Can a mini grinder cut 3/4" steel?

[Slackbunny]

What do you think? I'm building a crossbow and I'd like to make the nut and lever out of steel. I have a 3/4 inch thick piece of plate and a mini-grinder, a bench grinder, and a drill press. Is this gear enough to get the job done?

[H Rhodes]

I think you are gonna need someone to cut that with a torch or plasma cutter.  I cut some 3/8" plate with a big side grinder once....  It was no fun but I got it done....  3/4"?  I don't think I would have tried it with any grinder.  I bet there will be one of these sure enough steel fabricator type fellows to chime in here soon.  How big is the piece you are cutting?

[Slackbunny]

Its not very big, but its a little intricate. I dunno... the more I look into it the more I think I might just make the parts from ironwood. But I do have access to the UNB machine shop... we'll see.

[bushboy]

Yeah a mini grinder will cut 3/4 no prob,just gotta get the right disc.get some zip cuts,by memory there 1/64 x 4-1/2.I'm a pipe fitter and we use them all the time.use caution ,wear safety glasses and a grinding sheild! Careful to cut straight and not sidE load them or they blow!

[jeffhalfrack]

Call a local high school shop teacher,,,,most I know kinda. Like this stuff,,,do you have vocational schools around? JeffW

[n8tr boy]

I agree with bushboy. I'm in construction to and we use mini's with zip disc to cut 3/8" angle iron. 3/4" is alot more and will take time and many discs. Be patient. A torch for large cuts and mini for the fine tuning might be safer.

[paulsemp]

A port-a-band (portable bandsaw) will cut 3/4 plate without a problem also.

[Slackbunny]

Thanks for the wisdom guys. I think I am going to give it a go with the mini-grinder. I got the steel for free and I've got cutting discs galore. I'll let ya's know how I do.

[KShip85]

I'm not a metal worker but my first thought was yes, in the same way to can fell a 2 ft diameter oak tree with a hatchet 

Kip

[H Rhodes]

I'm not a metal worker but my first thought was yes, in the same way to can fell a 2 ft diameter oak tree with a hatchet 

Kip

  Yep!   If you have lots of discs go for it.

[Slackbunny]

Alright. I lucked out, my girlfriends grandfather has a big grinder that takes the 12 inch wheels. Should have my parts all cut out this evening. we tried a bit with the small grinder and you definitely could do it. But it take a good chunk of time.