Hello,
Man there is just never a easy answer is there.... I REALLY can not
afford a plasma cutter. What I need is one tool that will work on rectangular
and round tubing and on flat (up to 3/8") metal. Mostly I will be cutting
regular mild steel. I would like to do some 'artwork' type stuff in stainless.
It sounds like a bandsaw is the best comprimise. I was originally
hoping that one of the variable speed benchtop bandsaws might be able to do
all this?? What do you think?? Do I have to get an expensive floor models or
will a cheaper <200 bucks model do the job??
Daniel 69 2000
SF CA
> Daniel, as you have learned with the hammer/drill episode, the proper tool
>for the
> proper job makes thiings goe much easier aand faster.
> a hand held power band saw will travel on you when cuttiing even if kept in
>perfect
> adjustment, (rubbers wear out, rollers get loose) you have to usethe proper
>blade
> a blade for carbon steel will wear out in a couple cuts on stainless.
> an oxy/acetalyene torch is no good for stainless with out proper shielding
>stainless
>
> sugars on you( turns black and grainy).
> a good chop saw cuts staiinless well but the blade will flex and travel with
>too
> much
> pressure.
> a floor mounted band saw is good if properly mainttained, and the proper blade
> selection.
> Plasma arc is great if properly maintained , but will not precisley cut
>tubing, if
> too large.
> and needs a supply of nozzels and shields, and an air supply.
> all these thiinngs will need a list of consumables, ie; blades nozzels,
>cutoff whls
> etc.
> also when working stainless its best to learn the ideosychrancies(sp) of the
>beast,
> draws when welding , sugars when not shielded, corrodes when you use a carbon
> contaminated brush on it, welds turn pink when finished(heat just right)
> which type of stainless Austentenic or Marstentenic? grade 302 308 316 404etc
> get yourself a good book on weldiing stainless and practice makes perfect.
> bottoom line is proper tool for proper job.
> Russ Southwell 70 1600
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