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

**kev2809** · 12-27-2009, 10:37 PM

just wondering. i dont have a plasma, and dont plan on getting one. i was looking at a sawzall i found on craigslist for cheap. its a ryobi rj160v. i was wondering if it should work well. i dont have a shop so im not looking at going to spend a 100 bucks on a Milwaukee..this one is for 35 and i might be able to get it cheaper. im gonna use it to cut my floor out and later down the road if i need to cut my frame.

67chevy2wd · 12-27-2009, 10:45 PM

I would use an electric grinder with a cut off wheel. That is what I used to replace all the rust on my cab along with a die grinder.

72GREENC10 · 12-27-2009, 10:48 PM

i agree with 67, a electric grinder like a makita with a cutting wheel, just make sure to invest a little into one, you get what you pay for as i always say. and make sure to buy a couple of cutting wheels

**kev2809** · 12-27-2009, 10:49 PM

ive been using a cut off wheel and my grinder for the body, but the frame is waaaaaaay thicker lol. i need something different for this

**kev2809** · 12-27-2009, 10:50 PM

so a cutoff wheel on my grinder is gonna cut it better and faster than a sawzall?

orange71 · 12-27-2009, 10:51 PM

Look on craigs list for used/new tools. Lots of good deals out there! Sawsall and 4.5" grinder will be your best friend

72hotrodder · 12-27-2009, 10:57 PM

torch!!!!!!!!!!!!!! best tool in my shop. a million uses

**kev2809** · 12-27-2009, 10:57 PM

lol...a torch doesnt cut good lines though do they? this is something that it is getting cut then welded back together.

72hotrodder · 12-27-2009, 11:26 PM

just takes practice to get good strait lines. or you can clamp a piece of metal along were u wanna cut and use as a guide. plus all it takes is a quick pass with a grinder to clean up a little slag. alot quicker and economical than burning through disks and sawzall blades.

ksbrktracer · 12-27-2009, 11:47 PM

I have cut a lot of frame pieces with a milwaukee saw like what you are asking about and have had good results

**scotts62** · 12-27-2009, 11:57 PM

The only problem with a sawzall it its hard to get the lines perfect, but if your just hacking something off then it works great. A 4 1/2 grinder with a cutoff wheel blade works really good just dont let it bind up or the blade will come apart.

**kev2809** · 12-28-2009, 12:12 AM

well its for a z later if i try it. now its just to cut off my floor

Wildstreak · 12-28-2009, 12:19 AM

I would go with a grinder as well, I would think a sawzall would be brutal for cutting body panels. And a small cut wheel on the grinder will cut through that frame like a hot knife through butter.

67chevy2wd · 12-28-2009, 12:33 AM

If you already own a grinder then it would be cheaper to invest in a few cut off wheels. If you buy a sawz all then you will also need to buy some blades for it.

**kev2809** · 12-28-2009, 12:49 AM

true. man that's odd. so what's the point of anyone using a sawzall over a grinder? I always thought the sawzall was the ideal tool for this...guess not.

Wildstreak · 12-28-2009, 01:16 AM

dont get me wrong I use my sawzall all the time, for those tricky bolts that my grinder cant get to and other nameless jobs lol

FnLow69 · 12-28-2009, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotts62

The only problem with a sawzall it its hard to get the lines perfect, but if your just hacking something off then it works great. A 4 1/2 grinder with a cutoff wheel blade works really good just dont let it bind up or the blade will come apart.

same here... have had them come apart not fun.

**N2TRUX** · 12-28-2009, 01:46 AM

If your going to buy a Sawzall I suggest a battery powered unit. I have an 18v DeWalt that does a great job. It has tons of uses with the proper blade. I find it really handy for pruning trees.

**scotts62** · 12-28-2009, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kev2809

true. man that's odd. so what's the point of anyone using a sawzall over a grinder? I always thought the sawzall was the ideal tool for this...guess not.

Sawzalls are cool but if doing a Z i personally would use the grinder/cutoff wheel, its a cleaner and more accurate cut..

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

If your going to buy a Sawzall I suggest a battery powered unit. I have an 18v DeWalt that does a great job. It has tons of uses with the proper blade. I find it really handy for pruning trees.

very true plus you can take it to a pull-a-part too

chevyrestoguy · 12-28-2009, 11:26 AM

Quote:

If your going to buy a Sawzall I suggest a battery powered unit. I have an 18v DeWalt that does a great job. It has tons of uses with the proper blade. I find it really handy for pruning trees.

