What are you guys using to cut frames? - Page 2 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

draggin86 · 12-28-2009, 03:59 PM

Ill say this much.. the more tools in your tool box the better! i would get a grinder to do floors you get a much better cut like most have said. i would also save for the sawzall.. trust me you will need both one day they are 2 of the many basic tools you will need when working on your truck..

**kev2809** · 12-28-2009, 05:26 PM

ok cool. well thanks for the help guys, i guess ill be getting one soon just in case.

HotRodYJ · 12-29-2009, 09:47 AM

Same here, I use a 4 1/2" grinder to cut almost everything. I have a Makita Recip Saw also, but I rarely ever get it out of the box. The grinder is much more accurate and I cut 1/2" plate with mine no problem, just takes a bit longer.

As far as grinders go, My first one was a Makita for like $80. I hated that thing. It had an overload protection on it that would shut it off when it got the least little bit hot. And even at that it still only lasted about a year. Now I use the cheap $15 grinders from Harbor Freight. They actually have allot more power, and when they do break you throw them away and buy another one for $15. Now I go through about 2 a year, but I'm very hard on them.

As far as cutting disc's go, don't go cheap here. The cheap ones come apart easily and don't last long. I buy the yellow Dewalt 4 1/2" x 0.045" cutting disc's at Lowe's for like $1.98 each. They are worth the extra price. Once you learn to use the thin cutting edge only and not get it in a bind at all, they last much longer than you would think.

**kev2809** · 12-29-2009, 12:35 PM

lol. I have the same grinder and discs. well I guess I know what ill be doin this weekend

**kev2809** · 12-29-2009, 12:51 PM

lol. I have the same grinder and discs. well I guess I know what ill be doin this weekend

stevieB · 12-29-2009, 04:11 PM

My grinder is a black and decker I got for 20 dollars, I have been using it for years, not one problem. As for good cut off blades, believe or not the HF by me carries DeWalt blades... like a 5 pack for 6 dollars. I use the 1/8 inch ones for everything. There a little slower and a bigger line, but they last longer and there less likely to shatter, and fling into your forehead. I only say this, because I think your like me and not wearing your full face guard like your supposed to, LOL.

SCOTI · 12-29-2009, 06:07 PM

Guys.... Wear the proper safety gear w/cut off wheels!

**kev2809** · 12-29-2009, 06:31 PM

lol. ur right. I do wear goggles now though. I had a piece of metal stuck in my eye for nearly 3 weeks before it finally came out. not fun at all.

I have bought the dewalt wheels. at hf too..I was surprised they had them.

SCOTI · 12-29-2009, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kev2809

lol. ur right. I do wear goggles now though. I had a piece of metal stuck in my eye for nearly 3 weeks before it finally came out. not fun at all.

I have bought the dewalt wheels. at hf too..I was surprised they had them.

I was wearing leather work gloves when using one of these tools. The wheel caught on the edge of the material & 'took-off'.... almost taking the thumb of my hand w/it. If I wasn't wearing the gloves, it would have severed my thumb. Gloves, eye protection, & ear-plugs. Nothing worse than being in your 40's w/vision in only one eye, 9-fingers, & having to say "huh" constantly in the middle of any conversation you enter.

**scotts62** · 12-29-2009, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I was wearing leather work gloves when using one of these tools. The wheel caught on the edge of the material & 'took-off'.... almost taking the thumb of my hand w/it. If I wasn't wearing the gloves, it would have severed my thumb. Gloves, eye protection, & ear-plugs. Nothing worse than being in your 40's w/vision in only one eye, 9-fingers, & having to say "huh" constantly in the middle of any conversation you enter.

Thats explains some people i know!

SCOTI · 12-29-2009, 07:01 PM

Huh?

**scotts62** · 12-29-2009, 07:42 PM

Scottshotrods · 12-30-2009, 12:34 AM

YOU CAN USE A PORTA BAND SAW TO CUT YOUR FRAME YOU WILL GET A REAL NICE
CLEAN CUT AND IT WILL BE STRAIGHT.

LIKE THEY SAID IF YOU ARE GOING TO USE A CUT OFF WHEEL MAKE SURE TO WHERE
SAFETY GLASSES AND GLOVES AND DO NOT BUY CHEAP CUT OFF WHEELS I LEARNED
THE HARD WAY.I had one explode and the wheel went into my arm several years ago.
JUSTIN
www.scottshotrods.com

SCOTI · 12-30-2009, 02:05 AM

This was through a work glove.That's through the tendon to the bone BTW....

