Re: Cutting stainless media

On Apr 23, 1:28=A0pm, missmonkeysh...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 wrote:
> 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'v=
e
> > got some 1/2" & 3/4" stock coming soon. Right now I'm exploring ways
to =
cut
> > it up. Lloyd suggested a band saw with a good cooling system. The
follow=
ing
> > 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
bee=
n
> > slightly deburred with a grinder. The discoloration that extends up
the =
rod
> > is what I'm wondering about. That's from the plasma cutter, not the
grin=
der.
> > I realize this steel is harder than 304 stianless, but I'm sure the
304 =
will
> > 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
t=
o 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 =A0blade 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- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Hi Regina,

Typically a lathe is the best way to cut metal rods if you have a very
good lathe and tooling, but lets just say a harbor freight lathe will
not suffice. Also when cutting pieces of stainless, you may go through
quite a few parting bits if not secured and perfectly aligned on the
lathe. I would reccomend a chop saw as Putt said, they're cheaper,
faster, and easier to use.

BTW: I went to the old Hagely museum last weekend and saw the old
dupont gumpowder mills. I have a few pics I need to post for everyone,
it was quite a great place! Over 200 explosions in their time of
manufacturing Black Powder there... the last one was 50,000 pounds
that ignited!



Bob

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