I need Advice From the vetrans

[TheAprentice]

what is the best way to cut tray? without the teeth gettin caught and looking like a novice!
i need advice from the pros!
cheers

 

[johnboy6083]

first of all, make sure you have the correct type of blade. Blades are lablled with a TPI figure. that means teeth per inch.

18TPI is for cutting thick materials, ie unistrut, angle iron scaffold tube ect.
24TPI is for cuttinmg slightly thinner materials, ie very heavy duty tray, can also be used for unsitrut, conduit, large trunking.
32TPI is for thin materials, ie most grades of tray, trunking, sheet metals.

for very flimsy materials, a junior hacksaw should be used.

Next, majke sure that the teeth point forwards, and the blade is tight.
Nest, ensure that your cutting at about 45degrees to the material, not straight across it, as your teeth will get stuck.
dont force the hacksaw, just let the blade do the work. Also, use the full length of the blade, this will mean you cut it quicker, and more efficiently.

 

[Sintra]

4 inch grinder with a 1mm cutting disk.

 

[Adam W]

Mark the line to cut using a ruler or straight edge. Let the saw do the work.
If you want to get it done quickly consider using some kind of powered saw such as a chopsaw, angle grinder or cengar, but be sure not to cut any of your fingers off as you might need them later on.

 

[Silly Sausage]

One of these...
Makita 2414NB Abrasive Cut-Off Saw | Powertools2u

and a pair of these...
Folding Ear Defenders - EN352 (SNR 30) - BE-BBFED - The Safety Supply Company PPE Specialists

 

[Kamikaze]

The chop-saw all the way for me. It’s just so much easier!

 

[johnboy6083]

ill second the grinder, but you need to master the hacksaw first, then treat the grinder as a bonus. Most sites wont let you use one without hot works ect, so out comes the hacksaw.

 

[hasel5]

A panasonic metal cot off saw is the dogs xxxxx

 

[Sparkydan]

a jig saw would be good for tray

 

[glasgowbiker42]

wash yer mooths oot! grinders ffs it's nae wonder we're in the state we're in.
what ye want is an eclipse hacksaw lads. in the right hands it's a weapon of great beauty!

 

[telectrix]

second glasgow biker. a hacksaw with a 32tpi blade, cuts only on the forward stroke. most young-uns rag the saw back and forth like they were pulling their plonker.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

By the time you've set up, got the permit and found the fire extinguiser, then been shouted at cos the door's closed cos you've taken the door stop away.....

 

[johnboy6083]

i always use a grinder, and its the quickest and neatest way to cut tray. id happily challenge anybody to a race to fab a bend, and i reckon id beat them and do it as neat if not neater.
I do however concede the point about hot works ect, and thats why i mentioned mastering the hacksaw.

The best hacksaw by a mile is the Bacho 319. cant beat it.

 

[mogga]

Rage circular saw Hacksaw for couple of cuts but a good battery circular with metal blade is great if doing lots of tray and for wider then 100mm

 

[sythai]

32tpi hacksaw.... grinder with flapper blade to smooth off at the end..... probably go for a jigsaw if it was for some wider stuff 300mm +

 

[Lighthouse Phil]

I often have to cut stainless steel tray and trunking, the best way is the grinder. Good neat job, just remember your goggles and ear muffs. But as has been said, master the hacksaw too.

 

[Big n Daft]

Hacksaw/32tpi tight as a bow string.
Then move onto various electric goodies

 

[D Skelton]

I use me' Bacho normally, and a grinder for when no one's looking, I like to pretend I'm a pro

 

[the pict]

There is a learning lounge vid on this very subject, the methods on there are second to none, it has changed the way I will do it next time
Pict

 

[TheAprentice]

Thanks Alot Johnny boy! thats what i wanted to hear! i think it was the angle i was cuttin at where i was going wrong! im gonna go purchase a few 32 tpi, ive snapped enough already lol! im always gettin thrown in the deep end, glad this site will help me pull threw nice 1 geeeeez!
x
gonna get me a bancho to! might aswell go loot 1! haha
cheers for all ur replys! BRING ON THE TRAY!

 

[VoltzElectrical]

u can cut tray up to 300mm or so (in my opinion) with a hacksaw. You just have to adjust the angle of the cut, and go 50/ 50 from either side. But why not )if budget allows use a reciprocating saw. i have the battery operated makita one. so useful for cutting up scrap swa into meter lengths too!