Re: Cutting stainless media

On Apr 23, 11:11=A0am, "Scott H" <greyba...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> I've been wanting to make a load of stainless media for a while, and
I've
> got some 1/2" & 3/4" stock coming soon. Right now I'm exploring ways to
cu=
t
> it up. Lloyd suggested a band saw with a good cooling system. The
followin=
g
> link shows some 1/2" Rockwell 60 rod a buddy cut with a small handheld
> plasma cutter. Not stainless, just sort of a test. (I had a cutoff piece
> laying around, so what the heck...)
>
> http://pyrobin.com/files/testcutr60-1a.jpg
>
> The cuts are very rough LOL (a little long, too) and the pieces have
been
> slightly deburred with a grinder. The discoloration that extends up the
ro=
d
> is what I'm wondering about. That's from the plasma cutter, not the
grinde=
r.
> I realize this steel is harder than 304 stianless, but I'm sure the 304
wi=
ll
> be simalarly discolored when cut. Is this a problem, ie: is the plasma
> cutter too hot? Maybe they can be polished?
>
> I'm thinking a band saw would be better, but since I don't have access
to =
a
> good one, I'm considering the plasma cutter. I just don't want to spend
> $150+ and realize I f****d it up... :0
>
> -Scott



The last time we cut 3/4 stainless bar stock for one of the animal
enclosures, we ruined our band saw blade. My husband found a guy in
the yellow pages who cut and deburred the remaining 40 pieces at a
rate of $35 an hour. It cost more to replace our saw  blade than it
did to have someone else do the work (and use up his blade).

Unless you're dead set on doing it your self, try having a metal
working shop cut it for you. It may be cheaper in the long run.

I have heard through the grapevine that a lathe is still the best way
to cut the stainless rod stock. Can any machinists confirm this?

Regards,

Regina