? on cutting 1/4" plate & 16 ga

mag1 · Post by **mag1** » March 26th, 2014, 7:08 am

Ok, I have a stupid ? on cutting 1/4" plate. What is the best way? Hopefully, I will not have to worry about it, but if for some ungodly reason my buddie is not able to do it at work (off hrs), and I need to cut it my self, is there a good way? angle iron/pipe/bar stock, we have a cut off saw for those.
thanks for the info.

The Czar · Post by **The Czar** » March 26th, 2014, 7:23 am

Plasma cutter is the best but if you take your time and becareful and make multiple passes then a angle grinder with a cut off wheel....but that will get pretty $$$

Or invest in a metal cutting skill saw

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cypertj · Post by **cypertj** » March 26th, 2014, 8:06 am

Nothing wrong with a good ol' oxy/acetylene torch. Just clamp on a piece of 3" angle for a straight edge/fence and let 'er rip. Keep your speed, angle, and distance consistent and you'll have a smooth cut.

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CrazyD · Post by **CrazyD** » March 26th, 2014, 9:06 am

^^^ this what i use on everything. Except for 1/8" and smaller, i tend to rather use cut off wheels on my angle grinder. Works like a champ.

Puff · Post by **Puff** » March 26th, 2014, 1:20 pm

While I disliked nearly every minute of it.... I built my entire 275 gallon smoker and trailer with a 3" cutoff wheel air tool and a 4 1/2" angle grinder with those .045 discs....including curves and 6" circles. Yep! Hated every minute of it. But with a very little touch up grinding, every line came out very very clean. Just a bit of humped over back challenging work.

Buying a plasma cutter soon. Just planning a great mig purchase for this spring as " I don't intend to go through that again "...(Roy Scheider, Jaws 2)

Clover Ridge Smokers · Post by **Clover Ridge Smokers** » March 26th, 2014, 5:26 pm

I have to agree with others that a plasma is the choice for cutting almost any metal. Unfortunately they can be expensive and may not be in everyone's budget. Then you have to look at the options you have. Either cutting torch or cutoff wheels. IThe decision really depends on ones long term plans for the use of the tools.

mag1 · Post by **mag1** » March 26th, 2014, 6:38 pm

Thanks for the input.

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