BossHogg69 · 12-30-2009, 04:21 PM

Good Lord, that's a deep one... Ouch. I agree with wearing all the safety gear you can. Heavy gloves, earplugs, safety glasses and a face shield - long sleeves too. It's a bit of a pain to put on all that stuff, but I'll take that over a trip to the ER any day.

faribran · 12-30-2009, 04:31 PM

Scoti,
you said it best..... can't be too safe..... ive been doing this for a while and a grinder can get close to "meat" before you know it..

stevieB · 12-30-2009, 04:33 PM

Long sleevs definetly, I was welding one day and not thinking, and later that night I noticed blisters on my arms, I had the worst flash burn ever. I thought my arms were gonna fall off! I picked up one those face gaurds at HF for 8 dollars. it is great!

ruffrida2005 · 12-30-2009, 06:20 PM

You can come use my circular saw or sawzall. I used mine on my frame, but you do have to be very carfull or the blade will start to cut where you dont want it to. and it does vibrate the hell out of your hands.

p8ntballer1911 · 12-30-2009, 09:04 PM

I used me sawzall for alot of my frame cuts. Just draw a nice strait line...

**N2TRUX** · 12-30-2009, 09:55 PM

Another safety tip is to tuck in your shirt. I was grinding one day and the air from the backside of the grinder created a vacuum that sucked my T-shirt in.

Within a split second my shirt wrapped around the disc and yanked the grinder around where the exposed disc was now facing my stomach. Before I could stop it I was pulled close enough to the disc to get a nice slice across my stomach.

Nothing serious like Scoti posted, but it did cause me to ruin a perfectly good pair of Fruit of the Looms.

**kev2809** · 12-30-2009, 10:05 PM

lol...that sucks. ive never done anything that bad yet. when i first got my welder i was an idiot. i was welding with my eyes closed, short sleeve shirt, and and no gloves. i got flash burn on my face, hands, arms, and burns all over from the slag popping my arm and fingers. oh, and then once i wrapped a towl around my arm to keep the flames away...lol. you can guess what happened next....POOF! towl caught on fire while i was under the truck lol. im all good now with my safety though...you cant play around with that. my worst habbit is grinding with no glasses....im getting better though

ruffrida2005 · 12-30-2009, 10:06 PM

tuck in your shirt when using a chain saw too, it sucking my pants up yesterday and they arent that loose

**kev2809** · 12-30-2009, 10:07 PM

^^^^ lol

stevieB · 12-31-2009, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kev2809

lol...that sucks. ive never done anything that bad yet. when i first got my welder i was an idiot. i was welding with my eyes closed, short sleeve shirt, and and no gloves. i got flash burn on my face, hands, arms, and burns all over from the slag popping my arm and fingers. oh, and then once i wrapped a towl around my arm to keep the flames away...lol. you can guess what happened next....POOF! towl caught on fire while i was under the truck lol. im all good now with my safety though...you cant play around with that. my worst habbit is grinding with no glasses....im getting better though

LOL....oh man yeah fires are the worst, some slag got in my shoe once and caught my socks on fire! POWER TOOLS my wife gets so scared when Im working cause I'm a bit of clutz.

12-28-2009, 03:59 PM	#26
draggin86 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Folsom, Ca Posts: 573	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? Ill say this much.. the more tools in your tool box the better! i would get a grinder to do floors you get a much better cut like most have said. i would also save for the sawzall.. trust me you will need both one day they are 2 of the many basic tools you will need when working on your truck..

12-28-2009, 05:26 PM	#27
kev2809 low n' slo Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: rosenberg, texas Posts: 5,175	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? ok cool. well thanks for the help guys, i guess ill be getting one soon just in case. __________________ 67 1/2 ton Suburban - Project DRGNWGN. Build thread -_--_--_ _________ _--_-_ -/____\|__\|__\__ ,.,,,.,.,,.,\|_O _______ O_]

