Cutting custom spikes

[Jasonrkba]

I have been cutting my own spikes using a plasma cutter. I use 1/8 steel from tractor supply. While the plasma cutter works well it leaves a lot of cleanup. Do you guys have a better suggestion for what tool would leave a cleaner cut? I've been thinking about picking up one of those bench mount band saws.

 

[Weogo]

Have you considered shops with laser and/or water-jet cutters?
On some metals a laser can 'heat-treat' edges, which may or may not be helpful.

 

[Jasonrkba]

I cut my own because I'm a cheap SOB

 

[Weogo]

Hi Jason,

As the kids say today, Fair.

I bought a set of spikes for my Stihl 044 from Ebay/China.
Pretty cheap, and, amazingly, arrived in about a week, with hardware.
The steel is lower quality than Stihl; next time I'll buy factory.

For the bench-mount bandsaws, make sure you get one designed for metal.
Compared to wood cutting saws, they run slower, can take greater tension, and some have a coolant drip-feed.
Maybe look at a Portaband mounted in a stand?

Thanks and good health, Weogo

 

[cookies]

What you are describing is why I have yet to but a plasma cutter, can you get a different tip with a finer stream? turn the air up or down to reduce the fall out on your cut lines? maybe try a different abrasive wheel or sandpaper such as silicon carbide, zirconia or ceramic for faster clean up. Water jet or cnc would be the next step up and a 4.5 grinder with a cut off disk being a side step choice being slower with a cleaner cut and easier to control.