Lca078
Hot Rolled
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2005
- Location
- San Antonio, TX
I need to cut off a welded track sprocket ring on a track loader (same undercarriage as a small Cat D4 Dozer from the 70's) and then weld on a new sprocket in the field. See the pics for a pic I found on the net to explain what it looks like. This isn't mine but it gives the idea.
I don't have easy access to an oxy-acetylene torch or plasma cutter that I can drag out to the field so I'm wondering if I can use a jigsaw with good blades to cleanly cut off the sprocket. I'd be cutting through old welds (no idea on the hardness) and trying to follow a gentle curve so I have a clean way to weld on the new ring. I'm pretty sure I can get into that space easily with my variable speed Bosch jigsaw (the good model where you have to use the long skinny screwdriver from the top to change blades) but have no idea what decent blades are available nowadays. I prefer not to use a grinder or other tool that can't follow the curves. If I can't use the jigsaw, I'll probably pay for a welder to come out and do it with a truck rigged for it. Am I missing any good ideas?
Welded thickness is between 3/8" to 1/2" depending on the weld-daubering. Each cut would be about 5" long x 9 per sprocket with 2 sprockets on the loader. That's 90" of cutting!
What are ya'll thoughts on this?
I don't have easy access to an oxy-acetylene torch or plasma cutter that I can drag out to the field so I'm wondering if I can use a jigsaw with good blades to cleanly cut off the sprocket. I'd be cutting through old welds (no idea on the hardness) and trying to follow a gentle curve so I have a clean way to weld on the new ring. I'm pretty sure I can get into that space easily with my variable speed Bosch jigsaw (the good model where you have to use the long skinny screwdriver from the top to change blades) but have no idea what decent blades are available nowadays. I prefer not to use a grinder or other tool that can't follow the curves. If I can't use the jigsaw, I'll probably pay for a welder to come out and do it with a truck rigged for it. Am I missing any good ideas?
Welded thickness is between 3/8" to 1/2" depending on the weld-daubering. Each cut would be about 5" long x 9 per sprocket with 2 sprockets on the loader. That's 90" of cutting!
What are ya'll thoughts on this?