Noob with a torch, cutting off spring perch technique
 

OK, I have a new torch (holy crap, was that expensive to get into starting from scratch!!) and a "new" old 14 bolt that needs the spring perches cut off to weld on Captainfab's perches. A little concerned about cutting through the axle tube when I do this, so looking for advice from some Jedi torch masters on techniques to prevent a major screwup.
I have read and some guys suggest just cutting through the weld but I don't understand how this can be done without pointing the flame at the axle tube and cutting too far. I'm thinking just aim that flame parallel to the tube and doing the best I can, and finishing with the grinder for a little while to clean it up. I have some 1/4" plate steel that I am going to do a few practice runs on first, just to get a feel for it.

Probably kind of silly, but I just need some reassurance before firing that baby up.

Re: Noob with a torch, cutting off spring perch technique
 

Use a sawsall w/a metal cutting blade,then use a grinder with a flap disk to grind smooth.you don't want to put too much heat on the axle tube.

Re: Noob with a torch, cutting off spring perch technique
 

Put the torch down! Lol much easier with a sawzaw

Re: Noob with a torch, cutting off spring perch technique
 

Practice cutting other stuff. You want to cut right above the weld with the flame not pointing to the tube. The with a little practice you can wash the rest off with the torch. It is easy to screw this up with a torch. And the warning about to much heat goes for the welding of the new perches also. Put to much heat in and it can ad a good bit of angle to the housing ends. If that happens it will eat tires for lunch.
Jimmy

Re: Noob with a torch, cutting off spring perch technique
 

I'd cut it fairly close then finish removing the remnants with a grinder and flap wheel. That's my method and I've been using a torch for decades and am very comfortable with my skills. Even the best torch cut will need some clean up with a grinder afterwards. No sense in getting too tied up with cutting it off so close.

Re: Noob with a torch, cutting off spring perch technique
 

OK, thanks for the advice. I am probably going to attempt this in the next few days after practicing on something else.

Followup question, I only have a 110 MIG welder. I don't think that is gonna be enough to weld on perches, so had always planned on taking it somewhere to get it done. Does that sound about right to everyone?

Re: Noob with a torch, cutting off spring perch technique
 

Depends. How competent a welder are you?

With a 110 and a torch you can do it just fine. If you tack the perches on, pull the axel, preheat just a bit, and run an uphill bead you will be fine.

If that sounds like too much then have someone else do it. I wouldn't want my perches to break off...

Re: Noob with a torch, cutting off spring perch technique
 

I used a scarfing tip to do my buddies. It is like a normal tip but with a slight bend to it. The tip allows you to cut pretty flush to the axel without cutting into it. The tip is designed to gouge out welds and it works great for removing rivet heads. There pretty cheap to like $15

Re: Noob with a torch, cutting off spring perch technique
 

Got 'er done! Sorry no pics, but it's not the most exciting thing in the world to see. I just had to use the torch since I just spent over $700 to get the gases and torch setup, not just gonna let it sit there and stare me down. Combo of torch, cutoff wheels, and grinder. Thanks for the help.