Cutting Metal
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Katy(Houston), Texas
Cutting Metal
My question is what's the best way to cut metal such as cab corners and cab floors ect. with out a compressor? I haven't got a compressor yet because I've been holding out for a 60 to 80 gallon compressor. I tried buying a adapter that goes on a drill and you can screw cut off wheels to it but the drill kept getting in the way and it was hard to accuratly cut straight.
Has anyone used an alternate method for cutting that worked well?? I have looked for a electric cutoff tool but I haven't seen anyone that makes one.
Thanks for any information or ideas!
Has anyone used an alternate method for cutting that worked well?? I have looked for a electric cutoff tool but I haven't seen anyone that makes one.
Thanks for any information or ideas!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,644
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From: Moro Bay, AR
Several things come to mind, but none of them real good. I have a Craftsman electric die grinder that should work with the drill adapter for cutoff wheels, only problem would be no guard. Or you could use a Dremel tool, but those little cutoff wheels don't last very long. A Sawzall would work with a metal cutting blade, or maybe a jigsaw. Just some suggestions. You really need to get an air compressor if you're going to do body work.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,888
Likes: 3,131
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
I use a combination of tools. If I want to do a quick removal of trashed metal and get to the good parts and I don't care about the parts I am removing I use a torch. If I want a clean cut I use a 4 1/2 angle grinder with thin cutting wheels and cut the rotted area out. If there are not obstructions behind the piece I want to cut out I use a sawsall or jigsaw, less noise and sparks than a grinder, and I feel a little more control and safer. For cutting metal patches cut from flat sheetmetal I use a hand held metal shears, again less noise and more control.
I use whatever looks like will work best with the least amount of sparks, noise and most personal safety.
I use whatever looks like will work best with the least amount of sparks, noise and most personal safety.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 340
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From: Longwood, fl
Best method I have seen as Bob said for clean cuts is a 4 to 4.5 inch right hand grinder with a metal cutting disk attached. Can be purchased cheaply from Harbor Frieght. You will need a grinder anyway.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
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For cutting out old metal or curved metal - 4.5" grinder. Probably the single most used tool (thus far) I have. Love it!
For cutting patches out of flat sheet metal I have an electric shear from Chicago Electric that I really like. A little loud but no blisters using it. Easy to control......
For cutting patches out of flat sheet metal I have an electric shear from Chicago Electric that I really like. A little loud but no blisters using it. Easy to control......
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,017
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From: Rio Rancho, NM
I use a variety of stuff for metal cutting. For patch panels and similar kind of cuts I have pretty good luck with a metal cutting wheel in an angle grinder. As been mentioned you can pick up an angle grinder from harbor freight for pretty danged cheap. For fast rough cuts, a sawzall with a metal blade. A metal blade in a jigsaw is pretty handy also. For cutting dimensional steel I use a chop saw. I have also been known to mount a metal cutting wheel in a small (8" table top) table saw. For finer and more detail cuts I use my Dremel motor tool with teh small cut off wheels.
I recently got a 60 gallon air compressor hooked up and can finally use my die grinder.
I was helping a buddy not long ago, he had a small air powered reciprocating saw (sawzall type saw) that made short work of cutting out some panels we were working on.
Good luck
Bobby
I recently got a 60 gallon air compressor hooked up and can finally use my die grinder.
I was helping a buddy not long ago, he had a small air powered reciprocating saw (sawzall type saw) that made short work of cutting out some panels we were working on.
Good luck
Bobby
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,644
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From: Moro Bay, AR
Originally Posted by bobbytnm
I was helping a buddy not long ago, he had a small air powered reciprocating saw (sawzall type saw) that made short work of cutting out some panels we were working on.
Good luck
Bobby
Good luck
Bobby
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Elder User
Joined: May 2004
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From: MN - NW of Twin Cities
I prefer an electric 4 1/2" angle grinder with a cut-off wheel. I hate the noise of my compressor if I use an air cut-oof tool and it doesn't cut a quick as the electric.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Michigan
I'll echo the use an angle grinder and 4.5 cutoff wheels, I use them on everything from sheetmetal up to 3/16 and 1/4 inch steel. You will go through them pretty fast (especially if you rush your work.. ie push too hard), but they are cheap. I usually go through 2 or 3 on a good day of metalwork.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
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From: Riverside, So Cal
Ditto on the cheapo HF angle grinder. I have 4 of them, use them constantly and still haven't done more than replace the brushes. They are surprisingly strong. I use one with the cutoff wheel, one with a cup wire brush, one with a flapper disk. The fourth is just a spare. At the price, I consider them disposable.
I also use a dremel for tiny stuff, air grinders for close work, hand and electric shears for flat patterns.
Wish I had a gas axe.
I also use a dremel for tiny stuff, air grinders for close work, hand and electric shears for flat patterns.
Wish I had a gas axe.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Katy(Houston), Texas
Wow, I didn't realize that you could use electic angle grinders for more than grinding. I have one from Haroborfreight that only gets used for grind my welds. I will have to get some wheels and try it out.
Is there a certain size wheel and thickness I should use?
Thanks for the tips!
Is there a certain size wheel and thickness I should use?
Thanks for the tips!
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,888
Likes: 3,131
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Where ever you buy your grinding discs from should also have cutting discs. They are just like the grinding discs but about 1/3 thinner. You shouldn't use cutting discs for grinding, they aren't make for the direction of pressure when grinding.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
Cutoff disks are 1/16" thick. Buy them by the dozen, you'll use them up pretty quickly. Be sure to also get a good full face shield, the cutoff disks do catch and break if you twist them and/or throw hot pieces of metal and lot of sparks. Also use heavy leather work gloves when using a cutoff wheel, the cut metal can get hot and a slip will show you the wheels can cut flesh even quicker than steel!
Tip: When cutting with a cutoff wheel in an angle grinder tip the wheel into the piece like a chop saw, lift it out move down the line and repeat. Don't try to drag it along the cut line with the wheel in the material.
I have two 4" angle grinders and keep one always mounted with a cutoff wheel, I use it constantly. Once you start using it you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.
Tip: When cutting with a cutoff wheel in an angle grinder tip the wheel into the piece like a chop saw, lift it out move down the line and repeat. Don't try to drag it along the cut line with the wheel in the material.
I have two 4" angle grinders and keep one always mounted with a cutoff wheel, I use it constantly. Once you start using it you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.
Jag
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Others have given you the best, cheap answer. Now, REREAD AXracer's post and PAY ATTENTION TO THE SAFETY TIPS!!!
He makes excellent points about the face shield, heavy gloves and the method of using the cut-off wheel. In addition to a face shield, I also wear a pair of wraparound safety glasses. YES, we have had people get metal into their eye with just a face shield, bounces off clothing or body, etc going fast. I am in the pipeline business, so angle grinders are used on a daily/hourly basis a lot.
Learn from others (sometimes bad) expereinces and NOT from you own.
Jag Red, whaqt type of bit do you use in the Roto Zip for sheet metal. Have only used it for sheetrock, plastic & wood.
Brad.
He makes excellent points about the face shield, heavy gloves and the method of using the cut-off wheel. In addition to a face shield, I also wear a pair of wraparound safety glasses. YES, we have had people get metal into their eye with just a face shield, bounces off clothing or body, etc going fast. I am in the pipeline business, so angle grinders are used on a daily/hourly basis a lot.
Learn from others (sometimes bad) expereinces and NOT from you own.
Jag Red, whaqt type of bit do you use in the Roto Zip for sheet metal. Have only used it for sheetrock, plastic & wood.
Brad.