tool for cutting steel - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Alex Hayley · 07-18-2003, 12:21 AM

What tool would you recommend for cutting 10 to 14 gauge sheets and 1/8th inch angle iron?

danho · 07-18-2003, 12:34 AM

Metal shears (electric/air), plasma cutter, metal chop saw.

79 K20 · 07-18-2003, 01:31 AM

I've always had good results just using a zip cut (cutting wheel) on a grinder. As long as you could run it straight it will cut no problem.

1971 Cheyenne · 07-18-2003, 01:32 AM

If you want a good clean cut, it's not for you, but i've always liked the good old oxy-acetylene (how DO you spell that?) torch for cutting steel.

Blue_71 · 07-18-2003, 02:47 AM

i'll second the torch, but if you set it up right you can get a realitivly straight cut on thicker metal (i was cutting a frame)

when you get the oxygen set right, lean the tip where it heats up a long strip of the metal to almost dripping melted, then hit the button and go through it as quick as you can and still cut it

marcuspboldt · 07-18-2003, 03:05 AM

If you have a power saw (i.e. skill saw), you could use a carbon blade in it and get really good results that way.

sgtjed · 07-18-2003, 04:52 AM

i use a zaw-zall for most of my metal cutting,works pretty good if ya keep it straight. heck even a jigsaw with a metal blade works good.

Mike C · 07-18-2003, 08:51 AM

Depending on the size of the piece to cut, the best thing I have found is the little horizontal/vertical bandsaw from Harbor Freight. About $175. I also have a chop saw that has not been out of the closet since I got the bandsaw.

It works great for cutting off long stuck even up to 1" thick. Just takes awhile. But it's quiet. If you need more speed for big stuff, use the torch. I just can't recommend a chop saw ever over the bandsaw. I have the cheap saw but some moderately priced Starrett blades for it that make a big difference.

*Randy70C-10* · 07-18-2003, 12:39 PM

I agree with sarge, a sawzaw or a jigsaw works best fo me as well, and you can make curved cuts with a jigsaw.

*67Fleetsidedream* · 07-18-2003, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Metal shears (electric/air), plasma cutter, metal chop saw.

I agree. Plasma cutters are worth weight in gold IMO.

casey · 07-18-2003, 08:41 PM

I like the jigsaw but I always hate how the blades are held in, maybe I need a better saw

cdowns · 07-18-2003, 08:49 PM

i'd love to have a plasma cutter and a nice upright bandsaw but for now like the other guys said the old $30 jigsaw with a good carbon or bimetal blade works pretty darn good up to 3/8 inch steel

Blue Beard · 07-20-2003, 08:01 AM

Just a tip for torch users.

Take a center punch and place small dimples along your cut line about every 1/2 to 3/4 inch apart.

When you cut these show up very nicely and makes the cuts a little nicer with practice.

71GMC_3/4T · 07-20-2003, 10:32 AM

Another tip for torch users:
Clamp a piece of angle iron about 1/4" away from your line. Use the angle to support / guide your torch while you cut.

07-18-2003, 12:21 AM	#1
Alex Hayley Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: NC Posts: 987	tool for cutting steel What tool would you recommend for cutting 10 to 14 gauge sheets and 1/8th inch angle iron?

07-18-2003, 01:31 AM	#3
79 K20 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Gillam, MB Posts: 53	I've always had good results just using a zip cut (cutting wheel) on a grinder. As long as you could run it straight it will cut no problem. __________________ Q

07-18-2003, 01:32 AM	#4
1971 Cheyenne Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bellevue, WA Posts: 1,480	If you want a good clean cut, it's not for you, but i've always liked the good old oxy-acetylene (how DO you spell that?) torch for cutting steel. __________________ Brian Pal 1971 Cheyenne 10 454/th400-Undergoing a full frame off resto. 1972 Chevy short/step 2wd, 350/th350 1983 M1009 CUCV Military K5 Blazer 1981 Dodge 1 ton 4x4 dually flatbed

07-18-2003, 04:52 AM	#7
sgtjed What if? Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Choctaw,Oklahoma Posts: 649	i use a zaw-zall for most of my metal cutting,works pretty good if ya keep it straight. heck even a jigsaw with a metal blade works good. __________________ 2002 red extended cab Silverado 2002 Wheatland yellow Suburban

07-18-2003, 08:51 AM	#8
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,709	Depending on the size of the piece to cut, the best thing I have found is the little horizontal/vertical bandsaw from Harbor Freight. About $175. I also have a chop saw that has not been out of the closet since I got the bandsaw. It works great for cutting off long stuck even up to 1" thick. Just takes awhile. But it's quiet. If you need more speed for big stuff, use the torch. I just can't recommend a chop saw ever over the bandsaw. I have the cheap saw but some moderately priced Starrett blades for it that make a big difference. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

07-18-2003, 12:34 AM	#2
danho Pesemistic Optimist Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Prineville, Oregon Posts: 227	Metal shears (electric/air), plasma cutter, metal chop saw.

07-18-2003, 03:05 AM	#6
marcuspboldt Registered Abuser Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Ft.Worth Texas Posts: 1,001	If you have a power saw (i.e. skill saw), you could use a carbon blade in it and get really good results that way.

07-18-2003, 12:39 PM	#9
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	I agree with sarge, a sawzaw or a jigsaw works best fo me as well, and you can make curved cuts with a jigsaw.

07-18-2003, 08:41 PM	#11
casey Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kelowna B.C. Canada Posts: 2,048	I like the jigsaw but I always hate how the blades are held in, maybe I need a better saw Last edited by casey; 07-18-2003 at 11:55 PM.

07-18-2003, 08:49 PM	#12
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	i'd love to have a plasma cutter and a nice upright bandsaw but for now like the other guys said the old $30 jigsaw with a good carbon or bimetal blade works pretty darn good up to 3/8 inch steel __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

07-20-2003, 08:01 AM	#13
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,834	Just a tip for torch users. Take a center punch and place small dimples along your cut line about every 1/2 to 3/4 inch apart. When you cut these show up very nicely and makes the cuts a little nicer with practice. __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

07-20-2003, 10:32 AM	#14
71GMC_3/4T Weapons Of Construction Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 1,095	Another tip for torch users: Clamp a piece of angle iron about 1/4" away from your line. Use the angle to support / guide your torch while you cut. __________________ 1971 GMC 2500, 402/TH400 4.10 Daily Driver Lafayette, CO



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