METAL CUTTING TOOLS - GOING BEYOND GRINDERS
Choose a faster and cheaper way to cut metal
Like most professionals in construction, we rely on our tools across a range of projects and applications. So if you compare the cost per cut of an angle grinder against other metal cutting tools, it makes sense to use products that get the job done quicker or cheaper. Especially from a commercial and business perspective.
There are several tools to choose which can help you achieve performance, profit and productivity for metal cutting applications. These include band saws, recip saws, circular saws and more.
Not sure which tool is right for you? Contact our team for advice.
WHY USE BETTER METAL CUTTING TOOLS?
- Over 64% Cheaper: When using a band saw to cut a 35mm steel pipe with 4mm thickness, the cost per cut is 64% lower compared to an angle grinder (0.46 NZD vs 0.17 NZD)*
- Up to 79% quicker: When using a circular saw or band saw to make 100 cuts, including blade change time, the circular saw was 79% quicker, while band saw was 39% faster vs a grinder.
- Less time replacing discs: While a grinder can be versatile for a range of tasks, it can lead to more time replacing and removing worn discs vs using the right metal cutting kit.
- No lost time from overheating: If you’re using an angle grinder on tougher materials, when a better tool offers optimum performance, it may be prone to shut-off from overheating
The benefits of cold cutting tools vs an angle grinder
We’ve all been on site and used a tool that can do the job, such as a grinder or multi-tool. This is either because it’s close by or because of old habits. But what you might not realise is that the convenience of reaching for the nearest tool may be costing you time and money compared to using the correct cold cutting metal tools. In addition, some of the benefits of using a cold-cutting tool instead of an angle grinder include:
- No need for hot work permits – usually required for insurance purposes on tools and applications that produce heat and friction in a localised application.
- Reduced labour costs - as you don’t need an additional person to check for fire risks while using an angle grinder.
- Potentially better for safety with reduced sparks or burn risks. It also means not having to wear or change into flame retardant clothing.
- Eliminate the need for re-work or galvanising surfaces after hot cutting with an angle grinder – especially if you can use a tool that delivers precise cuts.
Metal Cutting Tools - Buy now or get it on fleet
SC 6ML-22 Cordless circular saw
Cold-cutting cordless metal saw for extra-fast, precision cutting up to 60 mm│2-3/8" depth
NZD 598.50 or NZD 20.26 MonthlySB 6-22 Deep cut band saw
Deep cut dual trigger band saw for precise, low-noise and virtually spark-free cuts through metal up to 127 mm│5” cutting depth
NZD 963 or NZD 38.03 MonthlySB 4-22 Portable band saw
Cordless portable band saw inc. 14/18 TPI blade for precise, low-noise, low-spark cuts through metal up to 63.5 mm│2-1/2” cutting depth
NZD 616.50 or NZD 20.70 MonthlySTR 4-22 Cordless threaded rod cutter
Cordless compact threaded rod cutter including M10 (W3/8) blade for cutting threaded rods up to 10mm in diameter
NZD 1341 or NZD 43.90 MonthlySPN 6-22 RN Cordless nibbler
High-capacity cordless nibbler for cutting sheet metal and profiles with more speed and minimal distortion
NZD 1305 or NZD 42.71 MonthlySSH 6-22 Cordless metal shears
Cordless double cut shear for fast cuts in sheet metal and profiles up to 2.5 mm│12 Gauge – with Hilti SSH CS blades included
NZD 1602 or NZD 52.44 Monthly
Safety
Most modern angle grinders come with a host of safety features, but other tools can be safer to use. Using an alternate tool can mitigate some of the risks you need to consider:
- Flying discs are one of the most common risks when using a grinder, which can lead to serious hand, arm or groin injury. It can be caused by using discs which are cracked or have breaks. Alternatively, circular saws and band saws feature guards to protect users, while operating at lower RPM speeds to mitigate some of this risk.
- The control of dust is always a risk on any jobsite. Because of how an angle grinder is used and their design, you won’t find many grinders that offer a dust port. Some alternative tools, like circular saws, offer this feature. While after-market accessories can be used, they are not always compatible or effective when collecting dust.
- Vibration is a particularly big consideration when using these tools. If a grinder typically has a m/s2 vibration magnitude value of 5, the maximum amount of time you can normally use it for is around 2 hours**. Tools with lower m/s2 vibration magnitude, such as a band saw with 0.8 or a circular saw with 0.5 can potentially do the job quicker and with less vibration risk to the user.
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