Jaws of life vs cage

SPARKY · February 26, 2011, 06:51:09 PM

I know that I have read cautions about gussets or something in reguard to helping the safty crew help you but I am not finding it. Anyone remember?

Ron Gibson · February 27, 2011, 03:20:18 PM

Sparky
IIRC that was about sheeting or plating the top of the cage like top fuel does. With it plated they have trouble getting the jaws in the right place to sever the bars to get you out.

Ron

SPARKY · February 27, 2011, 07:19:38 PM

makes sense---thanks

Dr Goggles · February 27, 2011, 07:34:52 PM

The cab of our car is plated in completely but there is a line around the front of the cage where there is clear access for this very reason.

mkilger · February 27, 2011, 09:23:06 PM

don't completely plate your cage at the shoulder hoop I (we) will have a hard time getting you out. If you put in a 4in gusset like the rule book tells you the safety guys should be able to cut the cage off just above these gussets, also dont plate in over your legs.

Bob Drury · February 27, 2011, 10:00:42 PM

Not to take away from the Jaws of Life, but with the new 18 volt battery sawsalls, with a good blade they are just about as fast.............. good to have both when needed.
I know the plates on the Top Fuelers are Titanium. Has anyone ever cut Titanium with a saw blade? I was just wondering how hard it is compared to mild steel.

Tman · February 28, 2011, 03:30:25 PM

Quote from: Bob Drury on February 27, 2011, 10:00:42 PM
Not to take away from the Jaws of Life, but with the new 18 volt battery sawsalls, with a good blade they are just about as fast.............. good to have both when needed.
I know the plates on the Top Fuelers are Titanium. Has anyone ever cut Titanium with a saw blade? I was just wondering how hard it is compared to mild steel.

You will wear out your blade before getting through.

Bob Drury · February 28, 2011, 03:42:49 PM

Tman, thanxs.................Bob

Glen · February 28, 2011, 04:22:59 PM

SCTA has two types of roll bar cutters, porta band saws , hydraulic spreaders and other extraction equipment. I have cut off a lot of roll bars when I was on the ERT team. Like Mike said don't weld plates all the way across the upper cage tubes or the shoulder bar. Sparky did you get the picture I sent to you?

One other thing is tools and saws that cause sparks are not a good idea is there has been a fuel spill into the driveing compartment.

Seldom Seen Slim · February 28, 2011, 04:46:03 PM

Glen sent along this photo, and I'll also include his comments:

"This is the type of cage that is welded 100% and will not let a roll bar cutter access to cut the bars off. The entire cage is welded solid with the steel plate all around it. Glen"

mkilger · March 01, 2011, 09:04:52 PM

thanks glen, let pray we dont have to use them at speedweek this year ya.

SPARKY · March 02, 2011, 06:41:53 AM

Glen, yes I did---thanks--is there a rule of thumb on how much open space between the tube joint and "Miss Gussie"

Glen · March 02, 2011, 07:54:45 AM

Sparky, we would like 3" to allow the jaws to be inserted to cut the tube. I would like the side plates to be bolted in much like the top fuel cars use.

SPARKY · March 02, 2011, 10:59:21 AM

side plates

jdincau · March 02, 2011, 11:19:00 AM

Quote from: SPARKY on March 02, 2011, 10:59:21 AM
side plates

The titanium shields on the outside of the cage that keeps the supercharger/injector/magneto/spark plugs and other incidental missiles form shrapneling the driver when the lump grenades.

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Jaws of life vs cage