Cutting Stainless Sheet

[SteveF]

I have a large Stainless Aquarium ...with glass front

I have decided it is time to go

it is about 3mm thick
2m x 1m x 1m

I want to dismantle this into smaller sections

what would be the weapon of choice...it is probably just going to the scrap yard....must be worth quite a bit in scrap i hope

Steve

 

[Spindle]

Hi

Save yourself the effort and just take the glass out and then take the metal to the scrap yard.

If you're intent on chopping it up I'd use an angle grinder with 2mm cutting discs - sparks and grit will go everywhere so do it outside (when the neighbours are out of earshot).

Regards Mick

 

[martinka]

If you happen to be driving to West Yorkshire in the near future, drop it just inside my gate and I'll get rid of it for you. I'm kindhearted that way.

Got to agree, angle grinder with cutting disc is the way to go.

Martin.

 

[Spindle]

Hi

Just another thought - do you know anyone with a plasma cutter? That would make short work of it.

Regards Mick

 

[wizard]

Check it with a magnet before you take it to a scrap yard, if a magnet sticks to it they will say its not stainless even if it is.

 

[SteveF]

magnet not interested in it

i don't expect to get a lot for it tbh

it is in a shed , i don't fancy taking shed apart to get it out, as would be worth about £800 as an aquarium...u win some lose some

 

[CHJ]

At 3mm you could use a reciprocating saw, will be very noisy but avoids the sparks.
I've cut up a 2500 ltr, steel tank into manageable sections with just a couple blades.

 

[SteveF]

i will see if i can beg borrow or steal

 

[Oryxdesign]

What's wrong with using a jigsaw with the appropriate blade in it or failing that a hacksaw?

 

[mseries]

What's wrong with using a jigsaw with the appropriate blade in it or failing that a hacksaw?

I was wondering that, I used a hacksaw yesterday on some stainless, 2mm thick, 25mm wide

 

[Oryxdesign]

Colbalt blades are good for stainless

 

[Lons]

I had an old nameplate sign which I cut in two for use as a metal working benchtop and cut it easily with a grinder and 1mm thin metal discs (screwfix). It was 316 grade SS, 3mm thick and around 300mm across. Loads of sparks but nothing nasty however I tried my jigsaw first and it wouldn't touch it.

Bob

 

[SteveF]

i think a hacksaw may take a little while tbh

i will go with the 1mm discs

i guess there is no one local to me that needs any stainless

 

[hazel]

a hacksaw would probably work, but would take AGES. Best best is a grinder, unless you are lucky enough to have access to a plasma cutter

 

[SteveF]

ok i got a cheap grinder
and some 1mm discs

should I:

a) cut through complete thickness and run to the end
or
b) score along the length , and keep going till i am thru

Steve

 

[hazel]

as long as you have the correct disk (i.e. a cutting/sliting disk and not a grinding one) you should be able to cut straight through 3mm steel

 

[SteveF]

thx Hazel

i will have a go in the morning

prob with tears rolling down my face
i will be cutting up a £700 aquarium into £100 scrap ...if i am lucky
and a 7' x 3' x 19mm plate glass heading to skip

what a waste...but looking forward to extra workshop space

 

[No skills]

Don't know what scrap prices are (haven't put anything in this year) but I'd guess at under £1 per kilo for stainless.

If I was doing an accurate cut in sheet I would score slightly then cut all the way though, chopping up for scrap is a different affair

Be careful cutting through any angles/box section, if the piece is un-supported or even under tension it can grab the disk when cut through - obviously this wont happen if your cutting a 2" piece off the end of a bit of angle but a cut in the middle of a long piece can be iffy.

Not trying to put the wind up you, just be careful.

 

[cammy9r]

Maybe you could put it on gumtree for sale or freecycle, cut neatly and flog the plates on ebay. Surprising what people will buy and seems a shame to skip it as an engraver would probably love the glass.

 

[monkeybiter]

When cutting sheet with an angle grinder I find it best and most economical on discs to plunge then cut away from you so the disc is climbing toward the surface. If you plunge then pull cut toward you the sheet tends to eat discs.