Cutting thick (2") Steel

[bdog]

I have to do some cutting on some 2" thick plate. I have never worked with anything remotely this thick before. I have been welding and cutting 20 years but have never messed with anything over 3/4" thick. Any tips or ideas on what I am going to need to do it?

It is going to be a one time thing cutting this thick material but I don't mind spending whatever I need to on the equipment to get it done. I am guessing I will need to make about 20 linear feet of cuts in total.

 

[mjncad]

Is the plate part of an existing piece of equipment? If so, plasma or cutting torches come to mind; but a plasma capable of slogging through 2" plate is going to be BIG $$$$$$.

Or is this a piece of plate at the steel yard? If so, I suggest having it cut with a waterjet.

A little more info on what you have in mind for this plate would be helpful.

 

[Shield Arc]

Over the years I've had steady diets of thick plate, up to 8-inch. With 20-feet to cut, if you can rent or borrow a tractor torch, they make that kind of cutting a breeze.

Hooper Welding Supply - Tip Charts

 

[weldermike]

Over the years I've had steady diets of thick plate, up to 8-inch. With 20-feet to cut, if you can rent or borrow a tractor torch, they make that kind of cutting a breeze.

Hooper Welding Supply - Tip Charts

We use these as well at work, ShieldArc is right, if you can rent one it would really make that job a breeze!

 

[deereman75]

Is the 20ft one long cut, or many short ones. If it is a long one, a track torch would be best. If it was a bunch of short ones, probably a hand torch and a straight edge.

 

[longevity]

That is a super thick cut. One of our customers has done it in the past, its slow, ugly, but can be done. Maybe using an Oxy torch will be a better idea for that thickness.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sd24YrvlC8U]Longevity ForceCut LP-80 PLASMA CUTTER Cutting 2" Thick Steel Slab - YouTube[/ame]

You will need to turn the pressure up if you are going to use a plasma cutter.

 

[monckywrench]

I'd track torch it. You can make a guide long enough for your longest cut and save serious money over buying a track torch.

Anyone made a homemade torch guide? - WeldingWeb™ - Welding forum for pros and enthusiasts

If I didn't have a track torch I'd make one of these simple units. Mute the audio on this video since it adds nothing.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpCMmCDdFkw]Cutting a perfectly straight edge with an OA torch - YouTube[/ame]

PREHEAT is your friend. I make at least one slow preheat pass on any material 3/8" or above, then reverse direction for the cut.

Ask on weldingweb (since there are lots of folks there who cut serious plate on the job) for advice and post very specific details about what you are cutting.

 

[Shield Arc]

I carried one of these in my bucket for years.

 

[jake98]

M/W, That was great to see, thanks! :thumbsup:

Shield, does that square elevate the tip for you?

 

[monckywrench]

I like the combo square with a brass blade! :thumbsup: