Cutting sheet metal

shakjam · Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2003 11:05 pm Post subject: Cutting sheet metal

What do you guys think is the best method to cut away sheet metal? Oxyacetylene torch or Aluminum Oxide Disks?
_________________
JH & MH
Some say the cucumber taste better pickled!

Kubel Nick · Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2003 3:46 am Post subject:

I use a nibbler or a cutting disc attachment on my angle grinder most of the time. If you use a nibbler or similar tool, best to clamp on a straight edge where you want to cut for a smooth cut-line
_________________
www.runtrod.com
My project home page and general custom VW info

shakjam · Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2003 7:58 am Post subject: Thanks

I was thinking the air tool was the best way to go.
_________________
JH & MH
Some say the cucumber taste better pickled!

Butters · Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2003 2:52 pm Post subject:

I like the 4 in. angle grinder with the thin wheels. I also use a air powered saw that looks like a mini sawzall.

justbuggin · Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2003 3:07 pm Post subject:

Air nibbler, that's my vote
_________________
Rob

www.justbuggin.co.uk

1958 Rag Cal Import
T25 Panel Van

bljones · Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2003 3:11 pm Post subject:

depends upon what you are cutting and how accurate the cuts have to be, and whether there are any curves involved. for cutting through door and windshield posts, for example, i use a sawzall. for sheet metal work an air powered 3" cut-off wheel, or 4 1/2 inch grinder, or jigsaw (great for turns, but hard on blades, if you try to turn too tight), or air nibbler. get 'em all (and a plasma cutter) and you'll use 'em all.
_________________
OG JHC
Author of Original Rant #1
"It stingd itself to dead... now that is control on you"

2%

john walker's workshop · Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2003 7:57 pm Post subject:

a small air powered reciprocating saw makes the nicest cuts you could ever hope for, at least on sheetmetal. no distortion. looks like a mini sawzall.
_________________
John Walker's Workshop 206 789 6800
7613 Greenwood Ave. N. Seattle, Wa, 98103
www.johnwalkersworkshop.com

carcentric · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2003 11:17 am Post subject: Those mini-Sawzalls

A couple of you have recommended the air-powered mini-saws (I assume something like this one - http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=113 - at Harbor Freight).

Do you know if anybody makes cylindrical rasp-style blades for those so you could cut in all directions like a mini-Rotozip? A project I have in mind would require being able to make a 180-degree U-turn with a 3/8" diameter (think defroster air inlets although that's not what I'm doing).
_________________
M D "Doc" Nugent
Proprietor, http://www.carcentric.com
Renton, WA (USA)

Major Woody · Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2003 2:32 pm Post subject:

If you need to make a clean 180 degree turn with a 3/8" diameter and you are throwing the "inside" part away (like cutting long slots etc) I suggest you stamp out the ends with a 3/8 hole punch and then connect the punched holes with a nibbler or a body saw. Clean the saw cuts up with grinding tools until they are clean. I don't know of any tool except a plasma cutter or some sort of a CNC device that will make a clean turn with the radius you describe. A punch, however, would be very precise.

>Help >Donate >Buy Shirts >Register >Log in	See all Samba banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

	Forum Index -> Body/Paint	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1