12-29-2009, 09:47 AM	#28
HotRodYJ Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Johnson City, TN Posts: 264	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? Same here, I use a 4 1/2" grinder to cut almost everything. I have a Makita Recip Saw also, but I rarely ever get it out of the box. The grinder is much more accurate and I cut 1/2" plate with mine no problem, just takes a bit longer. As far as grinders go, My first one was a Makita for like $80. I hated that thing. It had an overload protection on it that would shut it off when it got the least little bit hot. And even at that it still only lasted about a year. Now I use the cheap $15 grinders from Harbor Freight. They actually have allot more power, and when they do break you throw them away and buy another one for $15. Now I go through about 2 a year, but I'm very hard on them. As far as cutting disc's go, don't go cheap here. The cheap ones come apart easily and don't last long. I buy the yellow Dewalt 4 1/2" x 0.045" cutting disc's at Lowe's for like $1.98 each. They are worth the extra price. Once you learn to use the thin cutting edge only and not get it in a bind at all, they last much longer than you would think. __________________ 66 Chevy Stepside tandem project My junk: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=480902 Last edited by HotRodYJ; 12-29-2009 at 09:49 AM.

12-29-2009, 12:35 PM	#29
kev2809 low n' slo Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: rosenberg, texas Posts: 5,175	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? lol. I have the same grinder and discs. well I guess I know what ill be doin this weekend __________________ 67 1/2 ton Suburban - Project DRGNWGN. Build thread -_--_--_ _________ _--_-_ -/____\|__\|__\__ ,.,,,.,.,,.,\|_O _______ O_]

12-29-2009, 12:51 PM	#30
kev2809 low n' slo Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: rosenberg, texas Posts: 5,175	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? lol. I have the same grinder and discs. well I guess I know what ill be doin this weekend __________________ 67 1/2 ton Suburban - Project DRGNWGN. Build thread -_--_--_ _________ _--_-_ -/____\|__\|__\__ ,.,,,.,.,,.,\|_O _______ O_]

12-29-2009, 04:11 PM	#31
stevieB Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: phoenix az Posts: 141	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? My grinder is a black and decker I got for 20 dollars, I have been using it for years, not one problem. As for good cut off blades, believe or not the HF by me carries DeWalt blades... like a 5 pack for 6 dollars. I use the 1/8 inch ones for everything. There a little slower and a bigger line, but they last longer and there less likely to shatter, and fling into your forehead. I only say this, because I think your like me and not wearing your full face guard like your supposed to, LOL.

12-29-2009, 06:07 PM	#32
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? Guys.... Wear the proper safety gear w/cut off wheels! __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

12-29-2009, 06:31 PM	#33
kev2809 low n' slo Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: rosenberg, texas Posts: 5,175	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? lol. ur right. I do wear goggles now though. I had a piece of metal stuck in my eye for nearly 3 weeks before it finally came out. not fun at all. I have bought the dewalt wheels. at hf too..I was surprised they had them. __________________ 67 1/2 ton Suburban - Project DRGNWGN. Build thread -_--_--_ _________ _--_-_ -/____\|__\|__\__ ,.,,,.,.,,.,\|_O _______ O_]

12-29-2009, 07:01 PM	#36
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? Huh? __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.* Last edited by SCOTI; 12-29-2009 at 07:01 PM.

12-29-2009, 07:42 PM	#37
scotts62 One day... Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tuttle, Ok Posts: 9,243	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? __________________ Scott 93 crew cab build Project 62

12-30-2009, 12:34 AM	#38
Scottshotrods Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: oxnard ca Posts: 2,201	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? YOU CAN USE A PORTA BAND SAW TO CUT YOUR FRAME YOU WILL GET A REAL NICE CLEAN CUT AND IT WILL BE STRAIGHT. LIKE THEY SAID IF YOU ARE GOING TO USE A CUT OFF WHEEL MAKE SURE TO WHERE SAFETY GLASSES AND GLOVES AND DO NOT BUY CHEAP CUT OFF WHEELS I LEARNED THE HARD WAY.I had one explode and the wheel went into my arm several years ago. JUSTIN www.scottshotrods.com

12-30-2009, 02:05 AM	#39
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? This was through a work glove.That's through the tendon to the bone BTW.... Attached Images __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

