Best way to cut car metal?

[seaneylad]

Whats my best bet to cut out rusty parts of my pop to weld in the new bits,
Will my grinder 80mm with a decent cutting wheel do the job?

Thanks

[SmokeEm]

I've used grinders, nibblers and even a dremel before

[seaneylad]

I've used grinders, nibblers and even a dremel before

as long as it cuts,  haha

 

the strut top has gone. need to try shape a new piece and weld it in, needs cutting out abit first though

[SmokeEm]

Decent thin cutting disc will work well

[BigBubba]

Grinder will work fine. You can also use a reciprocating saw if you're concerned about sparks.

Plasma cutter is the way to go though, especially if it's irregular shapes - Try cutting out a circle with a grinder!!!!!!

 

You can pick them up for reasonable money too. Loads of TIG/Plasma cutter combos for sale.

[over_head_cam]

I'm a big fan of 1mm and .8mm cutting discs where access is good. Decent tin snips are a must too

[irishtorag]

and air hacksaw

as above air nibblers

air shears

thin cutting disc in grinder

everything works with care and attention

[over_head_cam]

Of course, forgot air hacksaw. Noisy, but brilliant for getting into tight spots

[Vista]

I learnt my trade with a Gas axe (amongst other things) a tad big for car plating though

 

[seaneylad]

Thanks for advice ill give it a go.

[Fern370]

1mm cutting discs in a 4 1/2 grinder are perfect an a part worn one of these discs is perfect for cutting curves if you tilt the grinder over

[Danish]

1mm cutting discs in a 4 1/2 grinder are perfect an a part worn one of these discs is perfect for cutting curves if you tilt the grinder over

 

Yup. I also use a flapwheel in a second 4 1/2 grinder, to smooth out the curve - leave some material when cutting, then use the flap wheel to get a nice curve.

[Fern370]

40 grit flat wheels bit harsh mild steel a 60 grit is perfect an even finer 120 grits

[irishtorag]

tungsten carbide digrinder bits ar good for any metal needing hole or rounded but the filings are a fecker to get out

well covered and good goggles a must as well as gloves

[HotRodMatt]

Be very careful to keep the 1mm cutting discs free from sideways stress. I've had one explode which would have been nasty had I not been wearing a full face guard.

[iandq]

i'll second that I had one go last week, a piece of it put a nice tear in my finger, they do cut nice but be very carefull not to side load them !

[irishtorag]

make sure you look on metal fitment circle for the use date as they get soft when passed it

[Danish]

make sure you look on metal fitment circle for the use date as they get soft when passed it

 

I didn't know that. I'll have to check as I buy mine by the hundred and they last a year or more.

[Tackleberry]

Being a former banger driver (puts on tin hat and awaits flack), tools of the trade were a 2 stroke petrol grinder and a sledge hammer, but don't suppose that'll help you on this occasion?

[mk1estate]

any of the above, but in tight spots ive used just a hacksaw blade wrapped in a rag for hand comfort lol. You can get a real good sharp edge and plenty of control, if its only thin bodywork you will be surprised how quick you can get through it plus get to use up all the broken blades that you have laying around

[eeb43]

hammer and a good sharp wood chisel is also good for cutting rust out and removing spot welded panels

[irishtorag]

get a 9mm bit and flatten the top on it on a grinder to remove point

then put a 10 degree point back on it the same place as originally

on the bit

removes spot welds without damaging under panel

[Danish]

any of the above, but in tight spots ive used just a hacksaw blade wrapped in a rag for hand comfort lol. You can get a real good sharp edge and plenty of control, 

 

I must be flash as I have a Eclipse-brand handle for broken blades  

[DT36]

Guys. I went on a welding safety course a few weeks back and they were heavily into pushing the wearing of mouth masks when welding and more so on grinding and cutting.

The jist of it was that different metals give of a fine dust when cutting or grinding that can be a bit nasty over time if breathed in. They also advocated the use of extractors.

Opened my eyes a bit...

[Danish]

I have a 'full face respirator' for grinding/cutting and a forced-air welding helmet. My other half works in health & safety so I don't get away with anything