Replacing cutting edge on LA211

[dlsmith]

The cutting edge on the bucket is worn pretty badly on my LA211. Apparently the previous owner used it a lot.
Looking it over, it appears the top surface, inside the bucket is skip welded about 50% of the width of the bucket. The underside looks to be continuously welded from one side to the other.
It looks like its going to be a LOT of work with a disc grinder to cut all the welds, rather than using a torch.
After I replace the original cutting edge, I'm going to get a straight cutting edge to bolt to the bottom of it, like Specialty Repairs sells, or Piranha Straight Bar from BXpanded.
While I'm at it, I'm thinking about fabbing up a spill guard too.

Any tips or advice on removing the cutting edge with the least amount of angst?

 

[rentthis]

I find these to be handy for that kind of work. Cut it off and then use a regular grinding wheel to smooth it down. https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW806...547138502&sr=8-4&keywords=4+1/2+cut+off+wheel

I also use a plasma cutter to blow off the weld. Much cooler process than a torch. With the bottom being welded all the way, the plasma cutter or an arc gouger should be quicker.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Forget the gas axe. Use a plasma cutter and gouge the welds off. Much quicker and less messy. What I did with mine last year.

 

[SidecarFlip]

Harbor Freight is cheaper on abrasive cut off wheels. Made in China as well. (just like the DeWalt ones)

 

[SidecarFlip]

Put it in the back of your pickup truck and drive it up here, I'll let you use my HyperTherm 85 amp plasma.

 

[rentthis]

Harbor Freight is cheaper on abrasive cut off wheels. Made in China as well. (just like the DeWalt ones)

I use the cheap ones too. No difference that I can see. You make Dismith a great offer to lend him your plasma cutter. To get there, he will have to drive past a bunch of rental store that offer them for less that $100.00 per day. What he is doing shouldn't take much over an hour. I had to get in some rental propaganda.

 

[SidecarFlip]

My Hypertherm severs 1.5" and clean cuts 1". I have the gouging head. Much easier than a gas axe. Never knew you could rent them. Mine is 240 3 phase.

Guess you can rent about anything today...

 

[dlsmith]

Actually I have a Hypertherm Powemax 1000 plasma cutter, I have only used it to cut plate and tubing so far, I haven't tried to gouge out welds with it yet. I might practice on some scrap to see how to do that. It scares me for using it on the bucket, because it will cut through 1/4" plate like nothing.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Tack weld a heavy piece of angle iron across the entire bucket behind the cutting edge before you cut off to keep the front from warping all over the place.

I don't bother cutting the old edges off, I just bolt on a new edge underneath it, way less abuse and no chance of destroying the bucket.