Cutting tool
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Cutting tool
Can anyone give me some information on what they have found works best for cutting sheet metal. Want to replace floor pan, and panels. Understand tig is one of better methods of cutting sheet metal but not in my budget at this time. Have a disc sander, but from my limited experience, not sure can make the cuts that precice. I have an air compressor with 6-7 cfm capacity.
Any suggestions would be appreciated,
Thanks,
dave
Any suggestions would be appreciated,
Thanks,
dave
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,495
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From: Northwest Fl
I use one like in this link, they work great on sheetmetal and you can use them to cut circles with no problem.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...itemnumber=113
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...itemnumber=113
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 999
Likes: 1
From: Willamette Valley Oregon
<cr>
A die grinder w/cutting disk works for me
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=36572
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=1103
A die grinder w/cutting disk works for me
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=36572
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=1103
Last edited by Aekisu; Jun 10, 2004 at 01:59 PM.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,848
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From: Kentucky
I use a Dewalt 4 inch electric angle grinder at work to cut all my small guage metal, using the 1/8 inch x 4 inch metal cutting discs that I buy at Lowes. Those little guys will cut thru 1/4 inch plate steel fair, 1/8 inch good, 1/16 inch is history, plus they can be used to dress up the metal nicely too ,after leaving burrs.
Last edited by Greg 79 f150; Jun 10, 2004 at 06:15 PM.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Thanx for the input. I have a Milwaukee electric angle grinder that takes the 4 1/2 to 5" disc. I find it difficult working with in tight places, and there are times when that little bugger gets away from me and so much for the straight line. Have alot of scrap metal that can practice on before i attempt cutting out floor pan. Probably looking to purchase 2 or 3 cutting tools so can have some options. Aint so good at welding and can only fill so much of a gap.
thanx again,
dave
thanx again,
dave
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Beavercreek oh
Just food for thought, make a cardboard template first the transfer it to the sheet metal, and cut away with anything that works for you. you could leave an 1/8" and use a file to cut and smooth the edges. Like I said just food for thought.
John
John
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Really appreciate the suggestion. Did not think of using a template for the floor pans. Recently used template installing fenders on bed and found it extremely helpful.
Thanx,
dave
Thanx,
dave
Posting Guru
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From: Northwest Fl
I have a side grinder and use it for grinding, etc and for cutting heavy gauge flat stock but the beauty of the body saw I mentioned, is that the blade is so thin and the cut so precise that the removed section of sheet metal can be used as a pattern to cut a replacement from and the fit will be perfect for butt welding that panel back in.
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Zinzinnati
I have an air nibler and have found nothing that works quicker and cleaner for cutting sheetmetal. It does leave thousands of little 1/4 inch half moon shapped pieces of steel behind. Invest in a strong magnet to pick up the peices from your work area! They get in your feet really easy if you walk through barefoot later.
An air cutoff wheel is my next choice for sheetmetal.
An air cutoff wheel is my next choice for sheetmetal.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Just received my auto body tools and supplies catalog and started compiling a wish list. They have an air nibbler, and body saw by Ingersol-rand and from their description appear fairly good. Intend to get the die grinder regardless, broke mine couple years ago and miss it. Have couple other tool catalogs and will compare manufacturer and prices before making selection. Thanks for the info.
dave
dave
Last edited by daveengelson; Jun 11, 2004 at 05:57 PM.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Texas
Aww, come on guys, you don't need all of that fancy equipment to cut sheetmetal.
Peersonally, I started out using a reciprocating saw (sawzall, etc) with fine toothed blades. Pretty easy for roughing out the opening.
Then I used a jigsaw/scrollsaw. Makes for getting in some tighter areas.
ThenI bought a die grinder and some cutoff wheels. Unless you have 10+ cfm from your compressor, be ready to wait awaile between short cuts.
Now, I use my sawzall and a 4 in grinder with large cuoff wheels. I rough out the piece then use the grinder and or a belt sander to smooth up the edges.
If I'm just cutting a small piece to patch a small hole or trim a panel, I use my aviation snips.
Plasma cutters are great for repeat or producton work but offer no real advantage to the home user. (unless you are cutting a truckload of structural steel.)
Peersonally, I started out using a reciprocating saw (sawzall, etc) with fine toothed blades. Pretty easy for roughing out the opening.
Then I used a jigsaw/scrollsaw. Makes for getting in some tighter areas.
ThenI bought a die grinder and some cutoff wheels. Unless you have 10+ cfm from your compressor, be ready to wait awaile between short cuts.
Now, I use my sawzall and a 4 in grinder with large cuoff wheels. I rough out the piece then use the grinder and or a belt sander to smooth up the edges.
If I'm just cutting a small piece to patch a small hole or trim a panel, I use my aviation snips.
Plasma cutters are great for repeat or producton work but offer no real advantage to the home user. (unless you are cutting a truckload of structural steel.)
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