Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: Slackbunny on March 09, 2013, 03:24:19 pm
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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?
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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?
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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.
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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!
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Call a local high school shop teacher,,,,most I know kinda. Like this stuff,,,do you have vocational schools around? JeffW
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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.
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A port-a-band (portable bandsaw) will cut 3/4 plate without a problem also.
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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.
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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 ;D
Kip
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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 ;D
Kip
Yep! ;D If you have lots of discs go for it.
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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.