Thermite

[rthibeau]

Originally Posted by Ice Czar

But the blanket warning of "don't do that" around here is beginning to rub the wrong way.

Incomplete or inaccurate information is worse than being told "Don't Do That!" because you would be encouraging dangerous activity and providing an opportunity for misunderstanding/misapplying that info. Contributing to disastrous consequences would indeed be "rubbing the wrong way".

[Ice Czar]

then we should strive for accuracy?

it wasn't particularly your post that got me riled up
we do alot of dangerous things around here, thermite is but another
the injuries just as disasterous as improperly using a powerhammer

its easier to scare with information than it is to scare with a blanket denial

[ThomasPowers]

Funny a friend at NM Tech was just telling me about their chemistry lab yesterday which was refining Mn and another element using thermite. They had trouble getting it started too and had to borrow a torch from the Geology lab folks. Of course high winds made it hard to light the Mg.

Some of the Sprues from RR rail welding will harden, some of them look like wootz when forged at low temps due to the coarse crystallization. Some don't.

[welder19]

Buy a torch, not only will you be able to cut this piece of angle iron but you will a one of the most valuable tools for steel work, however make sure you either take a class or find someone who knows how to use a oxy/acet torch to give you a couple lessons on how to use it.
Oxy/acet can be very dangerous if misused or used by someone who doesn't know how to use them.
Just my oppinon, but as far as the thermite goes....I have know idea, and sounds like you know just enough to get into trouble with it....so if you going to continue to play with it be careful and try to learn more before you try again.

welder19

[Alan B]

I have welded rail road rails with thermite and I can tell you it is nasty stuff. Unless the iron you are wanting to cut is at least an inch thick I believe I would seek out another alternative. If you are set on using thermite, one way to control the flow of molten metal is to place the thermite in a clay pot with a weep hole in the bottom. This will allow the molten metal to flow down and through the piece below it. Please use great care.

[Marc]

Could the original post maybe be some kind of troll??

[matt87]

I'm curious just how thick this angle iron is... a proper hacksaw, a decent blade tensioned properly and a vise will help you cut surprisingly thick iron. Just use proper technique, don't go too fast, and take breaks if neccesary.

[jeremy k]

When no power is available - I've used the old trusty "hand hacksaw" takes time but you can get it done if needed. Don't forget about the simple tools - not saying they are easy - just simple:-). - JK

[woodwalker]

Originally Posted by habu68

Also check with local law enforcement, possession of a pyrotechnic device may be frowned upon.

BAH! I live in talbot county, georgia, and there are crack-XXX houses on the street that I live on. The sheriff has gotten in two or three alcohol-induced accidents. I doubt that a bit of thermite will matter.

The angle iron is about half an inch thick, but is really long, so I cant hot cut it in my forge, nor transport it 20 miles to my friends house (he has a welder with cutting head). I followed a few safety procedures when I tried (my leather apron, gloves), and I put the piece in question in the yard.

I might be 18, but I generally think things out (or over think them).

[habu68]

Originally Posted by matt87

Standard blacksmith's answer: get it hot and hit it! Can't realy hurt to try I guess, supposing you observe suitable safety precautions for working an unknown material (full face mask, good ventilation, bucket of sand etc.).

That was the first plan when I picked up the sprues two years ago....dang I hate having to work for a living....