quarter patch and mini tub question

[a73formula]

Whats the best tools to use for cutting the metal. I was looking at an air nibbler but already have a cut off tool and a sawz all. Just curious as to what other people are using and if theres a better tool for cleaner cuts. thanks

[joeelco72]

looks like you get the basics for sure, but if you have the coin you can't beat a plasma cutter...Miller has a new one that'll cut 1/8 inch for $1100.

[MrQuick]

You really can't get cleaner than a die grinder with cut off wheel. Roto zips work nice too.

[200horse]

i think if you had to have one tool it would be cut off wheel. I have nibbler also dont use it much. I know a sheet metal guy and all he uses is a nibbler. So now that i didnt help you one bit good luck lol

[a73formula]

i wish i could afford one of those but not right now. Looks like I'll go with the cut off wheel. I gotta say that the people on this site are some of the most helpful out there, i always get good quick answers.

thanks

[200horse]

hell for 20 bucks buy it and try it its only 20 dollars. I dont think a cheap one for 20 dollars will work all that great but it would give you an idea if you like it or not

[Paint God]

I have a plasma cutter, recip saw, nibber, and a dozen different types of shears.

The best by far is a cut off wheel. 3M sells a thin cut off disk that comes in a multi pack (available at your local body shop supplier).

It is very precise, leaves a nice clean edge, and creates no unnecessary heat (very bad for sheet metal).

the only draw backs are that it is noisy and demands quite a bit of air

[41565 chevelle]

The fastest for me is the 4" electric grinder(Bosch/Makita/DeWalt) with the metal cut off wheel. Fast, no huge amount of air required and very accurate.

[jackfrost]

The fastest for me is the 4" electric grinder(Bosch/Makita/DeWalt) with the metal cut off wheel. Fast, no huge amount of air required and very accurate.

i'm going to second this one. i have a 4.5" DeWalt angle grinder with metal cutting discs from Harbor Freight, and it sliced through my frame (1/8" thick) like butter.

just wear earplugs. :idea:

[Riderz Cycle]

I just finished mini-tubs on my 69 Camaro....I used a few differnt tools that made it easy but I agree the 4.5 grinder with thin cut off wheels works great...i have also used a good jig saw with metal blades... You can cut nice corners and it leaves a nice edge..

[a73formula]

I have a 4" grinder and it sounds like thats the best way to go, although I did just find a good deal on a plasma cutter. Thanks all

[eddiep]

Everyone has their favorite, but I prefer a plasma cutter for most jobs ... nothing is faster, they produce a very low heat affected zone, the surrounding metal stays relatively cool, and it yields extremely high quality cuts - if I set up a fence or straight edge to run the torch against, the cuts are so clean and sharp it would be hard beat with any other cutting method.


Edward

[1969CamaroRS]

My choices:

#1 Plasma cutter
#2 Nibbler
#3 Sawzall
#4 Cut-off wheel (what I used)

If you use a Cut-off wheel plan on going through like 10-20 of them.


If you haven't seen it already check out this thread on mini-tubbing:
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46900