Best cutting tool for metal fab

[RockMonkey]

I agree, a torch is a must. Saying you don't need one shows the lack of using one. There are things a plasma cutter can't do that a torch can.

Guilty there. My torch experience is very limited.

 

[RockMonkey]

Try washing a bearing race off of a shaft without hurting the shaft with a Plasma cutter. I will admit that a plasma is a great tool but I would never want one over a torch. I find I almost never bother plugging in the plasma while the torch is in constant use. Plasma is easier but if you know how to use the torch it can do just about anything the plasma can and many many things the plasma cant. It is also cheaper.

Have you ever tried a gouging tip on a plasma cutter?

 

[Shawn]

Have you ever tried a gouging tip on a plasma cutter?

I haven't is it cool? I have always wanted to try one.

 

[RockMonkey]

I haven't is it cool? I have always wanted to try one.

Never tried one. I was going to ask how it compares to a torch.

 

[Bart]

I have a 4.5" grinder and a sawsall, and cutting stuff sucks. I really want a chop saw and a plasma, and would easily settle for a torch. Space is my biggest issue.

x2 on the multiple grinders. I changed blades a good 10 times yesterday.

 

[LT.]

I had to edit my original post because I had another thought that I don't think anyone else had mentioned yet. For about $160.00 you can purchase a worm driven Skil Saw. I think that it is labeled as a HD77. Then you can also purchase abrasive blades and use the Skil saw on just about anything you can think of. It is a little hard to get into tight spaces but, you can cut metal plate and any kind of tubing you could think of up to 2 1/4 inches deep. This would allow you to clamp pieces in a vice if wanted or you can cut things that are already installed on the vehicle. I have used mine for just about everything inbetween. Never mind any kind of home improvement projects that you may have on the back burner.

LT.

 

[bobdog]

Have you ever tried a gouging tip on a plasma cutter?

Yes I have. For me the good old air arc is still the gouging tool I would reach for. Gouging is not really what I was talking about. I was talking about separating one piece of metal from an other without damaging the one you need to keep. For example what other tool can burn a nut off of a bolt without touching the threads on the bolt.

 

[solidfrontaxle]

How often does a torch need to be refilled? And how much does refilling the cylinders cost?

 

[notajeep]

I built my entire buggy with a chop saw and a grinder.

 

[lewis]

How often does a torch need to be refilled? And how much does refilling the cylinders cost?

Not exactly sure on how long the tanks last. I cut off the entire front end of my truck plus cut out all the brackets I needed for the mounts. Lasted me a good month and a half. Through ARC the tanks run about $300 for both filled. Then they are $45 or $50 to get tehm both filled, I think?

 

[Chevycrew]

I use a 4 1/2 angle grinder and a 14" chop saw, both Rigid brand

I also have a Dewalt sawzall.

I have had some spots that were hard to get to, but for the most part I get by.

2 SAS swaps, built my trailer, bumpers, etc, etc....

 

[benjy]

Back from the dead...

I bought a chop saw yesterday. I can't believe I have done as much fab work as I have done without one. I tried for too long to get away with the sawsall, plasma and grinder. Much headache would have been saved had I bought one years ago.

 

[UFAB]

Cold chop saws are way cool as well.

To bad you can't chuck up a diamond blade in an existing chop saw. RPMs

 

[benjy]

I considered a cold cut saw, but had a hard time with the price of the blade I'm sure I would find a way to mess it up after a few cuts

 

[skippy]

I have the evolution chop saw and the blades are expensive but they outlast the regular abrasive blades by a ton and they cut way way faster and cleaner than a regular abrasive saw

 

[N-Smooth]

i've used (i should say abused) my $49 harbor freight chop saw for almost 4 years with no problems whatsoever. i do wish i had a bandsaw for some stuff. i also have a black&decker 4.5" grinder that i have tortured so bad that i've had to re-cord it like 3 times and it currently has a huge ball of duct tape holding the cord to the handle but it just keeps on going