I've been reading up around here about cutting the top of the keggle open and i have access to two methods i've seen so far, grinder and sawzall/recip saw. From what i've seen, all the guys cutting with the recip were using bi-metal metal cutting blades. Has anyone tried carbide grit, carbide tip, or titanium tipped bi-metal blades? These are just some examples of each bellow from Lenox, i have seen higher TPI carbide tipped blades than the ones in the link bellow that would be better suited for metal cutting. Just looking for some feedback to see if anyone has tried these with any success.
Thanks!
I haven't seen too many good results with sawzalls... Case in point: http://www.bamfbeer.com/2006/05/30/first-brew-day-pics/
I've seen plenty of keggles cut very nicely with grinders. I really don't see why you'd want to use a sawzall if you have access to an angle grinder also.
I haven't seen too many good results with sawzalls... Case in point: http://www.bamfbeer.com/2006/05/30/first-brew-day-pics/
I've seen plenty of keggles cut very nicely with grinders. I really don't see why you'd want to use a sawzall if you have access to an angle grinder also.
If the blade depth is very narrow, allowing easy turning, a sawzall would work fine and be much quicker than a grinder if you have experience controlling one: They can get away from you pretty fast in thin metal. I would recomend a good quality Jigsaw with a very fine metal blade over a sawzall though.
Use a grinder.
Use a grinder.
Use a grinder.
Use a grinder.
Really, it takes about fifteen minutes, tops. Use the rim of the keg to guide you around. Take a couple passes (I think I went around three times), and use the thin cutting disks (I think I only used one, maybe two). Couldn't be easier, and a lot easier to control, I think.
I've been reading up around here about cutting the top of the keggle open and i have access to two methods i've seen so far, grinder and sawzall/recip saw. From what i've seen, all the guys cutting with the recip were using bi-metal metal cutting blades. Has anyone tried carbide grit, carbide tip, or titanium tipped bi-metal blades? These are just some examples of each bellow from Lenox, i have seen higher TPI carbide tipped blades than the ones in the link bellow that would be better suited for metal cutting. Just looking for some feedback to see if anyone has tried these with any success.
Thanks!
I am a retired tool and die maker and so I have done this before many times. A Sawzall will cut stainless like butter if you run it with a tool steel blades (high speed steel) with at least 2 teeth in the thickness being cut and be sure to use cutting oil while cutting and very slow motor speed (RPM) so as not to burn the blade. Let the blade do the cutting. Take your time the first time and you will do a nice job. I would think 18-20 teeth per inch would be a good blade for this job but 40 TPI would be perfect if they make them. Carbide blades work good too but once the carbide gets ripped off the blade you have to change it out for a new one. Lay out your cut accurately and follow the line. The example picture in this thread was done in haste and he did not have a line to follow. The keg needs to be secured to something so you can have both hands on the saw for good control. Bi-Metal blades are really good for this too. They are very tough blades.
__________________
Cheers,
WBC
Fermentor 1: Bill's House Ale II, Fermentor 2: German Helles, Fermentor 3: Bill's Schworzbier (Black Bier) Tap 1: Bill's House Ale II, Tap 2: German Hefewizen, Tap 3: Nut Brown Ale Future Brews: Stone IPA Clone, Blonde Ale, Budvar Clone, Newcastle Clone New toy: Blichmann 27 gallon fermentor
“If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging”
“Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment”
Use a grinder.
Use a grinder.
Use a grinder.
Use a grinder.
Really, it takes about fifteen minutes, tops. Use the rim of the keg to guide you around. Take a couple passes (I think I went around three times), and use the thin cutting disks (I think I only used one, maybe two). Couldn't be easier, and a lot easier to control, I think.
Cutting a Keggle
Man, I'm feeling seriously juvenile today... 
Linear Mode
