Right Tool for Cutting Old Tires?

[SteveHGraham]

I read somewhere that you can make good foot pads for an air compressor by cutting chunks out of a tire. I threw an old tire out this weekend, thinking I didn't have the tool to cut it. Then I remembered the sawzall attachment on my Jobmax, and I felt stupid.

I got another tire and tried the Jobmax on it, and I succeeded in cutting a shallow groove 1/2" long.

I decided to try the grinder and cutoff wheel, and it worked. But I got black blobs of goo on myself and my tools (and the floor), and the house smells like a fire at a Goodyear factory.

Is there a "right" tool for this job, or is it just a stupid idea?

Saved like twenty bucks. Hooray, I guess.

[warmstrong1955]

I use a sharp knife, WD40, and give it a bend. Just like skinnin'. The bend is the important part, so it opens up as you cut.
Same as what you do for conveyor belt, or slicin' the cover off of GGC or S/O cable.

Bill

[curtis cutter]

I use these under my compressors. I have an upright in the shop and in the barn.

http://new.grainger.com/product/4C988?c ... c=IDPTSZ12

[SteveHGraham]

You push a knife through steel belts and vulcanized rubber?

[SteveHGraham]

In case anyone else is dumb enough to do this, mineral spirits dissolves the mess instantly. Then you can clean it up with soapy water and a mop you don't mind losing.

[SteveHGraham]

This just proves I need a Rotozip.

[warmstrong1955]

You push a knife through steel belts and vulcanized rubber?

can't tell from your pic that it's steel......

If I was going to grab a tire to cut up, it would not be a steel belted radial. Bet if you ran down to your local tire store, they'd give you something that's steel free....for nuthin'.

If you're cutting rubber....a bias ply tire, conveyer belt, electrical cable....whatever....you don't push the knife through it. You bend the tire, give it some lube, and slice it open. Just like skinnin'.

Carve up a steel belted radial? Have at it..... not something that's worth the trouble to me.

Bill

[SteveHGraham]

So the key to this thing is tire choice.

[Bill_Cook]

After watching the feet skating in and out and grinding into the floor I made this base out of treated 2X6's. The offset loading on the feet isn't working the tank and welds now. If it was an industrial model it probably wouldn't have been an issue. Rubber feet would add a nice touch.

The next compressor project is to adapt a diesel tractor air filter cartridge to it. Without the cover holding the stock filter in place the air flow sucks it tight to the base. A bigger filter will let it breath easier, and filter more thoroughly. Longer cleaning intervals would also be a plus

[warmstrong1955]

So the key to this thing is tire choice.

YES!

[SteveHGraham]

I wiped the sludge off the pieces I cut out and put them in the dishwasher. Looks like they work now.

[warmstrong1955]

I wiped the sludge off the pieces I cut out and put them in the dishwasher. Looks like they work now.

Mmmmm..... I think I read something about all this.......

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