"43gpw" wrote:

Speaking of safety.....
My friend’s cousin had a grinding disc come apart and took some pieces in his abdominal area
Was only wearing a tee shirt, lucky he didn’t bleed out, ended up getting stitches
So Wear your leathers, worth it and a face shield, and gloves
Leathers are hot, but well worth it

Your absolutely correct!! those run at very high rpm. They can cut through a glove and your fingers before you know it! Hold on tight to those tools and use them cautiously.

"Neil" wrote:

Martin, I see there's a couple of different thicknesses in the 3M cutoff wheels - 035 and 050. How to make the choice? I'm going to need to work on my track frames like Gary did.

-i prefer the thinnest cutting disk i can find

I put the track frames on so I can start working on my blade assembly. I also put the fenders on so I can repair/replace anything that needs attention. Who ever mounted the winch was really fond of the cutting torch and hacked a lot of the fenders off. I'm also going to mount the radiator shroud to fabricate the canopy. After everything is fabricated and repaired I'll be disassembling everything for paint.

"Neil" wrote:

Thanks guys. Gary did you prefer the grinder to the gas axe?

The torch definitely has its place for cleaning up previously added on treasures but for cutting clean metal the cutting wheel really is the way to go.

Gary, it's been already said but I cant help but repeat it, those jackstands scare me.

Started doing some cosmetic repairs on the fenders. My metal fabricator friend is going to bend some new sections for the fender skins. Should have new pieces in next day or so. I will also be getting some steel to start on the blade mounts.

If you don't have have a parts manual for your winch.
This will have all the cut outs for the fenders. Hydraulic info and a lot of other useful stuff.
I have the crossover part numbers for most all the bearings and seals if you need them.

www.ebay.com/itm/HYSTER-CAT-D2N-Towing-W...p2060353.m1438.l2649


Just my 2 cents worth on metal cutting. I am by no means a metal fabricator but have learned through trial and mostly error. Gas torches have their place but are messy. Couldn't live without my 3M cutoff wheels but by far my plasma torch is a great "go to" tool when cutting metal. Not very expensive but a good investment in my opinion.

Have a good day...……...Bill

"Neil" wrote:

Now that I think about it, a chop saw with a steady for the work piece would be even more "dial-in-able". Hmmm, potential for a new tool to add to the collection....

I had an abrasive chop saw, gave ok cuts but very messy and you're limited by what will fit in the saw. I have a metal cutting band saw that I like a lot better. If I was going to spend money I would go for the plasma cutter. But I'm not one to discourage a new tool purchase.