I'm thinking about buying a cutting torch i think it would speed things up for me is it worth it
- cutting torch
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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I'm thinking about buying a cutting torch i think it would speed things up for me is it worth it
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
Absolutely worth it...........I wouldn't even THINK of going out without mine. I have a Victor torch and use acetylene. I don't process to short iron as a rule and only use it to reduce a machine to size for easy loading on a trailer. If you're into hauling the bigger stuff, it's a necessity. Quite often I have to torch off an overhanging piece of iron after I'm loaded. If your routine is hand items, it might be cheaper to go with a cut-off saw and a hand held grinder/cutter. It all depends on what you're processing.
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1. Are you ready for a torch.
A torch is a very dangerous tool not a toy to have fun with. I have 50 yrs of experience and in that 50 yrs ,with cautious behavior, I burned down a corn field, a car, and half a guys yard.
2. I don't recommend buying a small set (the ones with the little 1 foot tall tanks, you will run out of oxygen every time just before your finished.
3. every one would like to have one but do you NEED one at this point. decent ones are expensive and thats only the beginning the tank set up is really expensive. Buy from craigs list.
4. A $20 angle grinder will do most any thing any smaler volume scrapper will come across.
Just my .02
"anyone who thinks scrappin is easy money ain't doin it right!"
So you burned down half a guy? or half his yard ? LOL... Its raining here as well...Originally Posted by olddude
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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Whats your time worth / your labor rate?
How much time will you save using the torch vs other means?
How much increase will you net by delivering prepared material as oppose to unprepared?
How much will a torch cost you upfront?
What are the operating costs of the torch?
Basic questions you should be able to answer
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From this perspective it depends how long you will be scrapping. Long term with large metal, it will pay for itself. Short term with sheet metal, waste of money.
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listen to what 76 has to say, I've met him on the job. This man is a "superscrapper". He knows what he's doing.
Weren't you the one complaining about having to borrow a trailer? I'd buy a trailer before I bought a torch. Seems to me you have more time than material, so a torch isn't what you need at this point.
Grab a $20 grinder at Harbor Freight and a pack of cutoff wheels. A face shield would be nice. At minimum eye goggles, and also gloves. I like their "mechanic" gloves.
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I second what Idaho has to say, a young man who has to borrow a ride to take his scrap in has no real use for a torch set.
Maybe a sawzall and if you had a car then an inverter big enough to run the sawzall or grinder. That's all I've used with the misc. scrap I pick up.
P & M Recycling - Specializing in E-Waste Recycling.
If you enjoy your freedom, thank a vet.
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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I just wanted a torch for heavier stuff that's hard on the sawzall
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It sounds like revisiting your business plan is in order. If you have the equipment and materials, you may not need to prepare your metal.
My plan required all profits be reinvested into the business. Went from a cutting wheel and truck to a torch, trailer, and added heavy equipment. Still growing because profits are still invested into the process.
Paying cash for all equipment, admitting you are poor until you retire, and not retiring until you die will make you a successful scrapper.
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I predict a bonfire (unplanned) in the near future,,,,if the torch is bought.
What kind of big stuff do you run into to warrant a torch?? Those things are not toys.
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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If you are think of getting a cutting torch, I'd suggest a Plasma cutter.
They are pretty safe compaired to gas torches and grinders.
You will need a compressor as well, but these days they are cheap and a investment.
I dunno how old you are though.
Grinders, used properly, are fantastic. But there's a lot to know about using them first. Soooo much to know.
To me its all basic common sense, and a bit of learning.
But I have seen people do everything possible wrong. Stuff I couldn't even think up.......
Gas torch, well that's a big boys tool, for big boys jobs, and you allways need to have a 'TA' around as well.
A 'TA' is a 'Tradesmans assistant'. If you ain't a Tradesman, well scratch having a assistant and having a gas torch.....
Yep, I have seen a few things go wrong with others using gas torches. Basic stuff too.
Plasma, its neat, its cheap to use, its a great tool and a great investment.
Just don't 'strike' it in mid air. Make sure its got a good earth and avoid blow back into the tip and the parts will last longer.
In my case, 8 times longer...... (I was working on a job, they blew out the tip, one of only two we had, in a hour. "That's how long they last" they said. I made the second tip last all day. They blew it out within a hour the day after.....)
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I haul computer cases in sometimes. They're a box shape, with a lot of hollow space. I can still pack them in tight enough. The large stuff is where you need a torch.
In this case, a torch would do me no good at all. You only need to break things down if they can't fit in your truck or trailer. You don't have a truck or trailer. I'd get one first. You'll know your spacial requirements, then, and will know what needs to be broken down.
This load of cases scaled at 1260 pounds.
If you're real tight on money, I'd still recommend a pickup box trailer. Mine was only $200 worth of services I traded.
Then, you'll know if you need a torch.
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