Safety when cutting drum barrel

[qwertyjjj]

I have 2 old drum barrels that I want to cut to make a smoker out of 1 (55gal) and a mini propane BBQ out of the other (10gallon).
The 55 gl only had coconut milk in it and has been washed out. The 10gl had some kind of almond oil in it.
Do you fill them up with water and then cut? I have an angle grinder but maybe a jigsaw with metal blade would be easier?
How do you avoid the water getting onto the blades/cutting tools?

 

[daveomak]

If you are making an UDS, below is a plan for a closed top drum...    You don't need to leave water in them when cutting....    Rinse them out after the cut... 

...click on pics to enlarge.....

UDS LIDS 2.jpg

• daveomak
• May 8, 2016

UDS sealed top.jpg

• daveomak
• May 8, 2016

 

[qwertyjjj]

I'm making a horizontal type smoker. Thought I'd heard that some barrels with old oil on could ignite from a spark if enclosed?

 

[daveomak]

Almond oil ???  

Below are the smoke points....   as the article states, flash points are much higher....

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoke_point

 

[qwertyjjj]

Maybe oregano oil... did say on the side but they label's gone now

 

[qwertyjjj]

What temperature is a spark off a grinder against metal running into fumes or oil?

 

[daveomak]

What temperature is a spark off a grinder against metal running into fumes or oil?

Never happen....   vapor pressure of those oils won't allow it....  they need to be "smoking"....  literally smoking in a skillet at 400 deg. or higher.... 

 

[dirtsailor2003]

As Dave has pointed out those oils aren't going t flash. If you are still concerned fill the barrels with Dawn dish soap and water. Allow to sit for a few days then empty. Then cut. I'd use a grinder, not a jig saw.

 

[qwertyjjj]

Can't a grinder pinch between the metal and kickback? Especially at the top of barrel where the lip is thicker?

 

[dirtsailor2003]

Can't a grinder pinch between the metal and kickback? Especially at the top of barrel where the lip is thicker?

There's always that risk when cutting anything even with a saw...