Kinda OT - Power tools to cut hardware cloth?

Busted Knuckle · May 05, 2011, 07:48:39 AM

To bring this "back on topic" I'd use the bus! (seriously!)
Take the bus up there and use the generator to power what ya want!

I'm thinking if it were me I'd use a cut off wheel (or angle grinder) as they will zip right down the line and you can even get fancy and make turns etc.

BK

belfert · May 05, 2011, 08:28:10 AM

I'm not taking the bus because of fuel costs. It cost me $55 just to drive my Pontiac Vibe up to the Scout camp and back this past Saturday. I figure it would cost about $250 to drive the bus up there. Also, I couldn't get the bus back to the campsites where I need to do the work. There is a narrow service road that has a very low tree canopy.

I do have access to a gasoline air compressor. I think I will use an air die grinder or a 4" air grinder to do this.

luvrbus · May 05, 2011, 08:46:06 AM

You could just rent yourself a 14 inch gas powered cut off saw 1 blade will cut 300 ft of it and still have blade left you are a funny guy Brian you ask a question knowing what you are going to use or do from the beginning lol

good luck

belfert · May 05, 2011, 09:29:03 AM

No, I really didn't know what option I would use when I asked. I asked the same question on another forum and they suggested a cutoff wheel or a shears.

I believe I have some hardware cloth leftover from when I used it on the bus. One of my friends has some air tools that I can borrow to test the best option. I will also try the scissors option.

brando4905 · May 05, 2011, 09:38:37 AM

Brian,

If that stuff comes in a roll, I would leave it rolled up tight and cut the width with a sawzall with a fine metal blade. Then you just have the lengths to cut with snips or a big pair of Andy shears.

Brandon

Edit: Just re-read the post, you said "various widths", my method will not work.

belfert · May 05, 2011, 10:54:02 AM

Quote from: brando4905 on May 05, 2011, 09:38:37 AM
Brian,

If that stuff comes in a roll, I would leave it rolled up tight and cut the width with a sawzall with a fine metal blade. Then you just have the lengths to cut with snips or a big pair of Andy shears.

I have six rolls of the hardware cloth. There are cases where I may need to cut a whole roll to the same width so this might just work. I could cut the roll to width where I have power with my Sawzall and then haul it to the site.

There are six or eight shelters all the same size. The problem is that each shelter was screened by a different group. When the framing was added for the screen no group used the same dimensions as another group. In some it seems that groups just choose random dimensions on where to place 2x4s. Everything should have been installed at 36" or 48" widths as much as possible to reduce cutting of material. I supposed I could do some reframing, but cutting the material down might be faster.

eagle19952 · May 05, 2011, 11:49:06 AM

Um......surely you or someone in the "group" has a small 400-600 watt inverter.....?
I think ( actually i know) you might be really disappointed in just how much air it takes to power a die grinder.

But have fun. What.....there aren't any scouts looking for a merit badge ?

babell2 · May 05, 2011, 12:04:20 PM

Quote from: belfert on May 05, 2011, 10:54:02 AM
[There are six or eight shelters all the same size. The problem is that each shelter was screened by a different group. When the framing was added for the screen no group used the same dimensions as another group. In some it seems that groups just choose random dimensions on where to place 2x4s. Everything should have been installed at 36" or 48" widths as much as possible to reduce cutting of material. I supposed I could do some reframing, but cutting the material down might be faster.

Scout Volunteers you got to love the participation but if you want conformity? Sorry you get what you pay for. Now ill put my scoutmasters shirt back on and get ready for camp. (Raney Mtn in north Georgia June 5-10)

Brice

Tony LEE · May 05, 2011, 12:10:48 PM

4" angle grinder with 1mm thick blade. Cuts anything from plastics to stainless steel with absolute minimum burning

belfert · May 05, 2011, 12:23:51 PM

Quote from: babell2 on May 05, 2011, 12:04:20 PM
Scout Volunteers you got to love the participation but if you want conformity? Sorry you get what you pay for. Now ill put my scoutmasters shirt back on and get ready for camp. (Raney Mtn in north Georgia June 5-10)

I'm not really complaining, but it sure would have made it easier for me to replace the screens now if they placed the studs uniformly. I'll just have to live with what it is. The committee that helps take care of the camps now is quite a bit stricter on keeping things uniform these days.

As far as using Scouts, I will be doing work at the camp during the week before school is out. I asked a bunch of Eagle Scouts who are college students, but they all have summer jobs. I might get some help on the weekend.

JohnEd · May 05, 2011, 12:33:39 PM

Stop all this. Your making me dizzy(ier). I bought a metal blade for my 7 1/4 skill saw. Goes thru heavy gauge sheet metal like it was butter. NOT THE BLADE with tyeeth.....the one that is like a "chop saw" and they have a full metal backed metal saw that has a coating on it like a Chop Saw but it cuts way faster. They also make the coaated blade for the sawzall. Go for the cheap skill saw blade. I have done this and I almost couldn't push the saw thru the "metal Cloth" too fast. You can also us the blade to cut rebar or a Chevy or just about anything.

Everything else suggested will work and I have tried most of them....Its just what's easier.

Happy trails,

John

babell2 · May 06, 2011, 04:39:34 AM

Quote from: belfert on May 05, 2011, 12:23:51 PM
As far as using Scouts, I will be doing work at the camp during the week before school is out. I asked a bunch of Eagle Scouts who are college students, but they all have summer jobs. I might get some help on the weekend.

Sounds like a good OA project. our next ordeal is in 8 days.

Brice

belfert · May 07, 2011, 09:40:39 AM

Quote from: babell2 on May 06, 2011, 04:39:34 AM
Quote from: belfert on May 05, 2011, 12:23:51 PM
As far as using Scouts, I will be doing work at the camp during the week before school is out. I asked a bunch of Eagle Scouts who are college students, but they all have summer jobs. I might get some help on the weekend.

Sounds like a good OA project. our next ordeal is in 8 days.

The local council has two summer camps and five other camps. They do OA service weekends at most of the camps, but not this particular summer camp. They have what they call a 'Work Party' the weekend after Memorial day. They will usually have 75 to 100 people who drive up Friday, work all day Saturday, and go home Sunday. I am going up to camp the Tuesday before and staying through Sunday. There are about a dozen folks who will stay for a week or more, but they all have projects they are working on.

I like John Ed's idea of the circular saw and will be testing it as soon as I finish this post.

belfert · May 29, 2011, 08:01:06 PM

I'm resurrecting an old topic of mine.

JohnEd recommended an abrasive blade in a circular saw. I finally tested it this evening and it works slick! I am actually using a cordless circular saw that takes 6 1/2" blades. The blade I bought is a 4 1/2". It works, but I am afraid it will wear out too quick. I might have to get a 7" blade and wear it down on a regular circular saw.

Once I get up to the Scout camp on Tuesday I will make a jig to hold the cloth for cutting.

JohnEd · May 29, 2011, 09:43:35 PM

Brian,

Nice of you to get back with an update. I think they will last long enuf but you just used it. I have never understood why they don't shatter but I am glad they don't. Have fun, Be safe. Thanks for the work you do with the scouts.

John...your cheering section