Getting Started - Cutting an I-Beam

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Been lurking for awhile and have come to regard this site as a tremendous source of welding knowledge.While I've done lots of woodworking and mechanical work over the years, I've never had the opportunity to learn much about welding.  I'd like to get started with the hope that I'll eventually be a reasonably proficient hobbiest.  Would like to eventually put together a CNC table that I could run both a plasma cutter and woodworking router on, following one of the DIY plans.  But, that's well down the road.For now, I've acquired an old i-beam, looks to have a 6-8" web, that I need to cut down to be able to fit on my trailer.  Looking for suggestions on what I should use to do that?I have a decent reciprocating saw and a 4 1/2" grinder.  Could rent a oxy/acetylene torch... but haven't used one before.  I presume I'd also need a helmet and gloves.  I expect I'll eventually pick up a cheap TIG unit and would prefer not to buy things twice.The beam has to be moved in short order so I'd appreciate some suggestions as to how to proceed?Once the beam is here, I can take the time to figure out what equipment I'm really going to need to do the type of work I'd like to do: tractor implements, lighting racks, shop tables, etc.
Reply:You know it's a sin to cut long beams  With the tools you have I'd use the sawzall. If it's variable speed turn the speed down and start cutting. It shouldn't take very long. I did some 3/8"x3"x3" angle with my saw a while back using some torch blades (thicker back) and they went through it quick. Some cutting fluid will keep the blade cooler and give you better life also.Torch would be my tool of choice but the key is to use what you have and acquire tools when you have no other reasonable option or the job can justify  the expense.How long is the beam?
Reply:It's actually a 20' pallet rack constructed of welded i-beams.  Am hoping one of my first projects could be to turn it into a couple of shop tables.
Reply:Try to find someone with a rack on thier truck or a 18' trailer to transport it for you, so cutting won't be needed. Like for hire said, it would be a sin to cut that long beam, especially if you don't know the exact demensions you need for the original cut. It would be a shame to cut it just for transport purposes, only to find out later that you have to weld some of it back together to get the right length you need for a project.
Reply:how long is trailer?? how long is beam? do it the redneck way. set beam on trailer, add coupler to beam so beam is now trailer tongue and take home.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1how long is trailer?? how long is beam? do it the redneck way. set beam on trailer, add coupler to beam so beam is now trailer tongue and take home.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1how long is trailer?? how long is beam? do it the redneck way. set beam on trailer, add coupler to beam so beam is now trailer tongue and take home.
Reply:12 or 14" gas saw with an abrasive blade makes short work of cutting up steel. A circular saw and an abrasive blade might be another option, but you'd probably still have to cut the web with the sawzall or grinder.I'd have to agree cutting up a good sized piece of steel is a waste, but if it's cut it or loose it, cut it. Originally Posted by BD1how long is trailer?? how long is beam? do it the redneck way. set beam on trailer, add coupler to beam so beam is now trailer tongue and take home.
Reply:I've used the 'redneck trailer' method several times to prefab beams at home, then carry them on site when building a barn out in the sticks.  I fab'ed up an old truck rear end with a short platform (just long enough to hook on the spring hangers) for the back end.  The front end is hooked to an adapter made for a hydraulic squeeze-type hay hauler.  The height adjustment is a must for what I'm doing.  Keep the load low for travelling.  Raise the load in the field to get over humps.  I haven't exceeded 700lbs on this contraption.  350lbs each end, so not really much load for the equipment.  Top speed is about 35mph.  Speed makes a huge difference on safety.ation, where are you located?  Out in the country, the cops wave at me when I roll by with this contraption.  In the city, you'd probably get rear-ended just driving 35mph in your car.If you're wanting to get into metal working, I'd recommend going ahead and buying an O/A setup.  Get the largest tanks you can handle.  This probably means a 250cf oxygen, and a 150cf acetylene.  The oxygen cylinder will probably cost around $250, then acetylene around $175.  The oxygen fill, iirc, was around $25, but the acetylene was around $50.  A smith or victor cutting outfit will start around $220.  Yes the $720 sounds expensive, but this setup will last 20 years or more if not abused.  You can also use O/A on your cnc table before you buy a plasma.  You could use propane for cutting, but since you don't yet have a welder, I'd get acetylene so you have welding capability.  The O/A setup will keep you quite busy building the skill to run it.Last edited by AndyA; 12-12-2011 at 03:12 PM.Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:Thanks for all the suggestions!  Using the beam as a trailer extension is a clever idea.  I'll be driving through a city though, and I know that I'm going to want to make these into a pair of 8-10' tables/stands.Is it practical to cut the beam with a recipricating saw?  I picked up some Milwaukee "torch" blades for the recpricating saw and a couple cutoff discs for my 4 1/2" grinder.  There are going to be some folks there who have volunteered to help me move/load the beam... so I don't want them waiting around too long.Sounds like the easiest/safest thing to do is to spend $50 and rent a 14" gas saw from Home Depot?That'll let me defer the decision/expense of the OA torch and/or other tools for a bit.
Reply:For a one time deal rent a portable band saw hand heldAnother day in paradise You only have to be smarter than the metal".   WeldiniMaking an honest living is nothing more than stealing from someone who can afford it and everyone feels good when it's over .      Weldini
Reply:hey, what would it cost to have a tilt bed recovery truck pick up and deliver to you ???  just thinking, its just sad cutting up a nice piece of steel without being able to cut to size. good luck bob