What is the best way to cut a 5/16 inch coil made of Stainless Steel?
Question:I need to cut a 5/16" coil made of 1/4 hard, 304 Stainless Steel, accross one side effieciently without poring water or oil on it every 5 seconds I have tried using dremmels at 30 rpm with metal blades, I have tried drills with metal cutting blades. Anyone know a efficient manner?
Answers:
A dry caborundum blade on a drill or dremmel will cut S/S.
A sawzall with fine tooth blade will also work, or any fine tooth hacksaw.
rotary metal cutting blades are not your answer. Stainless steel is not really a hard metal, just very tough, and you cannot force any tool.
With a cutting torch.
They are very expensive, but a plasma cutter is by far the best bet. Maybe you could rent one somewhere.
An abraisve cutting wheel or a bi-metal saw blade, as mentioned. A Dremel is not the tool to use. Not strong enough. A 4-1/2" angle grinder with a .045 thick cutting wheel would be easiest, but the sawzall with a 18-TPI metal cutting blade will also do the trick.
If you're close to a town with a good welding shop, see what they'll charge you to zip through it with a plasma cutter. Very quick, precise, and a lot easier on you!
those who said to use a carborundum wheel were correct , as was the plasma cutter, BUT, DO NOT USE A CUTTING TORCH> PERIOD> stainless does not cut with a torch. it will only melt into a glob. journeyman metal worker, 40 yrs.
Use a pair of mini tubing cutters with a stainless steel blade. It should work great. Good luck.
hacksaw
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