Metal cutting??????

[Power2ll]

I am in search of the best metal cutting tool for a n amature fabricator.. I have a new Hobart 230 iron man and a millwakee 14" chop saw. I feel I am fairly skilled at fabricating but am limited because of cutting parts. I spent quite a bit on my welder and don't want to spend a fortune on cutting tools but on the other hand the money I spent on the welder is kind of a waste without parts to weld. Thought about a horizontal band or maybe a plasma. The thing with the plasma is I have never used one and the price varies a lot. Don't know what I need.will probably hardly ever work with 1/2 steel or above. Probably mainly 1/4 or 3/8 need some advice thanks

 

[k0ua]

Hard to beat a band-saw. Quiet, precise, doesn't build up heat. Here is mine. A grizzly with swivel head

G9742 5" x 6" Metal-Cutting Bandsaw w/ Swivel Head

James K0UA

 

[Power2ll]

Thanks actually been watching that exact one on eBay. Has it been a gook one

 

[Ted Summey]

I asked a very similar question here.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/274012-how-do-you-cut-metal.html

There was a very informative discussion of saws, grinders, cutoff saws, plasma cutters. The TBNers helped me tremendously.

 

[k0ua]

Thanks actually been watching that exact one on eBay. Has it been a gook one

Seems to be, I am not a big fabricator, and don't use it a whole lot, but when I have needed it, it works well. I added a folding handle to the front of it to make moving it around easier. You may notice it in the photo. I also built a small table for it so I could use it in the vertical mode for some free hand cutting.

James K0UA

 

[Shield Arc]

I'm a little confused, do you want to cut plate, or stock?

 

[bikerdib]

Did you ask this same question on WeldingWeb a couple of weeks ago?

 

[DAD1220]

Plasma cutters are super and pricey, but do it all with one tool!

If I could leave it set up all the time, I would use it almost every metal project.

 

[jwmorris]

For just general cutting of almost anything nothing beats a Roll In band saw.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I have both plasma and Oxy-acetylene, and if I was stuck with one it would be the torch. Torches are WAY more versatile than plasma, you can heat, bend, thaw, etc. If you are cutting non ferrous metals however, the plasma will do that while the oxy will not.