|
|
Post by Clinton Cool on Dec 2, 2016 21:59:28 GMT
My only experience of using an angle grinder was assisting a kind fellow boater who was cutting through a piece of steel for me. The disk shattered in use, he ended up in hospital with a nasty gash to his forehead.
So, I'm quite nervous about them.
I need to modify the rack that carries my motor bike on the back of my boat. Basically, I need to move the bike an inch or so to the right to make sure the ironmongery at the back of the bike isn't at risk of catching lock walls. I've been through a hundred or so with it as it is but it did catch once, I want to make sure it doesn't happen again.
The steel in question is around 50mm x 4mm. One of the front forks of the bike sits against this. I need to take a semi circle section of steel out, or a square notch, it doesn't really matter.
First question: Angle grinders seem to start at 500w. I either have a 600w inverter which I could plug the grinder into, or a 770w generator. Which would be best?
Also, would an angle grinder be suitable for this job? If so, what type of disk would be safest, any tips for how to go about it?
Cheers.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 2, 2016 22:08:09 GMT
A crap angle grinder from Argos. www.argos.co.uk/product/4641393Use a cutting disc for metal. www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-cutting-discs-115-x-3-x-22-23mm-5-pack/57808Use on the genny, follow crap Chinese instructions with the grinder. Wear ppe - gloves, eye & ear protection. Mount disc correctly, the nut will have a shoulder one side and a flat face the other, use the flat face to tighten against the cutting disc. Take your time, let the disc do the work, don't force it, and make sure the cut doesn't close up onto the disc as this will jam at best or bust the disc at worst |
|
|
|
Post by tomsk on Dec 2, 2016 22:15:46 GMT
Avoid cheap discs.
This is a good disc.
|
|
|
|
Post by Telemachus on Dec 2, 2016 22:17:38 GMT
Yes the disc won't break unless you put a side force on it, jam it etc. As well as the comments from garza just be aware where the white hot moulten metal (aka sparks) is going. It can set fire to things.
|
|
|
|
Post by Clinton Cool on Dec 2, 2016 22:17:58 GMT
Thanks. The problem is that neither a notch or semi circle would be a straight cut. Would it be feasible to use a thicker grinding disk and just slowly grind away the steel?
|
|
|
|
Post by bodger on Dec 2, 2016 22:20:30 GMT
do not use a cutting disc to grind out a a semi-circle as you describe, use a grinding disc.
a cutting disc is about 1mm thick and will quickly shatter if used for anything other than a straight cut.
a grinding disc is about 5mm thick and can be used in lieu of a file, gently grinding away the steel to be removed.
a 4.5" angle grinder is a very useful tool to have around. I notice on 'Wheeler Dealers' programme they use a cheapy the same as mine.
always use the removeable guard, always point the grinder away from your body.
|
|
|
|
Post by bodger on Dec 2, 2016 22:21:07 GMT
Thanks. The problem is that neither a notch or semi circle would be a straight cut. Would it be feasible to use a thicker grinding disk and just slowly grind away the steel? absolutely right. |
|
|
|
Post by tomsk on Dec 2, 2016 22:22:25 GMT
do not use a cutting disc to grind out a a semi-circle as you describe, use a grinding disc. a cutting disc is about 1mm thick and will quickly shatter if used for anything other than a straight cut. a grinding disc is about 5mm thick and can be used in lieu of a file, gently grinding away the steel to be removed. a 4.5" angle grinder is a very useful tool to have around. I notice on 'Wheeler Dealers' programme they use a cheapy the same as mine. always use the removeable guard, always point the grinder away from your body. Quite, but the initial incision must be made. |
|
|
|
Post by Saltysplash on Dec 2, 2016 23:02:24 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by smileypete on Dec 2, 2016 23:28:39 GMT
How wide is the section to be removed, and how deep at it's deepest point?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2016 3:40:33 GMT
Jigsaw? I have cut out about 10 holes in 6mm and 5mm steel using a jigsaw. Hole size varied from 6 inch for chimney collar to 15 inch for a large porthole Its quite easy given the correct blades. Much safer than an angel grinder.
I can't quite visualise the cut you want to make but it sounds doable with a jigsaw.
I don't know what budget jigsaws are like. I have a makita have had it for years and it can handle quite a lot of work.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2016 4:16:41 GMT
Yes the disc won't break unless you put a side force on it, jam it etc. As well as the comments from garza just be aware where the white hot moulten metal (aka sparks) is going. It can set fire to things. Dross, be aware of the dross. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2016 4:20:51 GMT
Thanks. The problem is that neither a notch or semi circle would be a straight cut. Would it be feasible to use a thicker grinding disk and just slowly grind away the steel? absolutely right. A square notch can easily be cut with a grinder, the bits in the corners that can't be cut are simply broken with a few swift clouts Tidy the snots in the corner with a tri square file and your done. Take longer to get out and put away your gear, ppe, spark up the electric etc than it will to do the job in question. |
|
|
|
Post by naughtyfox on Dec 3, 2016 7:25:29 GMT
Yes the disc won't break unless you put a side force on it, jam it etc. As well as the comments from garza just be aware where the white hot moulten metal (aka sparks) is going. It can set fire to things. Oh dear. Moulten - having lost its plumage < a moulten raven - Shakespeare > Molten - fused or liquefied by heat < molten lava > (for the thickos that didn't do the classics at proper school.) |
|
|
|
Post by quaysider on Dec 3, 2016 7:44:47 GMT
As has been said, rather than using a cutting disk, use either a grinding disc OR (it'll take longer but be "gentle) a flap disk... you'd be amazed at how "gently" you can acheive what you want that way. For the boat, I bought a cordless Erbauer one from screwfix www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-eri662grd-18v-li-ion-4-cordless-angle-grinder-bare/5037j - it uses the same batteries as my other stuff (I've got 6 batts now) and for the price, it's a decent tool. The only thing of theirs (Erbauer that is) that I do struggle with is the cordless jig saw - you have to attempt a circle to get a staight line... I must get around to taking that back. |
|
