Scaffold cutting: Angle Grinder vs. Reciprocating Saw

[speleokitty3]

We tried one in Eldon a while back. I vaguely think it might have been specifically for scaffold tubes. Either way, it gave beautiful cuts and was awful to use. A significant downgrade on a hacksaw!

I use the Record version of this, and it works really well. Very easy to use and your batteries never run out.

 

[The Old Ruminator]

If you go angle grinder, try and avoid transporting even in a rucksack with the disc pre attached as they have an awkward habit of snapping discs….
Also don’t forget some glasses and bits of cutting disc to the eye and face tickle….
(And yes both are lessons learnt through experience! )

And the key ! I took the wrong one yesterday.

 

[legendrider]

And the key ! I took the wrong one yesterday.

My Bosch grinder has a M14-threaded round locking nut with key holes drilled on its diameter.
I often just stick my Leatherman pliers nose in the holes and twist, job done.

 

[Steve Clark]

Just for completeness - we’ve just bought a fantastic handheld makita bandsaw for work. It cost £200ish body-only, cuts up to 51mm diameter. Absolutely fantastic for cutting uni-strut and threaded rod. M10 perfect cut, nuts go straight on, no filing. No sparks, very little noise. Like a very neat hacksaw but 20x as fast.

However, it can’t cut flush to a surface so no use for bolts etc. I suspect any mud would destroy the pulleys and guides in short order. The pulleys stick out of each side which limits where you could use it.

So, other than cutting scaf tube on the surface, no use at all for caving!

 

[Relict]

Now I've finally got my pension lump sum, it makes sense to buy things now rather than waiting for inflation to outpace interest rates.

I've just invested in a Milwaukee M18BLHX-501X drill, (£50 off) and a couple of batteries (Screwfix, £100 for two).

I was wondering about the relative merits of an angle grinder vs. a reciprocating saw for cutting scaff, etc.

Also, if anyone could use the help of a reasonably fit retiree with time on his hands in the south-western Dales, let me know. I'm already involved with Fume on Ingleborough, and previously with the new entrance tube to Stream Passage.

Hello Alan, reciprocating saw is the way. I have a Makita and everyone who I cut scaff for is immediately convinced. Only thing is the blades. I admit that Bosch blades are best reluctantly but if you can waIt for delivery there's good offers from the Chinese. Beware mixed pack as most are for wood. But you will find wood blades useful for cutting shoring planks too, which is a not job for a grinder.. grinders are hugely dangerous, so is the saw but much easier to control
Best.

 

[sjt]

We've been using a grinder. This was working just fine, until we used up all the oxygen in the heading, and I'm sure the sparks contributed to this!