Trying to cut frame welded to connectors

[Doug1]

I need to cut the sub-frame loose from the DSE weld in connectors. I need a cutoff wheel that will reach deep enough to cut the top of the frame rail. THe floor is only about 1" away so I don't want to use a torch on it. A 7" cutoff wheel on a grinder hits the top but doesn't quite go through it.

I've got the side and top cut. Next time I'll bolt the subframe to the connectors rather then weld it. lol

Any ideas to cut through the rail without hitting the floor other than a cutoff wheel? If I can find a 9" wheel locally I can most likely get through it okay.

[Build-It-Break-it]

Potable bandsaw? Or reciprocating saw? Most bandsaws cut about 4"deep but space might be tight. You figure a 7"cut off wheel only cuts about 3 1/2" deep.

[Doug1]

Originally Posted by Build-It-Break-it

Potable bandsaw? Or reciprocating saw? Most bandsaws cut about 4"deep but space might be tight. You figure a 7"cut off wheel only cuts about 3 1/2" deep.

3 1/2" would be plenty but you really only get about 2 - 1/2" since the machine housing is in the way. Can't get a reciprocating saw or band saw flat enough against the bottom to not hit the floor, since it has 1/2 height subframe connectors on it. The 7" cutoff wheel on a grinder just hits the bottom of the top of the rail but not enough to go through it.

I'm going with a skill saw and 7" blade to see if I can get that little extra depth and if that won't reach the top of the rail from the bottom, then I'm going to just have to go get a 9" grinder and cutoff wheel.

From now on, I'm making 1/8" steel plates for either side of the rails and bolting through those.