Laser Cutter or what?

[0ILBURNER]

I need to have a couple pieces cut out of 1/2" mild steel, approx. 16" x 6" w/ a .75" hole for a 'thumb' on a backhoe attachment. What would be the best method to cut this?
If anyone here could do this, shoot me a pm & I can send you a cad file to quote the job.

[StockChevy]

unless I missed something, why can't you just use a torch.

That would be the easiest way to do.

[cebby]

I'm in the middle of putting together a business with a waterjet cutting outfit. Email the drawing to me and I'll see what we can come up with. Website isn't up yet, but that isn't stopping us. What kind of turnaround are you looking for?

quote@controlledcutting.com

[HaWiiLuVeR]

you could have it waterjet, laser or plasma cut. seanp did some cnc plasma pieces for me a little while back.

[0ILBURNER]

Thanks for the info.
BTW this is for a picky customer & I do not have time to spend cleaning up a torch job :)

[DRM]

Your best bet is to have a local welding shop make 'em for you, they will probably use a torch or plasma.

[Myanarchy]

D and J fabricating over on President's island. I know they have a plasma table and should be pretty well priced.(and Howie is a hell of a nice guy) That and they're local :)

[0ILBURNER]

D and J fabricating over on President's island. I know they have a plasma table and should be pretty well priced.(and Howie is a hell of a nice guy) That and they're local :)

Thanks I will give him a try.
Do you happen to know what file formats they can use?

[fabcam]

Thanks for the info.
BTW this is for a picky customer & I do not have time to spend cleaning up a torch job :)

What? It is a couple of pieces and it is a thumb for a backhoe. :shaking:

I don't believe it. :flipoff2:

[Myanarchy]

Have no idea. Hes good friends with my dad and helps him with some of the more intricate piece for tractors he restores. I'd get the number, but I don't have a phone book in front of me.

[beartj]

Trout Industries can accept cad files and have the piece laser cut for you. Pm jeepnmatt, he has a yellow star and as many of the board members will agree is a standup guy.

[Toyota_Jim]

if its not a hydraulic thumb then it aint worth having. I made a stationary thumb for my case 590 and used it one time and added hydraulics to it...

[StockChevy]

What? It is a couple of pieces and it is a thumb for a backhoe. :shaking:

I don't believe it. :flipoff2:


That and....why would it not come out good with a torch?? If you know what you're doing, the cut should be perfectly smooth.

[bigNATE®]

That and....why would it not come out good with a torch?? If you know what you're doing, the cut should be perfectly smooth.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=98424

thats ¾" plate, just take your time and it will look good

[Toyota_Jim]

I need the find the pics of the 2 1/2" plate that one of the guys here cut back in the 70's smoothe as glass.

[Bruce T]

Plasma would be your cheapest bet (besides the torch) If you got me the file I could cut them out in like 15 minutes and send them to you. I already have the plate too.

[0ILBURNER]

Thanks for all the feedback. I will get the design worked out & take it from there. :)

[Guzzijeep]

Laser cutting .5" mild steel is expensive,(unless you know someone!).

Plasma cutting .5" mild steel is also expensive and you will probably have a slight bevel on the outside edge of the plate, and still need to drill the hole to get rid of the bevel on the inside diameter.

The most cost effective method would be to flame cut it with a CNC controlled machine. Yes, a torch. Many steel service centers can do this. The edge will be square, and the hole should be within a reasnably tight tolerance. It will look nothing like the hand held hack job you see in the picture above.

If all you are looking for is a rectangle with a .75" hole , just make a quick drawing. They can draw this in their system in about 90 seconds, probably quicker than converting any cad file you send them.

[Bruce T]

Oilburner. I sent you a pm back for pricing and more info.
Plasma cutting is A TON cheaper than laser as long as the guy isnt hosing you. I can cut 1/2 easily with very, very little bevel if any. The hole will depend on the size. as long as its 3/4 or above it isnt a problem. I always run a drill bit through it to be sure anyway. Depends on the fit accuracy the customer needs.

[StockChevy]

I need the find the pics of the 2 1/2" plate that one of the guys here cut back in the 70's smoothe as glass.


That's what it should look like...Nothing like what is pictured above :rolleyes: