Suggested Tool End Seam Weld

[rob love]

A dremel is for hobby stuff. I would not use it on a larger project like this. You will either use up way too many cut off discs (they cost more than full size discs) or you will burn the tool out.

Go with a pneumatic die grinder/cut-off tool, and use the 3" cut off wheels....the thinner the better. Around here you can usually find the tool for sale at around $15 or $20, and the cut off wheels have got more expensive so expect to pay about $1.50 each for those in packs of 5. I remember when I could get those for about $3 a pack, but the chinese seem to now want a living wage.


The cut off wheels will cut in a far more controlled manner than a reciprocating saw. You may have to finish the seams with an angle grinder and a sanding disc. Consider attaching the new panels with epoxy. It is as strong or stronger than a weld, and it has the bonus of sealing the seams.

[Lionelgee]

Hello Rob,

Thanks for the tip about the cut off wheel on a die grinder. Last night I found a mandrel online that fits the 3 inch cut off wheels and works with a die grinder - as you suggest. I also saw an online article - which I can of course no longer find - that warns against using cut-off wheels on die grinders. It might have been because of the lack of safety guard.

I tried one of the "Multiple Purpose" tools which has a plunge cut-blade and a flush cut blade. The result was pretty underwhelming. I reckon I should have collected some ants and put some honey on the welds. Their efforts would have been more effective in cutting through the welds.

Thanks for the suggestion about epoxy. I was thinking of some Sikaflex products when I previously typed in "Sealant".

Kind regards
Lionel

[Lionelgee]

Hello Rob & All,

I found that article again - it is from Norton Abrasives - Accessed 25th August 2020 from https://www.nortonabrasives.com/en-u...us-combination.

Yes, it was about how the die grinder with a cut-off wheel fitted does not include a safety guard.

Kind regards
Lionel