cheap way to cut steel tubings?

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I just bought a welder and I need a good way to cut tubings, but don't have a lot money to blow.  Suggestions?I don't think I'll cut wall thicker than 1/4" for a while. ThanksEDIT: the budget is $500.Last edited by HelloStranger; 11-23-2014 at 09:48 PM.
Reply:Do you mean the tubing is 3/8" or the wall thickness is 3/8"?GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:I wasn't thinking.  I meant 1/4" wall thickness.
Reply:An abrasive chop saw is probably going to be the least expensive.SlobPurveyor of intimate unparalleled knowledge of nothing about everything.Oh yeah, also an unabashed internet "Troll" too.....
Reply:Originally Posted by SlobAn abrasive chop saw is probably going to be the least expensive.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWActually a hacksaw is probably the least expensive. Just not the fastest way to get things done.
Reply:I need something more efficient than that. Something that cost less than $500. I'm thinking Miller handheld bandsaw.
Reply:Portaband?
Reply:Originally Posted by HelloStrangerI need something more efficient than that. Something that cost less than $500. I'm thinking Miller handheld bandsaw.
Reply:Originally Posted by HelloStrangerI need something more efficient than that. Something that cost less than $500. I'm thinking Miller handheld bandsaw.
Reply:My personal favorite.   14" cold (dry) cut sawThis is the one I have, Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:If the primary purpose is to cut a lot of coupons to learn welding then I'd say find a secondhand 7x12 bandsaw.  Accurate cuts on tube plus the added benefit is you can easily bevel up to 8" width plate.
Reply:If you are going to weld then you are virtually going to HAVE to have an angle grinder, OR SEVERAL and there goes $20 at HF.One portable tool not mentioned was a reciprocating saw, very handy if you have to "reach in", like thru a hole in my bush hog deck, to make the cut.
Reply:Originally Posted by newburyIf you are going to weld then you are virtually going to HAVE to have an angle grinder, OR SEVERAL and there goes $20 at HF.
Reply:Originally Posted by wornoutoldwelderYup, but make sure to pay a little extra and get the ones with the paddle switch vise the sliding top switch. And yeah, I forgot the sawsall..........They come in real handy.   I've even used mine with 12" blade to remove tree roots all over my yard.
Reply:Originally Posted by newburybought my son the Dewalt 20v sawzall, he uses it for everything, pruning, cutting bamboo, cuttng vines.
Reply:any wood chop saw with a CUT off blade that is .040" thin will work.most abrasives saws use .125" blades that are 3x as thick. 3x more heat, 3x more dust 3x slower to cut, just bad news all around.think of the wood saw with a cut off abrsive blade as a beefed up angle grinder that lets you make perfectly square cuts. remove any plastic saw dust bags before using or they will melt.$7 for a 6" one at home depotuse some 2x4's to build up bed so blade can reach work.much much faster than hack saw for a few dollars more. good luck.
Reply:Originally Posted by AluminumWelderany wood chop saw with a CUT off blade that is .040" thin will work.most abrasives saws use .125" blades that are 3x as thick. 3x more heat, 3x more dust 3x slower to cut, just bad news all around.think of the wood saw with a cut off abrsive blade as a beefed up angle grinder that lets you make perfectly square cuts. remove any plastic saw dust bags before using or they will melt.$7 for a 6" one at home depotuse some 2x4's to build up bed so blade can reach work.much much faster than hack saw for a few dollars more. good luck.
Reply:I wouldn't even use a 3/32 blade, (.090")I use 3/64 blades (.040")which are half as thick, cut through a 4x4" angle 1/4" wall thickness no problem as long as you cut with angle pointed up. too much friction if you cut it flat and can burn your motor. only problem is biggest  3/64 blades ive found are only 7" diameter so you need to build up saw bed to reach metal.mcmaster sells .060" blades that are 10" in size. I have some I bought that I'll try latter.
Reply:The thinnest 14" blades I can find are .093Here is a pic of a .040 Matabo  4.5" compared to .093.
Reply:I have 4 1/2" grinders with thin discs.I have a 7 1/4" worm drive metal cutting circular saw....a porta-band, ...and a plasma.I wish I had a horizontal band saw for cutting accurate 45's on my square tubing.Hobart Beta-Mig 2511972 Miller AEAD-200LEMiller 250 TwinNorthern Ind. Hybrid 200Longevity Stick 140Longevity Migweld 200SThermal Arc Pak 3XR