Thread: Austsaw Rotary Hacksaw

Originally Posted by p38arover

Cost. The hole needs to be a minimum of 6 inches in diameter.

I have an adjustable cutter but it's not designed for steel.

Starrett list a 6" holesaw. Catalogue price US$59.49 bare saw, US$79.86 saw with arbor and pilot drill. Don't know what Oz distributors charge but as most are greedy, probably at least three times those figures in A$. I estimate I could supply the second direct from the US by air mail for around A$180 @ exch. rate of 0.80

Would a reciprocating saw do the job?

Originally Posted by abaddonxi

Would a reciprocating saw do the job?

Not unless I don't mind the blade sawing through the tank!

Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

Starrett list a 6" holesaw. Catalogue price US$59.49 bare saw, US$79.86 saw with arbor and pilot drill. Don't know what Oz distributors charge but as most are greedy, probably at least three times those figures in A$. I estimate I could supply the second direct from the US by air mail for around A$180 @ exch. rate of 0.80

Thanks Brian but I think I'd rather remove the tank!

Once the tank is out, it would be easy to cut the hole with a plasma cutter.

Well if you have a Plasma!!!

One arc in the middle of the circle required outa do it... the edges of the hole may be a little ragged and the tank a little second hand but would be quick!

What sort of clearance between floor pan and tank top.

Would be a sub-optimal outcome if you made a beautiful spark free incision through a breather line or the tank itself? Cant be that hard to drop / lower the tank - or can it!

Steve

the blade will make some sparks not much but it only takes 1, also the swarf that they produce is very hot, ive worked as a boat builder for years and thats all we used to cut the aluminium, you have to be very careful with thin material as it can grab. believe me when i tell you that when those blades bite the will not let go, i would suggest getting the biggest hole saw you can and bite the bullet and use a rattail file unless you are confident in the use of those blades. hope this was some help

Originally Posted by roverrescue

Well if you have a Plasma!!!

One arc in the middle of the circle required outa do it... the edges of the hole may be a little ragged and the tank a little second hand but would be quick!

What sort of clearance between floor pan and tank top.

Would be a sub-optimal outcome if you made a beautiful spark free incision through a breather line or the tank itself? Cant be that hard to drop / lower the tank - or can it!

Steve

I know someone with a plasma.

Not enough clearance unfortunately to cut easily.

It's a 155 litre steel long range tank and I really don't want to remove/refit it again! If it comes out, it's not going back in.

Originally Posted by p38arover

Cost. The hole needs to be a minimum of 6 inches in diameter.

For that sized hole, I'd start with the biggest holesaw you have and then use tinsnips to take it out to 6". If you work out in a spiral from the original hole and only remove 1/2" at a time you'll find it is quite easy to cut (with a good pair of snips)