best way to cut end of tank off?

SmokyJon · Post by **SmokyJon** » June 29th, 2013, 5:25 pm

I need to cut the end of a 500 gallon propane tank to accomodate the FB. I don't have a plasma cutter. I had been considering cutting it with a 4 1/2" grinder with a cutting wheel. Has anyone else cut one like this? Is it more of a pain than it's worth? Should I just find someone with a plasma cutter instead? Is there another option for cutting I should consider?

KenV · Post by **KenV** » June 29th, 2013, 5:50 pm

Watch Frank's video on cutting open a propane tank, he uses an angle grinder and a cutting wheel. Unless I'm at the shop with the plasma cutter I do all my cutting with the angle grinder.

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » June 29th, 2013, 6:03 pm

Here is a link to Franks video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPJMw71c ... MgchdNvQDw

Smokeone · Post by **Smokeone** » June 29th, 2013, 6:31 pm

SmokyJon · Post by **SmokyJon** » June 29th, 2013, 6:48 pm

Thanks for the link!
It looks like the grinder is the way to go. Seems like it eats it up pretty quick.

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » June 29th, 2013, 7:47 pm

You will go through many wheels if you use cheap ones. Pay a little extra and get good quality wheels. I personally use Dewalt wheels and they seem to last very well.

TuscaloosaQ · Post by **TuscaloosaQ** » June 29th, 2013, 7:52 pm

If you do not have a plasma I would get that blue wrench out ie a torch with a small tip. I have cut several with a metabo too but Wow it kinda stinks!!!!!! If you do use cutoff wheels like Clover ridge said do not buy the cheap ones you will regret it!!!!!

SmokyJon · Post by **SmokyJon** » June 30th, 2013, 12:29 pm

I have a brand spanking new DeWalt 4 1/2" grinder and a bunch of cut off wheels of the same brand. I try and stay away from cheap tools if I can. You usually get what you pay for.....

ijdvorak · Post by **ijdvorak** » July 1st, 2013, 12:20 pm

I really prefer using a cutoff wheel....it provides a great cut and almost no clean up if you are steady. I chose to cut on the weld line on the end bell, so I was cutting almost 1/2" and it was perfect. I'm a relative newbie building smokers but hand tools are second nature in my business....just my two cents

coma44 · Post by **coma44** » July 9th, 2013, 6:19 am

I did most of my whole build with a 4 1/2" Milwaukee angle grinder and diablo wheels from home depot.

I will have a welder and plasma of my own in the near future though.

SmokyJon · Post by **SmokyJon** » July 12th, 2013, 6:56 am

I got the end of the tank cut off last weekend with cut off wheels. BUT, yesterday I pulled the trigger and bought a little Hobart plasma cutter. I intend to try it out today by cutting the diamond plate I got for the trailer deck.

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » July 12th, 2013, 8:20 am

What no pics ?

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SmokyJon · Post by **SmokyJon** » July 12th, 2013, 9:04 pm

The only picture I thought about taking was while I was still cutting it, I stopped then took one, then went back to cussing and grinding. lol
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There's your picture dcman, so it really did happen.....lmao

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » July 12th, 2013, 9:47 pm

Thanks for sharing the pic. We all appreciate it.

Wicked4x4 · Post by **Wicked4x4** » July 16th, 2013, 1:59 pm

i know i'm chiming in late here, but i too did my entire build* with a 15amp milwaukee 4.5" grinder and a pack of harbor freight cutting discs - which is how i also cut the end of the tank to mount the FB. i know, they are cheap discs, but i get a TON of life out of them, if you don't just bury the blade against the metal and let the tool do the work, they last plenty long.

* i did use my friends chop saw for a couple cuts but couldn't get a cut that wouldn't 'walk' on me so i stopped using it. used my sawzall for one cut, which proved to be a pain in the ass. used my milwaukee 4" cut bandsaw for cutting things as well, usually late a night when i didn't want to wake the neighborhood with the sound of screaming metal cutting.

Post by **Rodcrafter** » July 18th, 2013, 12:52 pm

Wicked4x4 wrote: but i too did my entire build* with a 15amp milwaukee 4.5" grinder and a pack of harbor freight cutting discs -

You sure did, and it was a very nice build too.

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