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Posted by: rfuerst911sc Dec 24 2006, 12:54 PM

Guys what's the right tool for cutting 22 gauge steel? I need to make some patch panels for the trunk of my 75 teener. I'm thinking a air nibbler or shears?

Posted by: Travis Neff Dec 24 2006, 12:56 PM

Nibblers are tough to control as well as air shears. If you use shears, get a scrap piece of carpet and lay it down, lay down the sheet metal on top of it and cut it with the shear, it helps.

I would recomend and angle grinder with a cutoff wheel.

Posted by: Travis Neff Dec 24 2006, 12:57 PM

Oh and 22 gauge is too thin for what you are patching. Trunk floors are probably 18G and outer body panels are 20G

Posted by: rjames Dec 24 2006, 02:21 PM

I tried using shears to cut the sheet metal when I made a trunk patch, and only got frustrated (but then again I was using cheap shears.) I had great success using a dremel tool. I went through a lot of the little cutting wheels, but I could do really precision cuts, and made trimming things to fit really easy. Home depot sells the cut-off wheels in bulk packs of 25 which ends up being much cheaper in the long run.

I'm sure I don't have to say this, but I will anyway- make sure you wear protective eye wear if you use a dremel.

Posted by: Borderline Dec 24 2006, 02:29 PM

I cut a bunch of sheet metal when I was repairing the hell hole. an angle grinder with a 3" cut-off wheel worked great. Use a cardboard template and a felt pen to lay it out on the sheetmetal. With care you can follow any line or curve!

Good luck

Posted by: roadster fan Dec 26 2006, 04:39 AM

If $$$ is no object, get one of these! Beverly Shear.

or, I agree with the angle grinder and cutoff wheel.

Jim


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Posted by: r_towle Dec 26 2006, 09:08 AM

I use the following

A pair of electric shears. milwakee sells a nice set. good to 18 guage.
Hand shears, get the biggest you can find, better leverage.
Hand shears, right angle set, good for small nibbles, fitting etc.
4 inch electric Grinder, with cut off wheel
Air powered die grinder
Dremel
Bandsaw with metal blade.

All of these work for different issues,,,

Start shopping.

Rich

Posted by: Crazyhippy Dec 26 2006, 01:06 PM

Plasma cutter...

Best thing since rust free teeners

BJH

Posted by: bperry Dec 26 2006, 07:00 PM

Yep, I'll second that. The Miller rep at AirGas here in Dallas will rent out a
Spectrum 125c for $55/week.
That model is self contained, has a built in compressor and runs off 120v.
Plug it in and your ready to cut.


--- bill

Posted by: PanelBilly Dec 26 2006, 07:10 PM

The best tool I've found is an air powered saws-all. They have thin jigsaw type blades that are about 4" long. The cut a real thin line and are easy to control. They wear out (break) easy, but are cheep.

Posted by: Crazyhippy Dec 26 2006, 07:33 PM

Usually refered too as body saws.... They do ok for tight stuff, but lick the sweaty underside of my testes (grafic enough, or do i need pics?) for long straight cuts.

For the long straight stuff, try Viagra Or a Good ol stomp shear.

Band saws work pretty well for most stuff too...

BJH

Posted by: mikez Dec 26 2006, 08:04 PM

Nibbler....after some practice I can sign my name....22 is too thin BTW....

Posted by: Travis Neff Dec 26 2006, 08:12 PM

A sheet metal nibbler, not a knob nibbler.