looking for a device to finish / weld-prep tube ends

looking for a device to finish / weld-prep tube ends

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Discussion

darkcat

Original Poster:

2,344 posts

177 months

Wednesday 10th October 2012
quotequote all
Im just about to start fabricating a frame to hold together a diff and engine, to put into a mini (see http://www.theminiforum.co.uk/forums/topic/235128-...

Im looking for a sanding /grinding device to fine-tune angles and v-prep tube ends before I TIG weld them, this will be a mixture of square tube, round tube and flat plate, for the frame and exhausts.

I think i need some sort of disk sander, but everything i can find seems to be geared towards wood work.

Am i looking for the right thing??!!

Mr2Mike

20,143 posts

262 months

Wednesday 10th October 2012
quotequote all
For square/rectangular tube an angle grinder works fine, though I prefer to use a hacksaw and hand file for more control.

For "fish mouthing" round tube you ideally want a tube notcher, and a half round file can be used for small adjustments.

If you just want a belt sander for metal then they are usually built into a bench grinder, like this Clarke model.

PhillipM

6,529 posts

196 months

Wednesday 17th October 2012
quotequote all
Flap disc + angle grinder. Sorted.

darkcat

Original Poster:

2,344 posts

177 months

Thursday 18th October 2012
quotequote all
PhillipM said:
Flap disc + angle grinder. Sorted.
err... not if i want a good flat 90 deg cut...!

PhillipM

6,529 posts

196 months

Thursday 18th October 2012
quotequote all
darkcat said:
err... not if i want a good flat 90 deg cut...!
Slitting disc.

darkcat

Original Poster:

2,344 posts

177 months

Friday 19th October 2012
quotequote all
PhillipM said:
darkcat said:
err... not if i want a good flat 90 deg cut...!
Slitting disc.
err... not if i want a good flat 90 deg cut...!!!!!

CNHSS1

942 posts

224 months

Sunday 21st October 2012
quotequote all
For square section, Rage saw or angle grinder in bench stand with slitting disc

Tube notcher from Frosts, about 90 quid for round or oval tubes


darkcat

Original Poster:

2,344 posts

177 months

Sunday 21st October 2012
quotequote all
CNHSS1 said:
For square section, Rage saw or angle grinder in bench stand with slitting disc

Tube notcher from Frosts, about 90 quid for round or oval tubes
yes ive got a rage saw - however there is an amount of play in the drive meaning that the ends arent a perfect 90 deg every time...


Mr2Mike

20,143 posts

262 months

Sunday 21st October 2012
quotequote all
darkcat said:
yes ive got a rage saw - however there is an amount of play in the drive meaning that the ends arent a perfect 90 deg every time...
All the angle grinder stands I have checked have had a load of slop in the hinges etc as well, and tend to have quite poor clamping mechanisms for the workpiece.

PhillipM

6,529 posts

196 months

Monday 22nd October 2012
quotequote all
darkcat said:
err... not if i want a good flat 90 deg cut...!!!!!
You need a bit more practice then, I have no issues, and I do a lot of metal and tube work!