I'm needing to start making engine mounts and suspension mounts with 4mm steel, any better way than a hacksaw to cut it?

cheap equipment only, no suggestions of laser or plasma cutters!

James

Jig saw?

It takes a while, but I use a grinder on 3-5mm plate. Mainly because it's the only way I can do it, other than hacksaw. And that'd take forever.

Get some 1mm angle grinder cutting discs from Wickes. I have used them loads of times for slicing things up and because they are so thin it doesnt grab too much.

David

[Edited on 10/1/07 by flak monkey]

Agree with David.

Get the thin discs about 1mm... like a hot knife through butter!

And my mounts for a Pinto (not the lightest engine around) are made of nothing more than 3mm plate and 3mm wall box section.

HTH,
James

suspected it would come down to my trusty grinder - it's the no1 used tool in my workshop!

James

hmm on that point maybe i'll try and go 3mm, as i'm trying to keep the weight down after all!

it's only a puny little gsxr i'm mounting



James

These are superb. They last very well also.

http://www.tyrolit.com/page.cfm?vpath=divisions/metalfabrication/2in1

As you say, like a hot knife through butter. The 125mm dia version will just about fit inside the guard on a 115mm angle grinder.

Another vote for the 1mm discs. I used Makita successfully.

angle grinder

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=25856&ts=47515

these are only 3mm , so you'd recommend sniffing out some ultra thin ones?

Any good high street sources?

James

[Edited on 10/1/07 by cloudy]

[Edited on 10/1/07 by cloudy]

ignore me, found the makita 1mm ones

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?cId=A238040&ts=47686&id=60739

As previously agreed- grinder discs the way to go. Using a hacksaw will take you months to cut it out, and you'll still need to dress it in all probability.... Use a cutting disc to get roughly to shape then a grinding disc to shape the item.... You can even file it by hand to dress it properly at the end....

We use them all the time at work, brilliant! I've found the stainless steel ones by Dronco & the same spec by Norton BDX to be best & as little as 60p each.

Its not that bad with a hacksaw if you have a good frame and blade. Unless you are one of the many who cant actually cut straight with a hacksaw!

I cut all the bits for my alternator mount out with a hacksaw and thats 10mm plate (dont ask) because i had run out of discs. Good for the shoulder muscles

If its all odd bits then grinder and thin disc.

If you need a few similar bits, draw them up on CAD and get some quotes from subcon laser contractors, you may be surprised at the lowish price!

If they are all one plate thickness it should be pretty cost effective.

Yep use the 125 x 1mm cutting discs. I have a second 100mm grinder, one of those cheapies you throw away when the brushes wear out, with a flap disc on it to make nice smooth edges.
Bruce

Cloudy.....

Could you let me quote the parts?
Living here in Florida will probably make me uncompetitive due to shipping, but I've just built a CNC plasma system and I'd like some real jobs to quote to help me get some practice, and see how I compare on pricing.

Alan

[Edited on 11/1/07 by Alan B]

This applies to anyone...any parts you need cutting or have already been cut I'd love to see and quote...will help me a lot in seeing if I could have a viable business (or sideline at least)

Cheers,

Alan

[Edited on 11/1/07 by Alan B]

OK will do so when ready

Angle Grinder and 1mm Discs, they wear fairly quickly, but are brill for neat cutting.