plasma cutting rims/ safe or not?

[jimmy101]

I found a set of very used 16.9 x 26 r1's on the rims. The rims have a solid center and I do beleive the came directly of the tractor. Now I have not bought these yet ,but, I was thinking that if i do, how could  I lighten them up.  Soo... I was thinking about using a plasme cutter and a template. Now even though the plasma would be cooler than a torch, it seems to me that even with the valve stem open, the tire may build enough pressure to explode.  That would make for a bad day real quick.  Then  I thought about building a silicone damn around the template and filling it ( maybe 1/2" deep) with water to keep the rim cool while  burning inside the template. I do have a digital thermometer with a probe that is small  enough to fit inside the valve stem to monitor any increase in temp. I think it may have come from h.f. and is called a "TES-1310" .  What do you guys and gals do to cut your centers . 

[Jthomas]

I think with the valve stem removed you will be fine...

Just don't spend forever on 1 rim. Make a couple cuts on one, then move to the other.


I could be wrong though.

[jimmy101]

it is about 5 hours after i posted this thread. I just ran across a you tube video that has made my mind up for me. If I buy these tires I will break them down before I cut on them. I do not know how to link the video to this thread but it was called "welding on truck wheels".  If some one knows how to link this video, please do. It also looks like it could qualify for a safety sticky. I am voting that my original idea is not safe and should not be tried. 

[MR NASTY]

[marshall]

I would cut them with the tires still on, no problem.

[Merc09]

That video should be called "how to dismount a tire" lmao

[Jthomas]

Welding on a wheel and plasma cutting are two very different things. Plasma cutting is so fast, only the area around the cut gets hot.

When welding, you risk warping everything from the heat.

You wouldn't have to dismount the tire, just seperate the bead from the rim if you were worried about an 'explosion'

[MR NASTY]

I'd just take out the valve stem core and you won't have a issue. Must of the cutting will be towards the center and not the bead area.

[jimmy101]

Yep, thats the video.
I am not going to lie,  that made me nervous!   
I actually jumped in my chair!

jthomas , yes,thats what I ment. I would just break the  bead from the rim.

After listening to the narrator 3-4 times, I dont think the valve would release enough pressure fast enough if something were to go wrong. IDK. Call me a and make me wear pink shorts, I dont care. I would rather be humiliated for  awhile  than try to acquire my pilots license to heaven like the dummy in the video.

[michigan maniac]

It's better to be safe then sorry, do it what ever way you are comfortable with, and feel the safest

[mudbillyredneck]

It's better to be safe then sorry, do it what ever way you are comfortable with, and feel the safest

and then post a video ....:]

[BigFrank]

my bud cut the centers out of mine  with a plasma  about a 12 inch circle  n/p he was done before all the air came out of the valve stem   I did 4 others with the torch  with no air in em no problem cut and welded together

[jimmy101]

cool, some one who has actually done it.  I thought I might be over thinking this abit. But like mighigan maniac said" it's better to be safe".  If I do acquire these tires and rims, I will be sure to post a video of the ceners being cut out for sure.

my bud cut the centers out of mine  with a plasma  about a 12 inch circle  n/p he was done before all the air came out of the valve stem   I did 4 others with the torch  with no air in em no problem cut and welded together

[mudboggincrazy]

when i put centers in my rims i removed the valve stem..i used a torch to cut out old centers and welded in the new centers but i took my time at both. weld for about 5mins and let it cool as i welded on a different rim same with cuttin old out did a few cuts on 1 them cut on a different 1 then back to the other..biggest thing i can say is just take ur time and do it as u feel safe at doing it.......

[EvilWays]

I cut the centers out of mine with a plasma and welded new ones in and cut the chevy bowtie with a plasma cutter with the valve core out no problems!!

[Hammerlane]

Watch the video again..
I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN TO ME!!!!  due to a brake fire...
if you have never had a tire explode right next to you...

I PROMISE... you do NOT want that to happen.

Do as you wish.

[BigFrank]

Watch the video again..
I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN TO ME!!!!  due to a brake fire...
if you have never had a tire explode right next to you...

I PROMISE... you do NOT want that to happen.

Do as you wish.

not trying too bee  a smart a$$  but in the video there was air in the tire ??  is that what causes it or from the tire burning from inside??  don't know soo I ask lol

[marshall]

That tire had 350 psi in it

[84silverado]

im just throwing in my 2 cents since this is still ongoing but personaly ive done 6 18.4-26 tractors, all had solid rims. used the plasma cutter to cut out the center, then cut the centers out of some old killer split rim budd wheels. i didnt let the air out, nor did i even worry about it. welded in the centers the moment i got done cutting everything. never had any problems.

my dad also when i was just home on leave last week cut the centers out of the 13.50-6.1 tractors and it didnt even bother them., even when he welded the centers in alil while after.

[jimmy101]

That tire had 350 psi in it

No,  that is what the internal temp built up to before it exploded. Heat will build pressure. Even with the valve stem open, the air temp in the tire could be heated faster than what the valve could release causing the tire to build pressure and explode.
The same princable applies to the hot water tank in your house, if your pressure releif valve does not work it will explode if temps are to high.

Also , I would assume that a 6 ply would not hold as much pressure as an 8 or 10 ply tire.

Its all food for thought.