12-30-2009, 04:21 PM	#40
BossHogg69 motor exploder Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,346	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? Good Lord, that's a deep one... Ouch. I agree with wearing all the safety gear you can. Heavy gloves, earplugs, safety glasses and a face shield - long sleeves too. It's a bit of a pain to put on all that stuff, but I'll take that over a trip to the ER any day. __________________ Adam 1969 Chevy CST/10 stepside, DART Big M/TREMEC Magnum Extreme/3.73's w/Detroit Truetrac 1965 Chevy Bel Air Wagon (daily driver), 327/TH350,10 bolt w/3.08's 1961 Chevy Bel Air Sport Coupe, ZZ454/M21/9" rear w/3.50's & Detroit Truetrac 2005 GMC 1500 ccsb 2wd, 6.0L/4L65e/3.73 G80 2006 GMC 2500HD ccsb 4x4, DMax LBZ/Allison 6spd/4.56's w/Detroit TrueTrac Use the SEARCH function on this forum - it is your friend!! Last edited by BossHogg69; 12-30-2009 at 04:21 PM.

12-30-2009, 04:31 PM	#41
faribran Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: AL Posts: 1,828	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? Scoti, you said it best..... can't be too safe..... ive been doing this for a while and a grinder can get close to "meat" before you know it.. __________________ "

12-30-2009, 04:33 PM	#42
stevieB Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: phoenix az Posts: 141	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? Long sleevs definetly, I was welding one day and not thinking, and later that night I noticed blisters on my arms, I had the worst flash burn ever. I thought my arms were gonna fall off! I picked up one those face gaurds at HF for 8 dollars. it is great! Last edited by stevieB; 12-30-2009 at 04:35 PM.



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12-30-2009, 06:20 PM	#43
ruffrida2005 Member of the longbed union. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Killeen, Tx Posts: 2,158	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? You can come use my circular saw or sawzall. I used mine on my frame, but you do have to be very carfull or the blade will start to cut where you dont want it to. and it does vibrate the hell out of your hands. __________________ Paul 88 GMC Crew Cab dually, 454/T400 64 LWB 400 HP 350/350T Bagged, under construction! Sold most of it! 92 S10 Iron Duke 5 speed, 5/7 drop for now. soon to be bagged. Sold http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...59#post4637759

12-30-2009, 09:04 PM	#44
p8ntballer1911 Bodydropped71 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Conroe Texas Posts: 264	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? I used me sawzall for alot of my frame cuts. Just draw a nice strait line...

12-30-2009, 09:55 PM	#45
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? Another safety tip is to tuck in your shirt. I was grinding one day and the air from the backside of the grinder created a vacuum that sucked my T-shirt in. Within a split second my shirt wrapped around the disc and yanked the grinder around where the exposed disc was now facing my stomach. Before I could stop it I was pulled close enough to the disc to get a nice slice across my stomach. Nothing serious like Scoti posted, but it did cause me to ruin a perfectly good pair of Fruit of the Looms. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

12-30-2009, 10:05 PM	#46
kev2809 low n' slo Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: rosenberg, texas Posts: 5,175	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? lol...that sucks. ive never done anything that bad yet. when i first got my welder i was an idiot. i was welding with my eyes closed, short sleeve shirt, and and no gloves. i got flash burn on my face, hands, arms, and burns all over from the slag popping my arm and fingers. oh, and then once i wrapped a towl around my arm to keep the flames away...lol. you can guess what happened next....POOF! towl caught on fire while i was under the truck lol. im all good now with my safety though...you cant play around with that. my worst habbit is grinding with no glasses....im getting better though __________________ 67 1/2 ton Suburban - Project DRGNWGN. Build thread -_--_--_ _________ _--_-_ -/____\|__\|__\__ ,.,,,.,.,,.,\|_O _______ O_]

12-30-2009, 10:06 PM	#47
ruffrida2005 Member of the longbed union. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Killeen, Tx Posts: 2,158	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? tuck in your shirt when using a chain saw too, it sucking my pants up yesterday and they arent that loose __________________ Paul 88 GMC Crew Cab dually, 454/T400 64 LWB 400 HP 350/350T Bagged, under construction! Sold most of it! 92 S10 Iron Duke 5 speed, 5/7 drop for now. soon to be bagged. Sold http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...59#post4637759

12-30-2009, 10:07 PM	#48
kev2809 low n' slo Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: rosenberg, texas Posts: 5,175	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? ^^^^ lol __________________ 67 1/2 ton Suburban - Project DRGNWGN. Build thread -_--_--_ _________ _--_-_ -/____\|__\|__\__ ,.,,,.,.,,.,\|_O _______ O_]

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