What are the cutting options for a tank

[rich]

Hi, I'm a new welder and like this forum, some of the members are a little strange but inspiring never the less. No one in particular maybe just welders in general. I have an extra 20 gallon compressor tank and looking at some of your barbecue/smoker projects have inspired me to build one. I am the new owner of a MM180 and really like it but am still getting used to it. My questions is, what do I use to cut the door in the tank? I have a Bosch jig saw, can I use that and if so what kind of blade would I use. If they would work better I would not mind buying a reciprocating saw or a metal circular saw. A plasma cutter is out of the question right now. Thanks in advance for any advice you might have.
Rich

[KBar]

A grinder with a cutting wheel is going to give you the straightest cut. Before you do that, frame your door edge out with whatever you want to use to strengthen it, angle iron, flat, etc, just tack it fast, then you'll have an straight edge to follow when you go to cut your door in the tank.

[rich]

Thanks KBar and Ironhead. I'm not familiar with a "zip disk". Where would I find one? The wall thickness of the air compressor tank is fairly thick so I was not planning on framing the opening, big mistake? Thanks again.
Rich

[Camaro Zach]

Zip disc or cutting disc. Usually 4"-4 1/2" x +/-1/16" thick. They can be found at home depot, Lowes, Harbor Freight, and your local welding supply.

On the only pit I ever made I cut the side that the hinges go on first, welded the hinges on, and then cut the rest of the opening. That way I wasn't fighting the lid to get it to line back up after it was cut off.

[Chuck_050382]

I am currently in the process of building two pits. I cutt where the hinges go and then weld the hinges on and then cut the rest.

I have been using cut off wheels in the 4.5" grinder.

I think they are .045" thick. Buy a lot of them, they cut good, but once they start to go they go fast. I went through 6 of them saturday.

here are some pictures of the progress.





You can check out Share a Project for more information.

[Chuck_050382]

some more pictures

[Chuck_050382]

[Chuck_050382]

[KBar]

The wall thickness of the air compressor tank is fairly thick so I was not planning on framing the opening, big mistake?
Rich

If it is fairly thick, then I wouldn't worry about framing it out, just so it is thick enough not to warp once you start burning in it. I would weld the hinges on after the first cut though like Chuck said.

Oh and another thing, we would like to see pics as you progress

[dsmith]

Rich,
I would seriously consider a plasma cutter. I have an ESAB Plasma Cutter and works great! I have saved countless time in all my projects. Your limitations are very small compared to other cutting methods. After doing countless research on which Brand to go with, I found that ESAB was the best. Miller's is ok but pricey and not as user friendly as ESAB's. The other brands seem like junk. If you save enough money go with an ESAB. After all, They invented plasma cutting.