I thought I was the only guy who did that. Those things work awesome as tree trimmers!

463 · 12-28-2009, 12:17 PM

i use Zip cut cut off wheels with nice results.

**kev2809** · 12-28-2009, 12:44 PM

well, i guess i can get a sawzall another time...time to buy some cutoff wheels now. are they gonna be big enough to cut through a suburban floor too?

**N2TRUX** · 12-28-2009, 01:29 PM

You know you can put a tile blade in your circular saw don't you? That works great for cutting large areas like your floor. You will need a smaller saw for the tight spots.

**N2TRUX** · 12-28-2009, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy

I thought I was the only guy who did that. Those things work awesome as tree trimmers!

I use a very aggressive blade to trim my palm trees. It's like giving a cat a bath if you use a hand saw or pruning loppers. My DeWalt cuts them like butter.

**kev2809** · 12-28-2009, 01:35 PM

"your" circular saw? i dont have one of those either lol. man oh man i need to start getting some more tools instead of buying parts lol

12-27-2009, 10:37 PM	#1
kev2809 low n' slo Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: rosenberg, texas Posts: 5,175	What are you guys using to cut frames? just wondering. i dont have a plasma, and dont plan on getting one. i was looking at a sawzall i found on craigslist for cheap. its a ryobi rj160v. i was wondering if it should work well. i dont have a shop so im not looking at going to spend a 100 bucks on a Milwaukee..this one is for 35 and i might be able to get it cheaper. im gonna use it to cut my floor out and later down the road if i need to cut my frame. __________________ 67 1/2 ton Suburban - Project DRGNWGN. Build thread -_--_--_ _________ _--_-_ -/____\|__\|__\__ ,.,,,.,.,,.,\|_O _______ O_]

12-27-2009, 10:45 PM	#2
67chevy2wd Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: New Salem, ND Posts: 1,558	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? I would use an electric grinder with a cut off wheel. That is what I used to replace all the rust on my cab along with a die grinder. __________________ 07 Chevy classic LBZ Duramax (a few mods) '67 Chevy 1/2 ton 2wd (in pieces) '69 Chevy 1/2 ton 2wd (on hold) '71 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 ‘71 GMC 1/2 ton 2wd suburban

12-27-2009, 10:48 PM	#3
72GREENC10 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: peoria az Posts: 125	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? i agree with 67, a electric grinder like a makita with a cutting wheel, just make sure to invest a little into one, you get what you pay for as i always say. and make sure to buy a couple of cutting wheels

12-27-2009, 10:49 PM	#4
kev2809 low n' slo Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: rosenberg, texas Posts: 5,175	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? ive been using a cut off wheel and my grinder for the body, but the frame is waaaaaaay thicker lol. i need something different for this __________________ 67 1/2 ton Suburban - Project DRGNWGN. Build thread -_--_--_ _________ _--_-_ -/____\|__\|__\__ ,.,,,.,.,,.,\|_O _______ O_]

12-27-2009, 10:50 PM	#5
kev2809 low n' slo Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: rosenberg, texas Posts: 5,175	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? so a cutoff wheel on my grinder is gonna cut it better and faster than a sawzall? __________________ 67 1/2 ton Suburban - Project DRGNWGN. Build thread -_--_--_ _________ _--_-_ -/____\|__\|__\__ ,.,,,.,.,,.,\|_O _______ O_]

12-27-2009, 10:51 PM	#6
orange71 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: upland, california Posts: 146	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? Look on craigs list for used/new tools. Lots of good deals out there! Sawsall and 4.5" grinder will be your best friend

12-27-2009, 10:57 PM	#7
72hotrodder THE TOY STORE Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: florence al Posts: 227	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? torch!!!!!!!!!!!!!! best tool in my shop. a million uses __________________ having a badass truck and not driving it is like having a playboy model as a wife and not..... well you know.

12-27-2009, 11:26 PM	#9
72hotrodder THE TOY STORE Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: florence al Posts: 227	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? just takes practice to get good strait lines. or you can clamp a piece of metal along were u wanna cut and use as a guide. plus all it takes is a quick pass with a grinder to clean up a little slag. alot quicker and economical than burning through disks and sawzall blades. __________________ having a badass truck and not driving it is like having a playboy model as a wife and not..... well you know.

