Does it cut as fast?
(I have 3 saws at work)

 

I don't think that it cuts as fast as a 1/8" thick wheel, probably equal to a 3/16" maybe? Hard to say. The rusted out frame also varied in thickness, making it hard to judge.

One thing that I should mention is that there are different styles of diamond blades. The good ones that have the diamond matrix brazed or laser welded won't work, because when they are cashed, there is NO diamond left.

The cheapo blades have the diamond matrix cast over the steel core. When cheap blades will no longer cut stone, there is still diamond left on the blade, but the steel core is poking up through it, making it ineffective for stone cutting.

When I was cutting, I noticed that it was way more effective to cut through as thin a profile as possible. Rather than trying to cut each side of the tube, plunging right through it so the blade only contacted 1/8" of steel made the cutting more effective. This is counter-intuitive if you are used to carbide abrasive blades, because you don't want to risk the blade in a deep plunge cut. Plunging also helped because the blade skated all over the surface when starting the cuts.

 

A torch would be much easier, safer, and faster.

 

Long time no hear. I must stop up one of these days. I borrowed a plasma cutter, 110V, to work on the Zuk this week, if you need it for anything, let me know. It'll do up to 3/16", and body metal really easily. I also borrowed the MM185 welder, so if you need anything welded.

Where do you get these disks you speak of? I have been using the abrasive ones that consume themselves, fiber reinforced, but they don't last long.

I also found a new trail rig, not sure if you're interested. It is a '65 of so J-truck nose (like yours), with no back body. It has a Dodge 318 with some massive 2WD tranny (NO idea, never seen one as large before, it dwarfs my SM465) with divorced NP205. It also has 8 lug D60 FF rear and D44 front, unknown gearing. They're asking $200/OBO, but I don't need another project, I have too many as it is. It's in Woolwich if you're interested.

 

I'll give you easier and faster. How do you figure safer?

 

Mark, stop up any time(except this weekend-going to MD for an 800 tub)! I blew by your house the other month and saw you have a new wagon project. 4WD? Looks like it's in good shape.

I'll try to think of something to cut up. I've never used plasma before.

I can put my hands on about 40 of them at Rockers right now. We PAY the camden dump to take 150-200 of them every year. Any mason or hardscape contractor will likely have some laying in the corner of the shop.

Thanks for the tip on the J-truck. A friend of mine is building a cherokee for his girlfriend and wants a rhino chaser grill. I need a dana 60 for the scout. Maybe we cna split it. Do you drive by it going to work?

 

Yep, every day. You doing a Scoout project? I have some parts here you're welcome to if you want them.

 

Mark, I remebered that you'd had a couple of II carcasses. I think they were 304 auto's? I may be interested in the engine, if you've got one in good shape. I'd take the rigs for sure if I was building a II, but I'm going the hard way with an 800. I have a 266 in one of 4 80/800's in the yard, and was planning to use that, but have yet to compression test it. I don't want to put any time into the orphan 266, but if it runs alright(seems to) I'm going to run with that until I decide what this rig is going to be used for. The present plan is for a 392 with major head work and 454 TBI and run it on the road in the summer and in the woods. After towing with the J10 this summer, though, I may rethink using the 258 powered jeep for doing my towing duties. I might want to go with a mild TBI 345 in the scout and tow with that instead. The 392 I'd like to build won't be getting good mileage. OR I'll get a 1310 1 ton and tow with that. That's a few years off, though. If you're going to be around, I'll swing by this coming weekend.

Where's the Jtruck at in wiscasset?

 

Do you recant, or do you have a horror story to share?

 

Brendan.....to answer your question on the safety issue......abrasive cut-off blades CAN and DO grenade themselves when they get in a pinch spot, and that can be injurious to the user. I've been using a GAS HATCHET (torch) since I wuz a kid to cut up just about anything and everything....including a stint in a big wrecking yard......and my most serious injury ever sustained was not from a torch, but from a grinder that I was using as a cut-off.....YOW! Yikes!

 

I'm am on the same path as CJdave. I have a gash on my arm right now from a cutoff wheel. No its not from a big wheel but same idea. The worst i have been hurt from a torch is a few hot balls ran inbetween the shoe and sock. That always makes for a few new dance moves.

 

I won't argue the danger of the exploding wheel. I never run a cutoff tool without respiratory and eye protection. I also buy the best wheels I can find. the $2 14" wheels are $2 for a reason. Napa seems to have the best. I've even started a grass fire with my cutoff. It didn't take much.

I don't think one or the other is much safer. I've probably logged more hours behind a cutoff than the rest of this board combined, and am not that skilled with a torch.
I, personally,am definately safer behind a saw than a torch. I just do more stupid stuff around torches. Like grabbing BAREHANDED that part I just cut. You don't NEED to put on gloves to run the torch, all the sparks are falling down, right? I have scar on my neck right now from where i hit myself with the tip as I was winding up the hose.

Hmmm, looks like I have confused my own ignorance with the inherent safety of the tools in question...

 

I'm always leary and careful around cut off wheels and grinders. I rather risk a few burns, even from my own stupidity

In reply to:

I never run a cutoff tool without respiratory and eye protection.

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One place I worked a guy had a brand new 6" grinding wheel come apart. A good size chunk, about a third of the disk, went into his upper leg and stayed there till they took it out at the hospital, and I do mean all the way in you couldn't see it!

I saw it happen and it threw him back about 5', He was just finish grinding down a weld after using the big grinder, nothing heavy and wasn't abusing the grinder. He was wearing gloves and safety glasses but his leg never was the same. So just remember they don't protect everything and be careful,every time I turn on a grinder I remember that sight.

 

That's definately a gruesome story, I would never have thought that a chunk the size you describe would have enough inertia to bury itself in a guy's leg like that.