Anything welding

That compressor only shows being able to do 3.8SCFM of air at 90psi. I would say that is limiting you as even the harbor freight cut-off tool (since you didnt say which one you had) wants 5cfm @90psi. So its performance of your tool might seem slow but its probably just the air delivery is lacking.

You could try an electric cut-off tool instead. Or a lot of guys get a portable bandsaw and either make or buy a stand for it so you can use it like a normal bandsaw. Obviously going to cost more though

 

I would recommend the electric version as well.
That compressor is at the bottom of the barrell for using air tools. Think about craigslisting it and get a compressor that is belt driven. I'm sure yours is super noisy as well.

 

I wondered if that was the case. I think it was "Husky" brand.

I really need to get a torch. If Im making something I usually can cut tube or angle steel with the metal cutoff saw. But I'd like to make some long cuts on flat steel such as water heaters to make a grill/smoker.

 

You're in EMS. Don't be stupid. Cover yourself up. Cancer is a nasty bitch, and Welding without covering is like hitting a tanning bed for 30 minutes.

 

Speaking of compressors....I bought a Quincy QT-54. Wont have it for a few weeks but need to prep the wiring and piping for it anyways. And bought a blast cabinet....and a powder coat gun....all cause i was annoyed with the bid i got for some yard work >.>

 

Nice compressor. Can't do much better than that...Unless your main job is to maintain 8, 250 HP Quincy compressors Now those are some compressors!

 

Kinda funny you mention the big guys. About the only good deal on craigslist in the last few months was for a bigger 50HP or so IR. Was a pretty killer deal but no way I could have had the power for it lol.

 

Funny thing about those Gold lenses I can`t use them I am unable to see the puddle on Aluminum I was down to a #8

When I welded 8 plus hours a day I changed my cover plate every morning

I use my 4 1/2"electric grinders with cut off wheels all the time with common sense you can cut most anything .

The trick is to let the wheel do the cutting I can get quite a lot of cuts out of one wheel

 

I just bought a lennox cut off wheel that claims it's good for 1000 cuts. So far so good, and was only $14 for a 4.5"

 

Where did you get it?
Lenow Metalmax??

 

Got it at Lowes. The prob got it other places as well. They had it with all the other cut off wheels.

 

Keep us updated on how it works .

I would like to know how they figured it was good for 1000 cuts .

Just how is a cut defined 1/8"x1" strip 1/4"x 4" flat stock ?? quite a big difference

 

I'll keep using it til it shits.

 

Ive honestly been mildly happy with the Harbor Freight ones. Not the best, but not the worst either.

I do plan to try out the Benchmark Abrasives at some point though. I was happy with their "paint and rust" discs. plus the price isn't bad either.

The only cut-off I don't recommend is the Makita Cut-off (724115-A-25). I had nothing but problems with them. Didn't work any better than the HF ones. If it even remotely caught an edge chunks would go flying. Same if trying to cut at anything other than a 90degree angle. I used 3 or 4 and tossed the rest.

 

how much time should it take to make a 6" cut on 18ga flat steel sheet?

 

30seconds or less with an electric angle grinder.

 

under a minute...more like under 30 seconds but depends how straight you are trying ot be too (if free hand cutting).

If you do a lot of sheet the electric shears are pretty awesome too.

 

About 3 seconds with a plasma.

 

man I want one of those cutters...too much $$

 

I need to get some air drive shears.