12-27-2009, 11:47 PM	#10
ksbrktracer TNT-MOTORSPORTS Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: TULSA OKLAHOMA Posts: 2,692	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? I have cut a lot of frame pieces with a milwaukee saw like what you are asking about and have had good results

12-27-2009, 11:57 PM	#11
scotts62 One day... Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tuttle, Ok Posts: 9,243	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? The only problem with a sawzall it its hard to get the lines perfect, but if your just hacking something off then it works great. A 4 1/2 grinder with a cutoff wheel blade works really good just dont let it bind up or the blade will come apart. __________________ Scott 93 crew cab build Project 62

12-28-2009, 12:12 AM	#12
kev2809 low n' slo Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: rosenberg, texas Posts: 5,175	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? well its for a z later if i try it. now its just to cut off my floor __________________ 67 1/2 ton Suburban - Project DRGNWGN. Build thread -_--_--_ _________ _--_-_ -/____\|__\|__\__ ,.,,,.,.,,.,\|_O _______ O_]

12-28-2009, 12:19 AM	#13
Wildstreak "something witty here" Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Salmo, B.C, Canada Posts: 966	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? I would go with a grinder as well, I would think a sawzall would be brutal for cutting body panels. And a small cut wheel on the grinder will cut through that frame like a hot knife through butter. __________________ 57 chevy 4x4 70 swb fleetside 4x4 68 burb 2wd: 71 burb 2wd: 350 4spd 71 lwb fleetside 4x4: 350/sm465/205/3.07 eaton posi rear 72 lwb fleetside Cheyenne 454/th400 1991 GMC V3500 CC 4x4

12-28-2009, 12:33 AM	#14
67chevy2wd Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: New Salem, ND Posts: 1,558	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? If you already own a grinder then it would be cheaper to invest in a few cut off wheels. If you buy a sawz all then you will also need to buy some blades for it. __________________ 07 Chevy classic LBZ Duramax (a few mods) '67 Chevy 1/2 ton 2wd (in pieces) '69 Chevy 1/2 ton 2wd (on hold) '71 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 ‘71 GMC 1/2 ton 2wd suburban

12-28-2009, 12:49 AM	#15
kev2809 low n' slo Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: rosenberg, texas Posts: 5,175	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? true. man that's odd. so what's the point of anyone using a sawzall over a grinder? I always thought the sawzall was the ideal tool for this...guess not. __________________ 67 1/2 ton Suburban - Project DRGNWGN. Build thread -_--_--_ _________ _--_-_ -/____\|__\|__\__ ,.,,,.,.,,.,\|_O _______ O_]

12-28-2009, 01:16 AM	#16
Wildstreak "something witty here" Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Salmo, B.C, Canada Posts: 966	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? dont get me wrong I use my sawzall all the time, for those tricky bolts that my grinder cant get to and other nameless jobs lol __________________ 57 chevy 4x4 70 swb fleetside 4x4 68 burb 2wd: 71 burb 2wd: 350 4spd 71 lwb fleetside 4x4: 350/sm465/205/3.07 eaton posi rear 72 lwb fleetside Cheyenne 454/th400 1991 GMC V3500 CC 4x4



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12-28-2009, 01:46 AM	#18
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? If your going to buy a Sawzall I suggest a battery powered unit. I have an 18v DeWalt that does a great job. It has tons of uses with the proper blade. I find it really handy for pruning trees. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

12-28-2009, 12:17 PM	#21
463 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sask Canada Posts: 1,666	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? i use Zip cut cut off wheels with nice results. __________________ Trueman

12-28-2009, 12:44 PM	#22
kev2809 low n' slo Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: rosenberg, texas Posts: 5,175	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? well, i guess i can get a sawzall another time...time to buy some cutoff wheels now. are they gonna be big enough to cut through a suburban floor too? __________________ 67 1/2 ton Suburban - Project DRGNWGN. Build thread -_--_--_ _________ _--_-_ -/____\|__\|__\__ ,.,,,.,.,,.,\|_O _______ O_]

12-28-2009, 01:29 PM	#23
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? You know you can put a tile blade in your circular saw don't you? That works great for cutting large areas like your floor. You will need a smaller saw for the tight spots. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

12-28-2009, 01:35 PM	#25
kev2809 low n' slo Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: rosenberg, texas Posts: 5,175	Re: What are you guys using to cut frames? "your" circular saw? i dont have one of those either lol. man oh man i need to start getting some more tools instead of buying parts lol __________________ 67 1/2 ton Suburban - Project DRGNWGN. Build thread -_--_--_ _________ _--_-_ -/____\|__\|__\__ ,.,,,.,.,,.,\|_O _______ O_]

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