Cutting Iron: The Tools You Need

Those who work with metal know well that cutting iron is one of the most difficult challenges to overcome. Especially if you want to cut with precision, avoiding unsightly burrs and perhaps without sparks that could damage what surrounds you or create dangerous situations due to flammable objects or liquids. Why is it so difficult to cut iron? Let's start from its composition.

Iron is one of the most common materials on earth but also one of the most resistant, once treated it can face oxidation and rust. Combined with carbon we have what we technically define as steel and several scenarios can be outlined in terms of resistance and toughness. Basically, its machining depends very much on skills and equipment.

The main problem for those who want to cut this metal is that it is a complex scenario, difficult to face without suitable tools. Sure, we're not talking about a professional job but to cut iron you need quality tools. That is? Here are some methods that always work when you are in the condition of having to cut iron with precision.

Hacksaw

Of course this can be a basic solution when you need to cut a piece of iron that is not very demanding, without calling into question equipment that is too sophisticated. There are dozens of models when we talk about saws for iron: some solutions are used with two hands, others are designed to facilitate precision work or work in tight spaces. Basically the blade for cutting iron is thin, with tight teeth: you place it on the element to be sawed and proceed with continuous movements, until you reach the end of the stroke.

Circular saw

The circular saw (you can look at the 1400 W model in our store) is a tool for cutting metal and in particular iron. By means of a guide you can shape the object and cut through iron, the handles allow you to guide the round blade where it's needed. And if this flexibility is not enough you can use a similar tool: the chop saw.

Difference compared to the circular saw? With the chop saw for metal the round and toothed blade is mounted on an arm that rises or falls also with a specific inclination. In this way you can cut the iron at 45 degrees or however you prefer.

Band saw or gattuccio

Let's abandon for a moment the circularity to take into consideration band saws or ones that work on a linear plane. These options are perfect when we need to cut very voluminous objects and there is a need to create particular shapes. For example, the reciprocating saw is perfect for shaping sheet metal creating curves as does the rodent. For more demanding work you need an option that offers power and stability: the band saw is perfect in these cases.

Shears

Not all pieces of iron must be cut with manual or electric saws, with band saws or circular saws, but always with sharp and cutting teeth: in some cases you can also use tools similar to scissors, namely metal shears.

These are tools that are used for precision work, to eliminate burrs from sheets and sheet metal. They cannot be used for important cuts and extreme precision. But if you use shears with long handles you can achieve excellent results even on considerable thicknesses, especially if you use the bolt cutters: long levers and resistant pincers can make the difference.

Angle grinder

One of the best methods to shape or cut an iron sheet, but also a rod or a pipe: use an angle grinder, that is a flex, an angle grinder. It is an electric tool, also known as a mill or grinder, of different sizes that mounts a disc of varying diameter (115 mm, 125 mm and 230 mm). The use that can be made of this tool depends on the shape and composition of the element that rotates: if you use a toothed structure you can use the grinder for cutting metal.

In which circumstances is it worth using the grinder for sawing iron? Certainly at the moment when you need to work on sheets and bars of a certain thickness, if you choose the right disc you can work with the right incisiveness. The interesting aspect of the flexible: by changing the disc you can also cut building materials or grind the weld bead. So it's indispensable.