Cutting 18 gauge stainless and expanded steel

[fwismoker]

I don't have many metal fabrication tools and want to make a few mods to some grills and smokers.  Would an angle grinder be able to cut 18 gauge steel and maybe some angle iron?  I need to cut a piece maybe 20x8 piece.   Another question is what kind of drill bit could i use to drill  through a kettle grill wall? 

Thanks.

 

[beaummiler]

yes a cut off wheel will do fine they have differnt grades of them i have cut 1/4" with mine no prob and a carbide drill bit will take you a long way

 

[rob989_69]

You'll want a step bit for the kettle grill. I'd also recommend taping the area you're going to drill to have some added protection against paint chipping.

For metal cutting, yes a grinder would work with a cutoff blade. Might not be the easiest but it'll work.

 

[rob989_69]

Here's what I'm talking about.

http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=256287011

Bit more control for different depths.

 

[fwismoker]

Thanks guys, looks like a trip to Harbor Freight is in order!

 

[bruno994]

I have used with success a 7 1/4" abrasive metal cut off disc on my skill saw.  Works great for cutting thinner metalks and the 3/4 x 9 flat expanded metal for cooking grates and such.

 

[daveomak]

FWI, morning....  When ordering the cut off wheels, order the thin wheel..... It will cut with less resistance..... They are more delicate but do cut easier...   And be sure to check the RPM speed of the wheel vs. the RPM of your angle grinder..... You don't want the wheel exploding on a grinder that spins too fast....      Dave

Check these out...

http://www.harborfreight.com/pack-of-10-thin-4-inch-cut-off-wheels-for-metal-96539.html

 

[bruno994]

FWI, morning....  When ordering the cut off wheels, order the thin wheel..... It will cut with less resistance..... They are more delicate but do cut easier...   And be sure to check the RPM speed of the wheel vs. the RPM of your angle grinder..... You don't want the wheel exploding on a grinder that spins too fast....      Dave

Check these out...

http://www.harborfreight.com/pack-of-10-thin-4-inch-cut-off-wheels-for-metal-96539.html

Excellent advice there Dave.  Safety first!  If you have a miter saw, they work great with one of the metal cut off discs as well, especially for cutting tubing, angle iron and the like..