Cutting 3" plate steel

[astro_al]

Hi guys, pretty simple really, I need to cut some 3" plate. I have a plasma capable of 2", I wondered about going from both sides / gouging with it? I don't have any o/a gear due to the insurance premiums! What are my options for chopping it up - need a cut length of about 1m to 2m.

For info, its 1m x 1m, so bear in mind the weight in your replies - about 550 kg.

Cheers, Al.

 

[Welderpaul]

Depends how neat the joint needs to be. Plasma gouging it will get through eventually, but it's gonna leave a hell of a mess on the edges. My immediate thought was to flame cut it.

Second option would be to take it to a profilers (If you have something to shift it with). Cutting that thickness is childs play for them, plus if you have your own material it's probably only going to attract minimum charge (£30 at ours). Might even be able to get away with a cash job! They will give a real neat edge.
Alternatively take it to someone who has got burning gear. If you can't easily shift it, get him to come to you!

 

[Hitch]

If its got a 2inch clee cleanan capacity, you might be in with a chance, but if its only severence theres a good chance you will damage the torch, from the sparks that will blow back at you. Not to mention, it will probably be a very messy cut. Id try and get someone to do it for you, with the right gear, it will be clean and square.

 

[astro_al]

Thanks guys, I guess I was hoping for something obvious that I had missed! I need O/A...

I'll have a think. Ta, Al.

 

[weldingscotty803]

why not oxy propane

 

[astro_al]

Insurers said 'any oxy/gas' setup falls under the same extra premium. Seems to be the presence of oxidiser that worries them most.

Al.

 

[weldingscotty803]

does that mean i have to tell the insurence? tut tut

 

[Yeti101]

could use a nine inch grinder, may take a while and a few blades but would get the job done

 

[weldingscotty803]

what shapes do you need to cut. bit far from me or i'd hapily cut it for you.

 

[scar]

Don't own a plasma yet so I take my cuts in very thick metal (anything more than I can handle) to an industrial equipped friend of mine. Thay have the heavy gear..but beware the slight taper on the edge. Dunno if you require the edges perfectly square throughout the thickness (not lengthwise) but in 3" there's going to be a slight taper from the surface of the plate to the backside due to the plama "cone" cutting process. The thicker the plate, the more pronounced it will be - and getting the edge square will mean more work.
Sorry can't help mate but I replied here to ask why do you require insurance for OA? Over here it is not required. I can go out and get OA cylinders without insurance. Why is it different there?
I love the mass and strength of heavy metal - may I ask what the project is?
have you tried ...uhm...jigsaw? Tee-hee!!