Results 1 to 5 of 5

best cutting tool for the trade?

| Tools and Equipment
  1. #1
    ilyaz started this thread.
    ilyaz's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor

    Member since
    Sep 2010
    Location
    MD
    Posts
    425
    Thanks
    340
    Thanked 230 Times in 114 Posts

    best cutting tool for the trade?

    Since I am cheap, I have so far managed to avoid using any type of power tool for scrapping -- other than my station wagon. However, it seems that I have to buy some type of power metal cutter. What would be the best tool for the job, in terms of price (both of the tool and blades), ease of use, versatility, and reliability? I have seen sawzall mentioned here a few times, but are there better alternatives?



    I do small scale scrapping focusing on copper and aluminum. So the type of cutting I would be doing -- I think -- is cutting off copper piping, cutting open appliances, removing blades from fans of various types to get the motors etc. I will not be cutting huge amounts of steel since I am trying to stay away from scrapping it, just to get through it to other metals.

    Thanks


  2. #2
    Mick's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor



    Member since
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Palermo, Me
    Posts
    3,405
    Thanks
    363
    Thanked 3,086 Times in 1,326 Posts
    I use a Sawzall and a large angle grinder. But I already had them. My wife bought me the Sawzall for Christmas because I was doing a lot of demolition-type work. I'd bought the grinder for auto body work. For what you're talking about, a pair of large sheet metal shears should work. The Sawzall works great for things like fan blades and cutting electric motors out of appliances. I haven't found anything - even 1/4" channel iron - that can stand up to that angle grinder.
    People may laugh at me, but that's ok. I laugh all the way to the bank.

  3. The Following User Says Thank You to Mick for This Post:


  4. #3
    708bigbuck's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    53
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 26 Times in 14 Posts
    I have 3 tools. A sawzall, a Cordless drill and a pair of wire snips. If you get a sawzall, DON'T buy cheep blades. You will get what you pay for. Get Milwaukee or dewalt blades. They will last 10 times as long.

  5. The Following User Says Thank You to 708bigbuck for This Post:


  6. #4
    ilyaz started this thread.
    ilyaz's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor

    Member since
    Sep 2010
    Location
    MD
    Posts
    425
    Thanks
    340
    Thanked 230 Times in 114 Posts
    Thanks for all the advice. I am leaning toward getting a saw second and a grinder third. But first... It occurred to me that I already have a cordless drill. So the obvious question is: can I buy some type of attachment for it to turn it into a grinder/saw of sorts? I already use it regularly for sanding -- so it seems there should be a similar gizmo for grinding/cutting metal. What would you recommend?

  7. #5
    708bigbuck's Avatar
    SMF Badges of Honor


    Member since
    Aug 2010
    Posts
    53
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 26 Times in 14 Posts
    you could get a carbide blade for it but I wouldn't recommend it. You will burn through batteries and probably burn out the motor in the drill trying to cut with it. They just arent made for that kind of constant stress.

  8. The Following User Says Thank You to 708bigbuck for This Post:



  9. Similar threads on the Scrap Metal Forum

    1. Tools of the trade
      By Kris Kringle in forum Tools and Equipment
      Replies: 38
      Last Post: 06-06-2014, 08:53 AM
    2. New to the site, but old to the trade
      By alleycat in forum Introduce yourself
      Replies: 5
      Last Post: 11-27-2012, 12:49 AM
    3. Tools of the Trade
      By Scrap Metal Mike in forum Tools and Equipment
      Replies: 28
      Last Post: 11-13-2011, 07:11 PM
    4. Cutting Metal- Power Tool Usage How-To and Tips
      By Bigblue12v in forum Tools and Equipment
      Replies: 15
      Last Post: 08-08-2011, 05:44 PM
    5. Cutting tool that isn"t a torch
      By sdw in forum Tools and Equipment
      Replies: 5
      Last Post: 07-13-2011, 02:54 PM

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

 
Browse the Most Recent Threads
On SMF In THIS CATEGORY.





OR

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

The Scrap Metal Forum

    The Scrap Metal Forum is the #1 scrap metal recycling community in the world. Here we talk about the scrap metal business, making money, where we connect with other scrappers, scrap yards and more.

SMF on Facebook and Twitter

Twitter Facebook