Re: work and welding

[Tom Mandera <tsm1@domain.elided>]

On Mon, 7 Jun 1999, Daniel Nees wrote:

>    A question, Tom I know you have a answer for me on this one, how good
> are cutting rods on an arc welder? Are they better than a torch for
> cutting? More precise, or less? Not worth it if I have a torch?

I've only used a torch once..

The torch is by far more precise and makes "cleaner" cuts.. but if all 
you have is a hammer..

I'm almost out of cutting rod.  I've been using some 1/8" rod cranked up 
to 200amps to cut lately.  I made a new upper rear shock mount for my 
Scout and need another for the racer.  I took 2x2x3/16 angle, and cut a 
piece 17.5" long with my chop saw... problem is, I really needed 
1x2x3/16, but the steel supplier didn't care it.  I started cutting it 
with my chop saw and grinder.. then I grabbed the welder, cranked 'er up, 
and two 1/8" rods later, I'd cut one of the 2" sides down to ~ 1".  
Faster, easier, cheaper.  UGLY.  But it didn't have to be nice lookin'.

I've also used it to cut ou told spring-bushings and rusty bolts.  I used 
rod to cut off a seized upper shock bolt on my racer this weekend.

It ain't pretty, but it sure is effective and beats cutting wheels if you 
don't need to be pretty.

I bought 10lbs of cutting rod.. I don't know if it was really *THAT* much 
better than the cheap 1/8" 6013 I buy at Big-R..