Gas cutting Stainless

[AndyStobbs]

Is it likely to warp beyond belief, if I was to try and burn oval shaped holes out of a 10mm piece of stainless?

Would have to borrow the equipment so I cannot test it for myself, Thanks

 

[Paul.]

You can't cut stainless with oxy fuel gas cutting gear, the only way is drill it, plasma it or laser cutting,

 

[Woody.v8]

You cant gas cut ss with normal oxyfuel gear due to the lack of iron, It can be melted somewhat but looks dire.
A plasma cutter would fly it though

 

[chunkolini]

That was what I thought, but was wary of posting and sounding stupid.
I bet a few people have fallen foul of that one over the years.

 

[Jim_gsxr1000]

You just end up with a molten mess, the properties that make stainless rust resistant also make it cut resistant as it isn't easy to oxidise!

 

[TechnicAl]

There used to be a system of iron powder addition but it was still a rough cut.

 

[AndyStobbs]

Ah, thanks for the info. I'm green behind the ears so far as cutting goes. Think the drill may win out.

 

[madkayaker]

Use lots of good quality cutting fluid. Also right speed makes a big difference

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

Yeah. The big problem people fall foul of when drilling holes in a lot of metal is using poor quality bits, no coolant and thinking the more revs they give it the more likely it is to cut when it is infact quite the opposite. Stainless will work harden in an instant if you let it rub the slightest bit and you'll often have to stop and give it a regrind if you harden it to brake through what would be the hardened layer if you like before it starts cutting again. As said you can't gas cut stainless as cutting mild steel with gas relies on the metal getting hot and burning in the excess of oxygen and becoming the fuel if you like. The same as a thermic lance works. the chromium in the stainless heals itself and stops it oxidising, at a slow rate of being outside say or the very fast rate of trying to gas cut it!