Storage Trailers - cutting in doors

[pmd]

Our club has just bought some new storage trailers (40' container).

For those that have cut in doors into storage tralers - what's the best tool?

(Note no access to torch or plasma cutter)

Sawzall? circular saw with carborundum blade?

Thanks!

Edited November 15, 2010 by pmd

[Jman]

Oh man!

If I were you I am doing some heavy searches in my area for a rental torch set-up.

Grinding that opening is...well, I ain't doing it

Good luck!

Jim

[AlamoShooter]

many of the places that you buy the containers from will make mods to them for you. probably even cut a door.

You most likely wan to install a new metal door and metal door frame = welded in place. you can get cutting rod for a stick welder = works OK for that kind of cut.

Any blade that you can put on a hand held saw will throw lots of metal and Carborundum off the blade. you will end up with a useless saw for nothing but rough work.

Renting a gas powered saw = that looks like a chain saw setup with 14" blades is the second best way other than -Renting a torch. you will need a leather jacket 'welding style ' as the hot metal on the bend at the elbow is not so fun , that is even if you use a saw

That kind of tool is what did the most damage to my hearing.

Good luck, after the first 1/2 of the first door you will see the price from the suppler is not so bad

just the blades for two doors will cost at least $30.00 min

the first 10 min with a sawsall will look like a great idea, untill you measer inches of cut per blade. and If I was to price cutting a door in with a sawsall I would include the cost of a new $120 saw, as they do not last long on that kind of cut. allso don't plan on shooting a big match a week or so after cutting the door.

you said in your post "Trailer" and all of us are thinking Shipping Container. If it is just an over the road trailer with tires the walls are easy to cut into. the outer skin is very thin and I would do most of the cut with a carbide circlular saw after I found and marked the ribs to avoid them and cut the rib frames with a metal sawsall blade the cut at the floor is the trick. with both kinds of units

Edited November 15, 2010 by AlamoShooter

[pmd]

Jamie,

Thanks for the reply - containers already delivered - so we'll need to do it at the range.

BTW - you've jogged my memory...forgot I actually own a 14" gas powered Sthil cutoff saw - I think I have a box of blades too.

I also have 9" angle grinder.

I'll let you know how it goes.

[warpspeed]

Jamie,

Thanks for the reply - containers already delivered - so we'll need to do it at the range.

BTW - you've jogged my memory...forgot I actually own a 14" gas powered Sthil cutoff saw - I think I have a box of blades too.

I also have 9" angle grinder.

I'll let you know how it goes.

I was going to suggest an angle grinder. They make quick work of this sort of thing.

[AlamoShooter]

Jamie,

Thanks for the reply - containers already delivered - so we'll need to do it at the range.

BTW - you've jogged my memory...forgot I actually own a 14" gas powered Sthil cutoff saw - I think I have a box of blades too.

I also have 9" angle grinder.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Cool thats a good saw. IF you can get some scafold set up so that you can make the top cuts with out standing on a ladder or having the saw above your chest level. It would be worth the set -up time on the scafold. Your going to like the saw more than the grinder so take the time for a good cut.

[Seth]

Plasma/ OxyFuel would definitely be my first choice, but since they're out, it depends on material thickness.

If its thin (< .0625") I'd use a SMALL angle grinder with a cutoff wheel. Small b/c its more manageable and less likely to get away from you. Otherwise the sawzall is the way to go. Big heavy grinders are going to be unwieldy and perhaps dangerous if it gets jammed and spins.

Be SUPER careful about clothing. I'd at least double on eye protection, hat, and the heavy form fitting. The chips and sparks are gonna be bad since you're working vertical.

Ick... Just thinking about doing this makes me want to rent oxyfuel.