Does such a tool exist?

[Longhorn6120]

Not so much a tool, but a router bit. I'm looking for something I can put in a Trend 1/4" table router that I can trim/shape sheet steel with. I don't know of any router bits that will cut metal so I'm guessing some kind of stone bit. Something like you get with a Dremel, but bigger.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Carbide burrs? Speed dependant.
Dunno if I'd be brave enough though.

 

[Agroshield]

As above, a 1/4" shank die grinder carbide burr. Not too aggresive a cut on the burr. If you use a fence, so that the depth of cut is controlled, it might not be too bad. Clearly, it would be very unwise to climb cut with it.

Take a look at about 4:38 onwards here to see what he does -

 

[rikrobson]

It sounds like you need a milling machine.
I suspect a router will be too fast for steel.
as was mentioned in earlier posts I think your best bet would be a carbide bur

 

[roofman]

I would be thinking along the lines of a Makita punch nibbler

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

I would be thinking along the lines of a Makita punch nibbler
View attachment 357287

Could be interesting spinning that around in a router collet. good for denting the sheet steel a bit I suppose.

 

[roofman]

Could be interesting spinning that around in a router collet. good for denting the sheet steel a bit I suppose.

well without destroying a tool bit in less than a nano second in a routers speed range its the makita,bench shear or plasma ime affraid. Indecently those punch nibblers do a good job of eating sheet steel without distortion

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

well without destroying a tool bit in less than a nano second in a routers speed range its the makita,bench shear or plasma ime affraid. Indecently those punch nibblers do a good job of eating sheet steel without distortion

Routers and die grinders run in very similar rpm ranges do they not. 28000 and lower.

Any decent router will have speed control on board.

 

[Longhorn6120]

Thanks for all the replies, folks. The router is a Trend T4EK and has a variable speed control. Minimum no-load speed is 11,500rpm.

I was thinking something like a 1-2”carborundum grinding wheel on a 1/4” shank would be ideal, I guess there’s no such thing?

 

[Pete.]

Yes you gcan get mounted stones on 1/4" shanks but you won't get much grinding on sheet steel before they are gone IMO.

 

[Longhorn6120]

Found this:

https://amzn.eu/d/dox4zZc

This is the kind of this I had in mind. I’m just talking about final shaping, not cutting the whole panel out - I’d rough it out with snips first.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Found this:

https://amzn.eu/d/dox4zZc

This is the kind of this I had in mind. I’m just talking about final shaping, not cutting the whole panel out - I’d rough it out with snips first.

Your more likely to cut grooves in the stone tbh.

Carbide Burr 1/4" Shank, SB-5 Tungsten Double Cut Rotary Die Grinder Bits - Cutting Burrs for Milwaukee, Dewalt and Makita Die Grinder Accessories - Wood Carving Metal Working & Sturdy Storage Case https://amzn.eu/d/aV1kALG

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/garryson-carbide-burrs-bargain.122868/

 

[frank horton]

there are diff types of carbide burr, agressive and v agressive....one produces the most nasty splinters.....
even with a die grinder never liked the idea of stone going that fast esp the bigger ones......
a burr in a router table might work for u.....pls, no wood dust anywhere....

 

[Kram]

Stones are slow and care needed that they dont get too hot and explode. Good if your patient.

What thickness sheet? There are curve cutting bench sheers or electric punch/nibbler sheers which would be quicker, less messy.

Electric Sheet Metal Cutter Nibbler 2.5mm

Electric Nibbler 2.5MMFunction: Smoothly and freely cut general steel plate with thickness of 2.5mm, cuts without sparking and leaves a burr free cutting edge. Specification: Cutting thickness(mm):Sheet steel: 2.5 Stainless steel: 1.5 Minium cuting radius(mm): 25 Input Voltage: 230V Frequency...

www.aimtools.co.uk

I have a drill attachment type, not ideal as it really needs 3 hands unlike a proper one, but amazing to use.

Burrs, good for thicker but dont like below 1.5mm sheet. Over 6mm dia burrs like to kick and grab, throw the work accross room, which can bend thin stuff. I find it easier if Im holding the work and grinder freehand. It can be violent if the work is clamped in a vice solidly or bolted down and a router likely worse. Fine cut burrs will be easier to control.