Hi all, I’ve decided to embark on a build, very basic knowledge so far but I’m reading as much as I can to learn.
I’ve sourced all the tools but I’m currently stuck on what cutting tool to use on a 5mm thick compressor receiver tank.
Is a plasma the only good fast option, I have access to a rental unit, are hand tools such as an angle grinder with cutting blade a complete pain in the arse? They look slow and potentially not as clean to cut?
Thanks for your time
First build, tank cutting advice
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- Just Got in trouble for buying tools
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- ajfoxy
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Re: First build, tank cutting advice
You can use an angle grinder with a slimmy disk (thin metal cutting disk). It is a bit slow, but hey, it's not a race it is a journey.
You can also use a plasma cutter. A little faster but with speed comes potential wander in the cut unless you've done it heaps of times before. 5mm should not pose a problem. Remember with plasma you'll probably get a bit of slag top and bottom of the cut, depending on your level of experience. This will need to be ground off with, yep you guessed it the afore mentioned angle grinder.
As mentioned before it is a journey building a smoker so you don't have to take the "fastest" route. Take your time, enjoy the build experience and you'll end up with a smoker that will last a long, long time.

You can also use a plasma cutter. A little faster but with speed comes potential wander in the cut unless you've done it heaps of times before. 5mm should not pose a problem. Remember with plasma you'll probably get a bit of slag top and bottom of the cut, depending on your level of experience. This will need to be ground off with, yep you guessed it the afore mentioned angle grinder.
As mentioned before it is a journey building a smoker so you don't have to take the "fastest" route. Take your time, enjoy the build experience and you'll end up with a smoker that will last a long, long time.
Learning generally boils down to "Repetition or the avoidance of pain", some people learn by doing, some by watching and some just have to pee on the electric fence.
Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right. Henry Ford
Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right. Henry Ford
- Big T
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- Dirtytires
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Re: First build, tank cutting advice
That is thin enough I’d just use a grinder cut-off on it. Plasma is more fun and less messy but doesn’t seem worth renting or going thru the learning curve for just a door.
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Re: First build, tank cutting advice
I have been using what looks like a circular saw with a carbide tipped steel blade , called a Evolution saw works great you can youtube the name cuts 1/2 plate like butter .
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Re: First build, tank cutting advice
I’d second the circular saw personally. Straight, quick, and they don’t get everything super hot