Using angle grinder to remove a porch post metal shoe query

hi,

I have a rotting porch post which slots into a 4x4 steel shoe/tube made from 5mm thick steel. I need to remove the shoe.

I was thinking of buying a Bosch 115mm angle grinder to cut off and grind down the metal so it is level with the existing adjacent paving slabs if it cannot be pulled out easily.

I've never used an angle grinder before and I have studied a number of youtube videos including ones covering safety.

My question is can I use a metal 'slitting' disc (eg. sold by my local Toolstation) to cut through the 5mm thick steel, or should I use a thicker metal cutting disc?

How close to the ground level can I safely use such a cutting disc?

I'm aware I will need to use a separate grinding disc to grind down the remaining metal.

Thanks in advance.

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Why are you removing the shoe?

I think I'd go for a 3mm cutting disc to cut the shoe off - they are stronger than the very thin 1mm discs. Maybe it's an idea to allow the grinder to rest on the floor for cutting, rather than angling the tool to get closer to the concrete.
Once the shoe has gone, it can be ground away using a normal 6mm thick grinding disc.
John

Both discs will do the job, the thinner will just be less on producing sparks and cut cooler but wear quicker, and if not to steady with the hand can shatter easier, so IMO use the thicker ones, aslong as you can get all around the pipe you will be fine, dont force the disc in, let the disc do the cut, you will tell if the grinder starts to sound slower as if it working harder, which is what it will be doing. i would cut it on an angle to get as close as you are comfortable with, then grind back, i could cut it back to the base easy a sits not very hard, even for the novice but it depends on how confident you are.

If you are worried about it snatching, then do as said by Burnerman, it will leave you with about 18mm to grind back.
Either way take it slow and you will be fine, its not a sbad as folk make out and show on there cock ups on you tube.

I would cut all four corners vertically down to the ground then bash the metal down flat outwards to give you better access to cut the rest off close to the ground.

foxhole said:

Why are you removing the shoe?

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I'm exploring whether I can replace the existing post and fitting a stand-off post base by myself otherwise I will hire a builder. I suppose I should post a query in a different section of this forum regarding my porch post.


Thank you to everyone for advice on using angle grinder. I have used power tools such as circular saw and routers on timber, but never on a tougher material such as steel.