Spearos Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 As the title really, I don't cut much steel so splashing out of a new piece of equipment isn't really an option. Just wondered if anyone has any hints/tips/tricks for making straight cuts in steel accurately with an Angle Grinder? Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carl hurst Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 Use the thin sliting disc's, about 1mm, can get good results if you take your time, Carl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco-Ron Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 If you have a piece of angle iron, you can always clamp that onto what you're cutting, and then (using a thin disc) run the disc along that to create a line to then follow..... however, remove the engle or you won;t cut it at 90degs to the face.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spearos Posted January 9, 2011 Author Share Posted January 9, 2011 If you have a piece of angle iron, you can always clamp that onto what you're cutting, and then (using a thin disc) run the disc along that to create a line to then follow..... however, remove the engle or you won;t cut it at 90degs to the face.... I like it, so it's a bit like scoring a line for the disc to follow? I have recently started using the thin discs - what a difference they make! I knew someone on here would have a good tip - many thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LandyManLuke Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 see this thread on Mig-welding.co.uk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco-Ron Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 Basically yeh, i find it sometimes awkward getting a straight line with the thin discs, unless you have a really steady hand...... the other thing i have found is not to hold the thin discs hard againast what you're cutting, run the disc up and down the cut with light pressure, the discs seem to last longer that way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landroversforever Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 Best trick I've found is as above, making lots of shallower cuts neatest and disks last longer . And if a disk is no longer any good for cutting fully, it can still be used to do the first cut Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Train Posted January 9, 2011 Share Posted January 9, 2011 Depending on the length of the cut and the working position there are a number of ways to cut straight. The main thing to remember is to do a dry run to make sure that you are able to move the grinder in a nice smooth straight line without losing your balance or bumping into something or adjusting your grip. Scoring the line with the cutting disc first can help. You can use a length of angle laid with its open edges downwards so that the angle forms a 45deg slope away form the cutting disk, that way it won't get in the way. Here's a splined shaft I cut with a 4 1/2" grinder with a standard cutting disc on it. I held the shaft in the vice pointing downwards and cut vertically for each spline. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeSheds Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 The main thing to remember is to do a dry run to make sure that you are able to move the grinder in a nice smooth straight line without losing your balance or bumping into something or adjusting your grip. Top Tip Mr Night Train!Here's a splined shaft I cut with a 4 1/2" grinder with a standard cutting disc on it. And THIS is above and beyond! I think you have blurred the line between engineering and fine art there Roger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M&S Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 The angle iron idea works well, and if you do "slip" a bit you won't damage the workpiece. Todays jobs include trimming my rear quarters and cutting a hole in the bulkhead...for the rear I'll be using a cutting disc, for the bulkhead it'll be a jigsaw with metal blade. Don't forget, a hacksaw isn't too difficult to use and may be quicker than setting up the angle grinder and guide Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spearos Posted January 10, 2011 Author Share Posted January 10, 2011 Top bombing! Thanks guys, a lot of info there. As for you Night Train - you did that with an angle grinder??! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Train Posted January 10, 2011 Share Posted January 10, 2011 Top bombing! Thanks guys, a lot of info there. As for you Night Train - you did that with an angle grinder??! Yep, just need a steady hand, good lighting and then cut between the scribe lines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spearos Posted January 11, 2011 Author Share Posted January 11, 2011 Impressive! If LR4x4 did badges, you'd definitely get one for your angle grinder skills! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lansalot Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 http://www2.westfalia.net/shops/tools/power_tools_and_accessories/angle_grinders_and_accessories/angle_grinder_accessories_/194545-stand_for_single_hand_angle_grinde.htm Howsaboutthatthen ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickeyw Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 http://www2.westfalia.net/shops/tools/power_tools_and_accessories/angle_grinders_and_accessories/angle_grinder_accessories_/194545-stand_for_single_hand_angle_grinde.htm Howsaboutthatthen ? I used to have one of those. In reality I found it woefully inaccurate. The vice was difficult to set square, and didn't want to stay where I set it. Also the whole thing was not robust enough and just tended to chatter heavily when cutting. I now have one of these, a far superior device IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spearos Posted January 26, 2011 Author Share Posted January 26, 2011 For an extra £100 I should hope it's a lot better! Correct me if I'm wrong but both of these would be ok for lengths of say box section, but I cannot see how you'd use one on a large sheet of metal. Still like the idea of using a 'guide' to start the cut, I might round to trying it soon!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minimog Posted January 26, 2011 Share Posted January 26, 2011 i use the slitting disks they are great(can even cut curves if your carefull) BUT there are good ones and bad ones the ebourer make from srewfix are very good as are the rodus ones from tool station the norton ones on the other hand are carp (as quick as you touch the steel they disapeer) they even do a 2mm thick one for the 9" grinder (great for box/tube Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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