What's the Best Way to Cut Thick Steel?

In this video I test three different methods of cutting steel - an angle grinder, reciprocating saw and band saw to find out which method is the best.

[katoom-juvo]

Just the info I was looking for. Nice job getting right to the point. More videos should be like this one. Thanks for posting. Cheers!!

[aaroncombs]

It all depends on what kind of blade you have in each tool. Also you have to consider cost and how long the blade will last. I'm cutting a bunch of 1.5" X 1/8" angle iron. I used 2 Sawsall blades, one that cost around $14 and one around 4. The $4 blade lasted for about 4 minutes of cutting. The other blade about 10 minutes, The diamond cutting wheel has lasted for a couple hours of cutting and still is not dull. The cutting wheel was a Diablo and cost around $18. I found it cut a little slower, but if you're constantly changing sawsall blades and they're 14 a pop... well, you can do the math. (I stopped using the sawsall blades)

[MackLife]

Only problem with band saw is angles, you only get the depth of the saw

[bossmanz]

Metal cutting circular saw always an overlooked tool and its the fastest

[ryanbarnes]

how about for a long rip cut on a 1/4" or 1/2" thick sheet? i ripped one that was 8' at work today with a quick saw but it took forever. i was wondering what might have been better..?

[Kamikaze]

Get the blade "up to speed" "before" contact to the surface.

[tezc]

What kind of blade did you use with the sawzall

[DRJMF]

what would you use to cut a 3m long RSJ into Hal lengthways ? To make two 3m long T bars for a glazing bar ? thanks, possibly the grinder with a special diamond cutter is best ???

[KyleBillie]

I have a heavy green street sign that someone ran over. I bought a brand new dewalt XR angle grinder. Do you think it can cut?

I'm using a 40 grit type 1/41 Bauer metal cutting blade. Ive been cutting it for sometime.

Are you suppose to put some force into cutting? I figure, you have to line up my cut and move it up and down barely touching the blade and metal.

This tool is really something.

[bossmanz]

Bandsaw is the best. However the grinder was slow because of the wheel you used. They only do good in thin steel. An abrasive wheel would cut much faster. Depeneding on the grinder you use the grinder could actually be the fastest with an abrasive. Typically a grinder that is a 6" not jus a 5" the power and speed and torque are much better. Like the dewalt flexvolt 60v grinder. But yes sparks and some burrs. Bandsaw for the accuracy and precision is best choice when possible. Good powerful grinder with proper wheel would be 2nd and recip 3rd

[RedHeatedStepChild]

Band saw is the hardest to aim. You cant see the crosshairs

[turbot]

I need to cut 1/4" thick mild steel. 15" long. Will 4 1/2 angle grinder work with cut off wheel

[dirtdogdigital]

What metal or metal layers would you use to reinforce the exhaust pipe adjoining the catalytic converter? Ar400 or angle iron strips, tungsten rods inside cold rolled tubing or what?

[TheoSmith]

Diamond graphitizes at around 850C. With out coolant the diamond blade is useless.

[MrLeisureSuit]

Please enable like the button so I may click it.

[andrewallen]

Plasma cutter, oxy\fuel gas cutter or laser cutter.

[mikehouser]

If you know how to use a oxygen/acetylene torch it is way easier, faster!