What's the best way to cut a steel i beam?
Question:oxygen + mapp gas?
angle grinder with a diamond blade?
angle grinder with a metal cut disk?
it's like this one, but mine is 8 x 5 '':
http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im...
Answers:
For a smooth even cut, a well saw will work perfectly on this size of a steel beam. I cut many of them while I was in Structural Engineering graduate school using well saws.
Trying to cut it by torch and/or heating will add stress in the metal when it cools. When you then weld the same area, you add additional stress from heating and cooling a second time. All this heating and cooling will cause a weaker connection (in the steel around the connection and in the weld itself).
Your best bet is a band saw (or as I recommend a well saw which is a type of band saw). The liquid (lubrication in the well) keeps the temperature of the metal and the saw band down. If a well saw is not available, the second best choice is a regular band saw with a blade meant for cutting steel. Make sure to allow the saw to cut slowly with very little pressure. It may take several minutes to cut. But the results will be worth the time.
Laser.
make sure it does not support any structure or it has no load on it.
then go for any convinient option.
Burning Torch for Cutting I beam for 8 x 5" But before u torch it, check what material is the I beam! Easy, faster and better.
Grinder usually for Piping or tube or hollow.
Diamond disc $1.00 per disc. Slow and tedious work.
Metal cut disc. - forget it.
Depends on the material and room around the beam. If you have the room and the space can survive the heat use mapp gas which burns at 5301 degrees F. Or better yet use acetylene which burns at 5720 degrees F. If there is not much room or the surrounding materials are too combustible use the diamond blade. Or rent a concrete cutter with a metal blade if you have the room but you need to keep the heat down.
Without looking at the link I'd use a cutting torch. I'd especially do so if the beam is overhead, allowing that I wouldn't have to hold a saw/grinder, over my head while trying to cut and avoid residue. The torch would also allow the most rapid way to finish the job, though certainly safety measures have to be in place first, as with any DIY job.
Steven Wolf
A diamond blade won't help you unless your cutting masonry. I would use either a circular saw with a metal cut off disk or a angle grinder like you said. I would'nt bother with a torch specially if it's indoors in a tight spot.
More Related Questions & Answers...