Cutting Metal Tank

DatsunDog

I have a very large metal water tank in my loft. Today I used my reciprocating saw to cut the tank and after 30 minutes I had a blunt blade and cut about half of an inch into the tank.

Can someone give me some advice on what would be the best tool to use for the job. My reciprocating saw get through everything but it doesn't seem to be up to this job.

Any advice would be appreciated.

phill99

Yu would be better with and angle grinder. Much more powerful. Use a metal cutting disc. Wear protective glasses and be prepared to make a lot of mess, but it will do the job.

DatsunDog

I am worried about creating sparks as the last thing I want is a fire in my loft.

andyhop

reciprocating saw with decent blades or a nibbler

would never consider using a grinder in the roof space, timbers will be as dry as sticks and could only take a few sparks before the whole lot goes up in flames

garethgas

Whilst I agree with the above posters regarding a fire risk, if you take sensible precautions I don't see any major problems.
In the past I've cut a few up using an angle grinder/disc cutter. I used an old dampened dust sheet, good lighting, well prepared working area and cut it near the loft hatch. Turn and cut the tank so that you aim the sparks into the dust sheet.
Take a small bowl of water up with you so if you see a stray spark glowing, you can deal with it without a drama.
Cut for a minute then check for sparks each time.
Also, take a small fire extinguisher up there so you'll feel more reassured.
This is not ideal but it worked for me on quite a few occasions without any problems and the more aware and prepared you are the better.

capeverde

nonsense posts about taking a grinder into the loft, the sparks bounce everywhere and you would also have to change angles a lot. One of the most stupid suggestions Ive heard. If you cant get it out whole through the existing hatch, either take the opportunity to make yourself a bigger hatch or leave it where it is.

amcluesent

Hire an acetylene torch and run the supply lines through the loft hatch, that'll chop up the tank in a jiffy

paulsad

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/evolution-1802-metal-cutting-circ-saw-/path/metal-cutters-shears-folders-formers

irnbru_2

DatsunDog wrote: »

Can someone give me some advice on what would be the best tool to use for the job.

I did this about 6 years ago on a cold water tank and used a Jigsaw with a metal blade. The tank must have been installed at construction time as it could never have fitted through the hatch.

ormus

get the right saw blade for the job and itll be simple enough.
its the blade thats important not so much the actual tool used.

DatsunDog

Thanks I will try my saw again but this time with another blade. The metal blade I have is obviously just not up to the job.