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> how to cut sheet metal?
rfuerst911sc
post Dec 24 2006, 12:54 PM
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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?
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TravisNeff
post Dec 24 2006, 12:56 PM
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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.
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TravisNeff
post Dec 24 2006, 12:57 PM
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Oh and 22 gauge is too thin for what you are patching. Trunk floors are probably 18G and outer body panels are 20G
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rjames
post Dec 24 2006, 02:21 PM
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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.
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Borderline
post Dec 24 2006, 02:29 PM
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QUOTE(Travis Neff @ Dec 24 2006, 10:56 AM) *

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.


(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

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 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
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roadster fan
post Dec 26 2006, 04:39 AM
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If $$$ is no object, get one of these! Beverly Shear.

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

Jim


Attached File(s)
Attached File  beverly_shear.bmp ( 244.6k ) Number of downloads: 43
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r_towle
post Dec 26 2006, 09:08 AM
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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
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Crazyhippy
post Dec 26 2006, 01:06 PM
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Plasma cutter...

Best thing since rust free teeners

BJH
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bperry
post Dec 26 2006, 07:00 PM
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QUOTE(Crazyhippy @ Dec 26 2006, 01:06 PM) *

Plasma cutter...

Best thing since rust free teeners

BJH


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
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PanelBilly
post Dec 26 2006, 07:10 PM
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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.
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Crazyhippy
post Dec 26 2006, 07:33 PM
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QUOTE(PanelBilly @ Dec 26 2006, 05:10 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.


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 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Or a Good ol stomp shear.

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

BJH
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Joe Bob
post Dec 26 2006, 08:04 PM
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Nibbler....after some practice I can sign my name....22 is too thin BTW....
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TravisNeff
post Dec 26 2006, 08:12 PM
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A sheet metal nibbler, not a knob nibbler. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)
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