Best tool for cutting steel or metal?

[daren]

So I have a need to do some fabricating whats the best tool for cutting metal? I mean if you had to have just one of these which would you pick. Which is the most useful for its price. Brand recommendations would be helpful for all these tools also. Thanks!

1. Metal cutoff saw.
2. Cutting torch (plasma is out of my budget right now)
3. Metal bandsaw
4. Sawzall

As far as the torch is concerned, what should I know safety wise before I use one to keep from blowing myself up. How much does it cost to rent or buy the tanks? How clean is the cut? Will it require further dressing? How hard is it to learn how to use?

[noboD]

Daren, they all have their use, not sure you will be happy with just one. What type of cutting are you doing? Material, tubing, flat, ??? Maybe that will narrow it down.

[yorgatron]

it all depends on what you're gonna make out of the pieces you cut.torch and sawzall are great for roughing cuts,but you have to grind a lot to get'em straight.bandsaw is cool but $$$ i'd go with the cutoff myself-george

[daren]

Pretty much straight cuts right now. I have to practice more to learn how to make brackets and stuff. Any brand recommendations.

[noboD]

If you are making cuts less then 5 inches wide, check out a Milwaulkie {sp?} Port-a-band. Not handy for on the car cuts. Great for tubing, bars, pipe, flats, etc.

[Jimv]

Milwauke(?) or Mikita, both excellant.Stay away for B&D or DeWalt! there toys compared to the other two.
I worked in a meatal fab shop & took care of grinders, cutters, & saws for 60 welders & you can't believe the abuse a mikita can take, Mil. also & there easy to get parts fro & rebuild.
A small airgrinder with a 4" cutoff wheel is also real handy & cheap.
jimV

[gokatgo]

A skilsaw with a metal blade is a pretty handy tool. The contractor 10 packs at Home depot seems to be the best deal. And you get to throw sparks 10 feet. Be careful not to twist the blade or I am sure they could come apart easy enough.

[HotRod31]

I've had a Harbor Freight band saw for about 15 yrs. it gets used quite a bit. Ryobi brand chop saw from Home Depot inexpensive, well made,no problems with it 2 yrs old. Victor cutting torch. I also use a lot of 7 1/4" abrasive blades on my circular saw for cutting sheet steel (can't afford a plasma either) http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Later, Mark

[Junkyard Dog 32]

I'd go with a 7" grinder with an 1/8" cut-off blade.
That way you can put a sanding disc or a stone on it, too.

DeWalt is my favorite brand. I'll NEVER touch another Milwaukee piece of shit.... they're junk right out of the box.

JOEhttp://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif