I have an application coming up that will require cutting 3/4" aluminum rods, and I'm wondering what the most suitable tool might be. The rods will each be upright in an approximately 12" diameter hole in the ground, and I need to cut them off a few inches below ground level. The cuts don't have to be pretty, but I'd like them not to be angled much. The upper 4' of the rods won't be supported, so I'll be using vice grips or similar to restrain them during the cutoff operation.
In the past I've used a hacksaw, but it's pretty tough slogging, and this time around I'll have about 30 or so to cut, so am searching for a solution that requires less elbow grease.
I tried an abrasive wheel in a die grinder, but it was pretty slow. Any better suggestions?
Thanks.