Your nc30 needs a convection deck

Yep, that long cut was finished with the sawzall and I think a bi-metal blade.

 

I use to cut all tube n pipe with a sawzall till, I had a big job and got my metal chop saw

 

I got a cut-off saw from my FIL, but I think it's missing something. I'd have to look at it again.

 

Cool

 

Glad to see I am not the only one adding a convection deck this summer. After all the great advice and instructions on here I started mine.



Looks like me and papadave are about at the same spot! I just ordered an ac30 fan brand new for $100 so waiting on that to arrive to finish her up. Cant wait to see the difference this year

 

It's a convection deck epidemic!
That's looking good capetownkg . Didn't wanna' go all overkill on the thickness, eh?
I'll be working on mine a little today, between other stuff. Are those self tappers into the tube stock? Did you predrill the sheet?
Mine will need that, then I may countersink also.
You got a good deal on that blower, and you'll appreciate how well it moves the air.

 

I think its fairly thick, i went with 16 gauge steel. The screws are self tapping i didnt predrill at all. Im not as worried about overall look since mine is slammed back into the fireplace. Just need to get the back section screwed together and wait for the blower. I followed highbeam instructions and its been great so big thanks to him.

 

Had a little time today to grind the top piece, and get the 1st couple coats of paint on.
I'm gonna' need another can of paint.

 

Lookin good

 

I think I'm cursed.
Anyway, these supposed metal cutting blades are wearing out faster than I do. By a lot, and I wear out pretty fast.
Two blades didn't even make the semi-circle cut in the back plate. I'm gonna' go buy 3 more, just to make sure I can get this done. The plan was to do that today by getting it filed down, cleaned, and painted. I found another can of hi-temp paint I forgot I bought. Yay me.
So far...convection deck 3, me 1 (I'm not really keeping score, just taking poetic license to make a point).
I'm losing the battles, but I'll win the war. By gosh, or by golly.

 

What blades are you using exactly?

 

Well, I have these wood cutting blades..........
Bi-metal, metal cutting blades. Only decent ones I can find, unless maybe I order online.
Not a metal worker here, so I don't have much experience cutting this "soft" HRS.
Is there an alternative that's gooder?

 

Oh ,you will win the battle it's only a matter of time, and a little more money

 

No cutting fluid. Will that keep the blades from dulling so quick?
Again, complete metal newb here.
Will WD40 or the like work?

 

WD40 would be better than no oil but some light weight oil would be better. Even some of your wife's canola or vegetable oil would work. Of course you know you will have to get that oil cleaned off well before you paint.

 

Like LP said, WD-40 is better than nothing, but I tend to use motor oil if I don't have any actual cutting oil (which works the best)
I'd recommend bi-metal blades, about 18 TPI, take it slow, don't push the saw too hard, especially on the curves...and plenty of oil

 

Yeah, I know Ray......
I don't have any "cutting oil". Might be able to find some tomorrow.
The blades were bi-metal 21TPI.
Had some others in a couple different packs that said they were metal blades. Nope, not this metal.