What do you use to cut sheet metal?

Discussion in 'Tool & Shop Talk' started by rustymav1974, May 7, 2011.

  1. rustymav1974

    rustymav1974 Livin' The Dream

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    I need a tool to cut off my rusted quarters and I have some small spots (look like bullet holes honestly) on the doors that need to be cut out too. I have no idea what I should use. I've heard of using a cutting torch but I don't cut metal often enough to justify buying one. Is there something I can buy to use with a common power tool most people would have?
     
  2. injectedmav

    injectedmav Member

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    Thinnest cutting wheels(abrasive) you can find for a 4.5" grinder or airtool. If you can spot sand blast the area, you can see where the rust actually has punched through or thinned the metal that you can miss just by looking.
     
  3. modrisco

    modrisco Member

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    Avaiton hand snips work well for cutting a single layer of sheet metal. For your door holes start in the hole and cut out a circle around it. They will also work well to cut the repair piece. Pick up a left and right set.
    Mitch
     
  4. b_ryce70Mav

    b_ryce70Mav Member

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    I just use an electric die grinder with a thin cutoff wheel. Way easier than cutting with an angle grinder, because the wheel is perpendicular to the tool, so you can see your cuts. Like this, but with a cutoff wheel instead of a grinding wheel.
    [​IMG]
     
  5. maverick75

    maverick75 Gotta Love Mavs!

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  6. cyclonewill

    cyclonewill Member

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    Harbor freight air saw here to for close work where you have plenty of room behind the area your cutting. For harder areas, I use a diegrinder with a cutoff wheel.
     
  7. PaulS

    PaulS Member extrordiare

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    Air saw. cut-off wheel, nibbler or plasma cutter - never a torch if you want a straight panel when you are done.
     
  8. Dave B

    Dave B I like Mavericks!

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    I pretty much have one of everything, but this is one tool I love.
     
  9. darren

    darren Member

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    My good friend Tim, our body man at work. LOL.
     
  10. b_ryce70Mav

    b_ryce70Mav Member

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    I've got the electric version, I was pretty impressed with it as well. Used it to cut the hole in my hood. I hate doing circles with a die grinder
     
  11. rustymav1974

    rustymav1974 Livin' The Dream

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  12. injectedmav

    injectedmav Member

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    I have one like that and it does the same thing. I decided to just get a new one.
     
  13. rustymav1974

    rustymav1974 Livin' The Dream

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    By new one do you mean that you bought the same one? or another brand? :16suspect
     
  14. mavgrab302

    mavgrab302 MCCI Florida State Rep

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  15. Dave B

    Dave B I like Mavericks!

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    Don't forget to oil your tools!! A little oil goes a long way, if you don't they'll rust up inside.
     

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