TheSamba.com :: View topic

Mon Sep 28, 2015 8:28 am

Since i started working on my bus ( http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=637670 ), i cut most metal with my angle grinder, with some success. the 3/36 wheel is quite thin, and last a good while.

But now i want to cut stuff that is near corners (batterie tray for example), and i have no clue how to do it. Obviously the grinder doesnt reach it, so i'm wondering, what do you guys use? i have no air, so air tool are out of the question for now...

I got two in mind, but not sure if any are really what i need ;
A Saw? (DeWALT 10A Reciprocating Saw)
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/dewalt-10a-reciprocating-saw-0541236p.html#.VgXwT_TZQw8

A.... cut out tool? (DeWalt DW660)
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/dremel-rotary-tool-kit-0544869p.html#.VgXwF_TZQw8

(if you can't reach the site without entering a postal code, use G1B 1Y2)

I'm also considering a dremmel, but it feels more like a crafty store tool than anything, and i see little to no wheel for it for sale...

Mon Sep 28, 2015 9:07 am

I only buy the 12" long metal & wood cutting blades for my electric reciprocating saw. I only use my angle grinder for starting cuts & corners.

Mon Sep 28, 2015 10:58 am

From your description of what you need to do, choice A (reciprocating saw) is what you need. And they can be had, a lot cheaper. http://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/reciprocating-saws.html
(Before anyone goes on a rant about HF tools, I don't think the OP is a full time body shop guy who needs to do a lot of cutting on the daily. I've used the HF saw to cut out floor pans (more than once) and chop up a whole car into bite sized pieces. It is adequate.)

Do as Mike says: Use the cut-off tool to start your cuts, then switch to the saw.

Mon Sep 28, 2015 11:08 am

Air-Cooled Head wrote: From your description of what you need to do, choice A (reciprocating saw) is what you need. And they can be had, a lot cheaper. http://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/reciprocating-saws.html
(Before anyone goes on a rant about HF tools, I don't think the OP is a full time body shop guy who needs to do a lot of cutting on the daily. I've used the HF saw to cut out floor pans (more than once) and chop up a whole car into bite sized pieces. It is adequate.)

Do as Mike says: Use the cut-off tool to start your cuts, then switch to the saw.

I'm a bit scared by the bulk... cutting a bus battery tray seems to be a very tight spot to reach. kinda wish i had a picture to show.

EDIT: a picture, its not mine, but it shows at least how hard it is to reach (or maybe i'm not thinking outside the box enough...)

Mon Sep 28, 2015 12:16 pm

Not a rant about HF tools but a reciprocating is a tool that can have many uses. I'd personally spend a few more $$$ on a quality product (since the op listed DeWalt). But 10 amp is great but you could get away with less, say 8, and save a few coins. It would also be physically smaller to fit in the compartment.

Tue Sep 29, 2015 6:08 am

for some reason the 8 amp seems impossible to find around here..

I did find another "smaller" model close to the same price, model DWE357

http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-12-Amp-Compact-Corded-Reciprocating-Saw-DWE357/203272988

on harbor freight, i guess its the same quality as Canadian Tire Motomaster?