Metal Cutting

[Buttz1969]

I am looking for the best options for metal cutting tools. I already have a cordless recip saw and the usual air cut-off tool. I am mainly looking for the missing pieces for things like trimming floor pans and body panels, and maybe cutting raw materials to fabricate brackets and what not.

I was thinking an air body saw would be a good addition, but I thought I would ask those with more experience before I go off buying tools that will not make my job easier (I am a hobbyist and this is my first real build project).

Thanks,
Matt

[rjardy]

I am looking for the best options for metal cutting tools. I already have a cordless recip saw and the usual air cut-off tool. I am mainly looking for the missing pieces for things like trimming floor pans and body panels, and maybe cutting raw materials to fabricate brackets and what not.

I was thinking an air body saw would be a good addition, but I thought I would ask those with more experience before I go off buying tools that will not make my job easier (I am a hobbyist and this is my first real build project).

Thanks,
Matt


Air saw is good...but will drive any sane person nuts. Sooo loud on sheet metal. Why not save your chips for a plasma cutter?

[badmatt]

a nibbler. or electric shears. usually under 150 bucks. nibbler will give you burr free edges a shear wont be as nice

[jmax]

MILWAUKEE electric shears work great,tin snips also

[Denvervet]

I got an air driven shearer at Harbor freight for $40. It works somewhat but basically a frustrating POS.I got an air saw from them also....same thing....works then stops...works then stops. I got what I paid for...not much. Just couldn't justify more for hobby level use.:mad:

[Buttz1969]

I was worried about shears or a nibbler not being able to handle thicker materials. There are some areas where I would like to be able to cut up to 1/8". And as far as I can tell, shears and nibblers only handle about 16 ga???

And for good deals on air tools, is Jet any good? I have never heard of them, but saw some decent prices on their tools. Most of my air tools are either IR or Craftsman.

[chet]

once you get up to 1/8" your either plasma or zip disk. I also found a jigsaw works pretty good with a straight edge. I doubt you will be cutting that with a shear.

[Turbowannabe]

I get a lot of my tools from Pawn shops. I go to major ones, never a mom and pop. Mom and pops always have a snap on catalog and will price used tools same as new off a snap on truck.
I was just at one the other day looking for some jack stands for a frame and noticed a snap on stud gun sitting on the shelf. It was marked $299.95 and I asked what was the best price. $200.00.....sold as it was brand new maybe used once or twice. He then brought out a case with a puller, finger puller and 2 five hundred packs of pins missing as I had expected a couple of pins from one package. New price from snap on is around $600.00.
I was needing a torch to cut up an old frame and after a week or two of searching and finding overpriced junk I came across 2 brand new portable lincoln rigs. Price was marked $179.95. Once again I asked what was the best price and was told $125.00......sold, It hadnt even had the bottles filled yet. When I went to my local welding supply to fill the tanks I saw the same exact rig for $369.95 and they wont negotiate the price....trust me.
I also hit estate and garage sales. Sad to say but hobbyist pass away too and what is in their garage is sometimes mindblowing. I was at one years ago and came across several air tools. I picked up a Hutchins DA sander and asked how much. He replied tell me what is is and $5.00. I explained what it was and gave him $5.00....Cost new...around $300.00. Same went for a Bluepoint (snap on) air file still in the box...I had to pay a little more for it...$15.00...New is around $250.00. I could go on with that sale but lets just say for $250.00 I walked out with around $3500.00 in tools.
Now dont go running to the first store you see and expect great finds. I have to hit about ten plus a month to get good deals and I usually wont buy at a pawn shop unless it is like new condition.
Im about to start welding on my car so Im now looking for a mig welder. Have found three new at almost half price but waiting for a better deal.

Happy hunting

[6806goats]

Oh kool idea! My bro started up an estate business and unfortunately he had to put his brother in laws items up for sale. On the good side, I was there on vacation when the sale happened and I obtained some fishing gear and a makita router. Sux that we leave our treasures behind when we go but I guess if someone else can use it then it ain't so bad. But they'll owe us a beer wherever we wind up for getting a good deal on tools. Since I'm probably on the upper end of age compared with others here, I'll try to remember to have my bro put this website on notice. I don't have a huge collection just yet but trying to work on it.

:cheers: