sheet metal tool? - Lateral-g Forums

clay69camaro · #1 09-07-2009, 12:26 AM

I'm looking to make some cuts to my floor boards and replace them. All I have is an angle grinder and would like to make a precise cut without all the sparks. What is the tool of choice I need for this job.... and for now I won't be able to purchase a plasma cutter as nice as that would be it's a little out of my budget

I would ideally like to keep this tool for future jobs like my quarters and roof and trunk, and... lots of sheet metal needs to be replaced

Thanks everyone

DRJDVM's '69 · #2 09-07-2009, 08:16 AM

Well if you want NO sparks an air saw is about all I can think of..

Something like this...
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...eyword=air+saw

A metal shear wont really work very well, but I suppose you could try..
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...rd=metal+shear

I use a cut off wheel or a plasma cutter....but those all produce alot of sparks.

elitecustombody · #3 09-07-2009, 01:06 PM

agreed with above post ,you can also try the air nibbler

**GregWeld** · #4 09-07-2009, 06:52 PM

You can also use a reciprocating saw - with a steel cutting blade - it's a bit clumsy but you can do it... I like Ned's idea of using a 'body saw' - the small air driven body saws are exceptionally handy! Be prepared to use LOTS of blades... these little buggers can really go through them.

I also use a variable speed jig saw with bi-metal cutting blades in them for some work...

Watch out for those BRACES underneath -- mark them if you're cutting from the top -- you'll want to drill out the spot welds in them and keep 'em in place...

**GregWeld** · #5 09-07-2009, 06:54 PM

I have the air shears that Ned shows in his post -- mine rarely get used - they're almost useless unless you have a nice flat clean sheet of metal to work with -- they don't like stuff that's contoured or dirty - or too thick... and they get stuck a lot if you're trying to "push" them through a cut. They also use HUGE amounts of air... so you'd need a big azz compressor.

They're handy when you need 'em though!!

brans72 · #6 09-08-2009, 04:25 AM

I agree with the air saw ( use it alot lately) the shears are ok but like stated use huge amount of air,only good on mostly flat metal, and got keep the oiled to cut worth a darn. I used a set to take part of my 1/4's off but air saw was the saver of the day. just my .02

ccracin · #7 09-08-2009, 05:10 AM

I agree with the air saw and alot of blades!

kttrucks · #8 09-08-2009, 05:48 AM

air saw with a small metal blade...... this works great and if you dont force it you can get a very precise cut. Use tape as a guide, and you can start your cut with a rotary saw, or cutoff wheel, then take over with the reciprocating air saw. make sure you're wearing good safety glasses, even though it doesnt make sparts the metal chips get thrown in random directions and will find a way into your eyes..... no fun at all.

When you get to support bracing, break out the sawsall.... its a MF-er, but will go through reinforcements like butter!

KT.

clay69camaro · #9 09-08-2009, 01:09 PM

how clean and easy to use is the cut off wheel. I don't mind sparks but I've been using a mikita grinder with a cutting blade to do all my cuts, and it's messy.
thanks for everyone's inputs too

elitecustombody · #10 09-08-2009, 01:58 PM

not hard at all, especially if you have a steady hand, I use my MAC cut-off tool with swivel head, which helps to get in hard to reach places

http://www.mactools.com/product/tabi...334-at35a.aspx