trying to decide on a cheap cutting method

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The tools I currently own are:ryobi reciprocating saw (sawzall)4" black and decker grinder (also makita 4" for backup)hacksaw and a 6" circular saw (I typically use it for plywood)I'm willing to spend some money to get an OK setup.I don't mind shopping used, but the local craigslist tool section is pretty stagnant.I need to be able to cut 1/8" steel plate, and 60 thousands wall tubingI need to take into consideration the cost of bottles if you suggest an oxy-fuel setupcreative homebrew methods are encouraged!figure my budget is around $100 (albiet flexible if there is a significant time/sweat/capability difference)
Reply:Might wanna look at some of the new generation 110V plasma cutters.   Jump over to the Hyperterm forum section and have a look at the results Jim Colt is getting.  I was a big detractor of 110 stuff, but the new generation is pretty darn capable of doing a good job on what your talking about.  I had a 110 Hobart and it was a toy at best, the new stuff will actually do real work.  Entry price aint too bad either for a dedicated US made quality piece of equipment.  Worth a look anyway.BobI'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys?  Trade?
Reply:His budget is $100.  He won't find any plasma cutters anywhere near that.  He might get lucky and find a very small used oxy/acetylene rig for $100, but even then, that's pretty low.Taiden, I don't see a 14" abrasive chop saw in your tools list there.  Chop saw is one of the most basic fabrication tools any of us uses.  You need a chop saw, and can easily get a good used one for $100 or less.  Search Craig's List for a used Makita or Milwaukee 14" abrasive blade chop saw.  They only sell for about $170-220 new.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:How much do you need to cut?  A cheap abrasive chop saw will cut tubing all day long.  If you need to cut sheet steel, you can get a $20 steel cutting blade for a circular saw (at least, I did for my 7-1/4" saw).Jack OlsenMy garage website
Reply:I've been poking around and like you both said a chop saw seems to be in my future. It would be perfect for cutting tubing/angle/etc for building basic stuff since I can dial in the angle right.I know most of us on here are allergic to harbor freight stuff but some of their chop saws have received good reviews on their site and as always the price is right.The tool section of my craigslist is very finite. My only real options are used tool places or getting something online.As far as chop saws go... is it 14" or bust? Or could I get away with the smaller stuff. Eventually I'll be doing exhaust tubing but it seems to me finishing the cut with a sawzall wouldn't be the end of the world?
Reply:Taiden, I appologize, I misread your post and thought you had a grand.  A chop saw is def. the next good idea.BobI'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys?  Trade?
Reply:Originally Posted by RbeckettTaiden, I appologize, I misread your post and thought you had a grand.  A chop saw is def. the next good idea.Bob
Reply:14" on the chop saw.  Don't bother with anything smaller.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:The only chopsaw being sold on craigslist right now is a 14" orange harbor freight chop saw. He's asking $50 for it. I'm guessing it would be a pretty good deal if I could get it for like $35ish. (The closest Harbor Freight is 150 mi away)I guess the newer harbor freight 14"ers are getting good reviews, I have no idea what the older orange ones are like though.I'd rather get some other brand but that's the only option on CL right now.
Reply:Taiden, take a minute and add your location to your User CP at the top left so we know where you are located at. You'd be surprised how many guys surf CL daily and might see something you're interested in, or who might have something they're willing to part with if they are in your area. I've passed  along a few local CL finds to guys in my area here that I spotted. Also occasionally guys will offer to let someone use a tool at their place, or know where you might beable to get something done cheap..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Will do, thanks DSW
Reply:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=45499what about this?does anyone have his email? he hasn't been on here in a few weeks and I'd much rather snag that hitachi than the local harbor freight special
Reply:Randomly pulled a zip for Portland Me and ran searchtempest for chopsaw, metal saw, bandsaw and found a few things.There were several bandsaws that popped up. Most a bit higher than you asked, but some looked to be a decent deal. Also spotted a couple of chopsaws that might or might not work, depending on if they are still available, and how far you want to drive.http://www.searchtempest.com/results...sk=&subcat=sss from that search.Posted on 10-2214 inch metal chop saw (bowdoinham)posted on 10-18MAKITA Portable cutoff saw - $150 (Worcester, MA)This looks like it might be a nice deal, if it's not too far..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Hey DSW, sadly Worcester is about 3 hours away, I could easily spend $50 in gas and tolls to get there.As for the 14 inch metal chop saw in bowdoinham, that is the harbor freight one I was talking about. ive chatted with him on the phone alreadythanks for the link, searchtempest looks really useful  I normally use CrazedlistOh, I feel stupid for not mentioning this. We have a vertical bandsaw in the basement, but it's for wood and I don't believe the speed is adjustable.
Reply:Taiden, If you look around a little there are 20% off HF coupons everywhere, find the one they have that you like and ord it with the extra 20% off coupon on the web.  And a 4X6 bandsaw is also a good idea, a little out of this budget range, but around a buck sixty on sale for the next time.  I have both as well as a Hyperterm PM 1000 G3 so I have cutting covered pretty good.  I use the Plaz on my CNC table for art and heavy construction equip repairs so I needed a lot of ooomph to get through some of the stuff I cut.  If you buy the HF stuff, get the free replacement added warranty for a few extra bucks and your golden for 2 or 3 years, which is when a saw will fail if it is gonna.  Good luck, hope this helps a little better than my first reply.BobI'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys?  Trade?
Reply:Bob, are there any 20% coupons that work online? Sadly the nearest harbor freight is 2 hours away at least.
Reply:Oh yeah definately.  I usually wait till it is on sale, then add a 20% extra off coupon code and end up good.  I got my bandsaw that way and it ended up being 162 delivered with 2 extra blades.  The HF chop saw and Band saws are cheap, but there is an active forum that has figured out the bandsaw and has a bunch of tweaks and mods that really bring it alive cut and accuracy wise.  Stay away from the HF 14" abrasive wheels, cause they are junk, but the chop saw aint too bad.  Ive worn out a couple of sets of brushes, but it only takes 5 minutes to replace em when they go.  When I use my last set I go online and re-order a extra set so I always have a set just in case.  HF is a little  slow, but they do get parts pretty good for that kind of stuff.BobI'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys?  Trade?
Reply:Plenty of good options. Depending on how deep you need to cut into the plate material, a Porta-band style saw might also do the trick. You can get very good bi-metal blades pretty cheap and if you mark your tubing with a pipe wrap you can get very accurate cuts. My cheap Homier portable bandsaw is probably my most frequently use metal cutting tool. If you have a compressor, the air rotary cutoff tool typically on sale for $7 at HF or Northern is a handy complimentary metal cutter especially for your relatively thin material.Lincoln SA200, HH135, Lencospot, HF80 Inverter, Rockwell 11x35 lathe, HF drill mill, Kama 554 tractor w/ FEL & BH, Belarus 250AS, lot's of Chinese tools