a simple stand to hold it.
bandsaw1.jpg
 
Seen the HF one today for like $79.99 and you can use a 20% off coupon on it.

Zaph, how well does it work for the money?
 
I just bought the Dewalt DWM120 10amp PortaBand Saw for LESS than $200 shipped from ToolKing.com. Can't wait for it to arrive!
 
For $500 you can get a LOT of blades cut by waterjet. I mean dozens. They'll make all the holes for you, too.

For $50 you can cut a bunch with a drill press and hacksaw, including a couple bits and blades.

Lots of options in between. :)
 
I use the drill the hole and cut method. I used to use a hacksaw but I've been
using a jig saw with metal cutting blades. It's tons better than useing a hacksaw.
 
You won't be sorry... i got one after seeing that post that Nick W put up.. and i can say this is something i can't live without... just fab up a strong stand and go to lowe's and get the lenox wolfband blades for it..... about 20 bucks for 3.... and enjoy the saw

i made a large stainless table for it.... how sweet it is...

my chicom 4by6 sits in the corner... no more blade poppin off pos ... hahahaaaa


and i got my from toolking (if i remember right)... was cheep

Greg




jll346 said:
I just bought the Dewalt DWM120 10amp PortaBand Saw for LESS than $200 shipped from ToolKing.com. Can't wait for it to arrive!
Click to expand...
 
I just use a jigsaw set at a low to medium speed with metal cutting blades. Be patient and don't push hard or you will heat up the jigsaw blade and ruin the temper.
 
Greg Obach said:
my chicom 4by6 sits in the corner... no more blade poppin off pos ... hahahaaaa

Greg
Click to expand...

I'm fit to be tied some days after putting it back on 15 times and trying every adjustment possible.

I think there is so much slop in the head that it's impossible to set correctly
 
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