[TheForge] brainstorming and other thoughts on cutting sheet metal

[Steve Bloom]

At 01:08 PM 12/30/2002 -0600, Terry L. Ridder wrote:
>[snip] since i am using 24 gauge black sheet metal cutting with an
>oxy-fuel torch is out ( unless someone out there would care to share the
>secret of cutting it with an oxy-fuel torch. ). plasma torch would be an
>option but still seems like overkill to me. a metal cutting scroll saw
>was more what i have in mind.

Have you considered
(1)  the cheap Harbor Freight band saw ($140..$170 depending on sales)
(2) with a decent base (beef up the one provided with shelving)
(3)  a bimetal blade with fine teeth ($20), and
(4) a sturdy vertical table (1/4" plate ~10" x 18" slotted for the blade, 
welded
      to an upright that clamps in the saw's jaws and is tall enough to get 
the plate level with
      the lower blade support) --
If I can cut out knife profiles, templates out of 16 gauge black steel, 
etc., it might
work. Don't expect sharp curves but I've cut out copper roses on mine with 
little problems
other than a bit of deburring (flap wheels work nicely for that).

Steve

Steve Bloom, IronFlower Forge. Archer, FL
     Webmaster for the FABA web site:
	www.blacksmithing.org