Thread: Cuttin' metal?

OK, who here has the tools and know how to cut some metal?!

I have a brass barstock that is more then I can handle.... Could someone help me out with this? I need it for spacer material. It's ~12" x 1" x 3/16"

A little too big all around

Thanks!!

Also, how DO you cut metal, or how do you recommend cutting it.......

You can cut metal with a bandsaw with a metal cutting blade, by hand with a hacksaw, or with a pneumatic cut off tool. Those are the three simplest ways to cut metal, that I can think of.

Brass is soft. Were that barstock mine...I'd clamp it in a vise between two blocks of wood and cut it with the finest tooth (most teeth per inch) hacksaw blade I could find.

Ray

Thanks Ray!

While I do not own a clamp, I will be at the folks house during Thanksgiving, and I can use one then. I'll just pick up a fresh blade....

C utz

I had some success with a jigsaw and a metal-cutting blade.. Too bad I can't find'em and I need'em for a little plumbing project lol.

Lot's of different ways, but I use a tile wet saw with a diamond blade. Not as expensive as you think. You can pick one up at Lowes or Homedepot with a 4" blade for $89.
Vince

I'd give some thought to hammering it and saving on some of the filing/grinding before cutting. Hacksaw works fine - dremel cutoff wheel will do, as well.

Hey Robert,

When you say, 'hammer' do you mean just that, wack away at it with the heaviest hammer I can find? Or, is there a special technique?

Also, what sort of cutoff wheel do you recommend. Personally I have found most dremel cutoff wheel's to be rather useless (too thin/brittle, little cutting to be had), at least with wood......

Thanks,
C utz

Originally Posted by C utz

I have found most dremel cutoff wheel's to be rather useless (too thin/brittle, little cutting to be had), at least with wood......

These wheels are intended to used on metal, thin metal at best. Tools centers in my area do carry mini saw blades designed for the dremel.

Chris,

Just get yourself brass stock as close to the thickness that you want and grind, file or sand it down. I use 3/32" x 1" x 36" brass stock from a hobby or wood working shop. About $15 CDN, yields a lot of wedges.

If you insist on using the stock that you have for wedges you are best to use a hack saw or a metal band saw if you have one. Cut thicker than you need (just a bit) and sand/file it down to the desired thickness. It won't be as easy as shaping wood but easier than sanding carbon steel.