Cutting cast iron.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: NJ where fun comes to die
Cutting cast iron.
At work I have to make cuts in about ten cast iron grates in the parking lot storm inlets. They have to be a fairly straight cut. They are about 3/4" thick. Will a plasma cutter do it? If so how do they work, and how much do they cost? Or is there anything else that might do it? This might come up on other jobs so I don't mind buying equipment. Thanks for any input.
Last edited by trike1946; Oct 16, 2005 at 07:28 AM.
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I question whether the storm grates are CAST iron....take a file to it and see if the filings are powder or splinter shaped...if its powder its cast iron...otherwise its steel and can be cut with a torch
A sawzall will take forever and a day...so will band saw
not sure a plasma cuts cast iron...think it melts into gobs...might want to ck welding supply shop
A sawzall will take forever and a day...so will band saw
not sure a plasma cuts cast iron...think it melts into gobs...might want to ck welding supply shop
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Marengo, Iowa
A plasma would have a good shot at it, since it cuts stainless steel and aluminum with no effort, and clean cuts. The problem with torching some cast is the makeup of most cast, it doesn't cut too well with a simple torch, it just kind of melts. but it does depend on the grade as well, because some cast can be cut, but other melts rather than cuts. A sawsall would be tedious, cast is fairly hard generally, but an abrasive blade would work ok.
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A big enough plasma cutter will have no problem with cast iron. A plasma cutter basically vaporizes the material with the 50000 degree plasma, and uses compressed air to blow it out of the way. (A torch works differently, by reacting the iron and oxygen and literally burning it).
The problem is, at 3/4 inch thick you will need a BIG plasma cutter. This is especially true if the cut has to start in the middle (requiging an initial pierce) rather than at an edge. You will need something like 70 amps at 240 volts to power the thing, and might even have to step up to three phase and/or 480 volts.
The problem is, at 3/4 inch thick you will need a BIG plasma cutter. This is especially true if the cut has to start in the middle (requiging an initial pierce) rather than at an edge. You will need something like 70 amps at 240 volts to power the thing, and might even have to step up to three phase and/or 480 volts.
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I say the welding-type products are definately the wrong tool here. Rent or buy the gas powered cut-off saw. You'll be out of it for less than $500, and it'll be very fast, clean, easy. You'll still have a nice saw for other things.
I work in construction, and that would be an easy choice for us. We've had to modify these frames and grates before, cut ductile iron pipe, cast pipe, concrete, etc., etc. You could even rent one, like greg said.
I work in construction, and that would be an easy choice for us. We've had to modify these frames and grates before, cut ductile iron pipe, cast pipe, concrete, etc., etc. You could even rent one, like greg said.
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Logistics Pro
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From: NJ where fun comes to die
We decided to go for the saw. I stopped at the welding supply and found out the requirements for the plasma cutter. We can't get enough power out in the field, three phase, and the welding shop doesn't have enough either. So the saw is the way. And a lot cheaper too. Thanks for all the input.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2005
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Here is a thought.....
Did you ever cut cast iron pipe? You cut it by breaking it. (using a chain breaker).
If you could score a line (by saw or chisel) you could lay it on a sharp edge along the score and wack it and break it along the score. OR make a vice (clamp) out of a couple heavy pieces of angle iorn, score it, clamp it (so it breaks straight) and bam.
OR do it the saw way but it won't be as creative or fun.
Did you ever cut cast iron pipe? You cut it by breaking it. (using a chain breaker).
If you could score a line (by saw or chisel) you could lay it on a sharp edge along the score and wack it and break it along the score. OR make a vice (clamp) out of a couple heavy pieces of angle iorn, score it, clamp it (so it breaks straight) and bam.
OR do it the saw way but it won't be as creative or fun.
Postmaster
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From: Bossier City, LA
I know this works on stainless, so I imagine it will work on cast. Lay a peice of steel on top of the cast. Clamp it down tight, preheat both pieces before you hit the cut jet. Once preheated to white, cut away. (white is when you move the torch and the "shadow" runs behind the flame) Try it, it should cut cleaner on cast than on stainless, but the thicker piece of steel you use, the better it works.
Ryan
Ryan
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Logistics Pro
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From: NJ where fun comes to die
I ended up buying a 16" saw and some cut off blades for metal. It took a while but it made a clean cut and didn't use the blade up too fast. I only tried one so far, but will do more Monday. It seemed like the best way to go. And the blades were only about $9. I can probably get two grates cut with one blade. The diamond blade for concrete cost almost $200. Thanks again for the help.