Removing expanded metal from angle iron

admin

How is the best way to remove expanded metal from a tailgate on a utility trailer? I tried using a plasma cutter but it gouged the metal out too bad. I tried a torch and had the same results.I tried a die grinder and it is extremely slow.I think I could start from scratch and build a complete new tailgate quicker and easier. Cutting the spot welds are giving me the problem. What am I doing wrong? Thanks in advance.                                                                     Danny Rohling
Reply:I've always shave the expanded metal with a torch it's hard to get the hang of it because of the lite metal or you could take a grinder to the beads holding  it down to the angle
Reply:Scarfing tip. Arc Aire cutter.
Reply:I agree w/ Oldtimer on the scarfing tip.                                  MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:Originally Posted by Danny RohlingHow is the best way to remove expanded metal from a tailgate on a utility trailer? I tried using a plasma cutter but it gouged the metal out too bad. I tried a torch and had the same results.I tried a die grinder and it is extremely slow.I think I could start from scratch and build a complete new tailgate quicker and easier. Cutting the spot welds are giving me the problem. What am I doing wrong? Thanks in advance.                                                                     Danny Rohling
Reply:Originally Posted by Danny RohlingHow is the best way to remove expanded metal from a tailgate on a utility trailer? I tried using a plasma cutter but it gouged the metal out too bad. I tried a torch and had the same results.. . .Cutting the spot welds are giving me the problem. What am I doing wrong? Thanks in advance.                                                                     Danny Rohling
Reply:another way of using an O/A is use an oxidizing flame on a number 1 tip.  the expanded metal will simply vaporize.  you don't have to cut the nugget.  once every thing is cut off, then grind the nuggets.
Reply:Don't know if for the application this is what you're looking for, but for removing steel FASTER than any other type of grinding disc, this is KING in my recent experience!  I was using the cut off wheels and old "stone" type grinding wheels for my angle iron until a more experienced friend of mine pointed me in the direction of these little "Gems!"These remove and shave off steel faster than anything I've personally used before (when it comes to "disc" type grinders that is).  I'm sure more experienced pros out there may have better ideas, but for the price, speed and convenience of these little discs, you can't beat their performance  IMO  (all .02 cents worth).  I thought they were a joke when I saw them hanging on the shelf at the local Home Depot....that was until I tried them.   Now, i can't do without them and always stock up a few each and every time I visit the home improvement center no matter what the reason is for going into the store.  Good luck.Lincoln Power Mig 216Lincoln AC/DC-225/125Miller  625 X-Treme PlasmaMiller 211 Forney 95FI-A 301HF 91110Victor Journeyman O/PMilwaukee DaytonMakita  Baileigh NRA Life Member
Reply:SuperArc, we call these "Flap Disks" around here, and yeah they are great! I like keeping them for finish sanding so as not to use them up ($$$). Grinding stone first then these. I haven't seen the "Walter" brand spoken of much on this site, but they make Flap Disks. The body is orange or black plastic. The big advantage of this, is as the flap edge wear's back, you can push the plastic backer body against, for example, a sharp burr on your table or a file clamped in your vise, and shave back the plastic exposing more of the flap leading edge. This way you can still get into a closed corner, like they are so good at when new! Makes them more usable for longer. Can't really do this with the fiber-backed ones. Give'm a try, if they are available at your LWS. Now, what was this thread originally about?..... oh yeah.....If I understand the OP right the mesh is welded to the inside of the angle frame. I'd Zip Cut( "Walter" brand, thin cut off wheels) the mesh off, on the mesh ,not the welds, to get the mesh out of the way then go back with a stone and grind off the welds. What your trying with the torch is "washing". Heat the metal you want to remove and not the base metal. Hit the oxy lever and the heated metal "washes" off, leaving the cooler, base metal unaffected by the oxidizing of the metal removed. Takes practice. So something you're trying to preserve may not be the best place to practice!It's often used to "wash" off seized nuts with out harming the bolt it's stuck on. First time you do it right, it's pretty cool and kinda hard to believe unless you understand oxidization. Then becomes fun to see how clean and fast you can do it!Anyhow, best luck!Bert200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:SuperArc: Just noticed the orange plastic ones in your second pic. That's sort of like the Walter brand ones. What brand are they? Only ever seen the Walter's in plastic. PS. I don't work for Walter, just a user. 200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:Are you men sure about the flap-wheel? I've never tried one.It's been my experience that for rapid metal removal and long abrasive life, nothing compares to a USA 9"' 15 amp angle grinder mounted with a hard abrasive wheel.For light sanding or finishing, the flap-wheel probably has an edge.Good LuckLast edited by denrep; 05-09-2010 at 09:07 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by denrepAre you men sure about the flap-wheel? I've never tried one.It's been my experience that for rapid metal removal and long abrasive life, nothing compares to a USA 9"' 15 amp angle grinder mounted with a hard abrasive wheel.For light sanding or finishing, the flap-wheel probably has an edge.Good Luck
Reply:Originally Posted by bert the welderSuperArc: Just noticed the orange plastic ones in your second pic. That's sort of like the Walter brand ones. What brand are they? Only ever seen the Walter's in plastic. PS. I don't work for Walter, just a user.
Reply:I had occasion to remove expanded metal. The metal was tacked and came off with a Cold Chisel.  Cleaning up the metal it was taken off of was simple grinding.
Reply:Ive always used knibblers and done the job by hand, filed down the remains afterwards for a clean finish.woven meshwire mesh
Reply:Originally Posted by Scott Younganother way of using an O/A is use an oxidizing flame on a number 1 tip.  the expanded metal will simply vaporize.  you don't have to cut the nugget.  once every thing is cut off, then grind the nuggets.