Cutting body panels???

[SleeperScamp]

When cutting body panels what is the best tool to use ???? Cut off wheel , nibbler , etc.... ? Or does it really make a difference ???? Thanks...

 

[JR]

I like using a cutoff wheel or my Makita grinder with a 4" disk or old faithful my old aluminum cased jigsaw but it depends on what you are cutting. For down and dirty "cut it off now" chops the sawzall works.

 

[SleeperScamp]

1/4 panel....

 

[SleeperScamp]

1/4 Panel.... This is my rough cut.... I now need to make my final cut and was just wondering whats the best to use ....

 

[JR]

Cutoff wheel, a sawzall, nibbler, or jigsaw will distort the surrounding metal. A cut off wheel will give you a nice clean controlled cut then you can use a flanging tool and not have to worry about deburring the edges.

 

[70Duster440]

A grinder with a cutoff wheel on it, like 360scamp said, makes pretty quick work of it and would be what I'd reach for. An air cutoff wheel is too slow for me.

Your picture looks familiar

 

[68383GTS]

Since I am poor and do not have a plasma cutter I use a cut off wheel.Make a line on your panel and go to town.
Jim

 

['64 Cuda]

I see a lot of the "pros on the TV shows" mark the panel with a piece of masking tape to get a straight line. I haven't tried my hand at major surgery like this yet. Family still didn't get me a welder for Christmas!

 

[70Duster440]

Agreed! A strip of masking tape works well. In some cases I like to make a light score in the metal too with the wheel before making the full cut.

 

[mopar head]

I prefer cutoff wheel on a 4.5" electric grinder. With a 5 o 6'' wheel. more power than a cheap air grinder, and control. An air equivilant would be a $300. grinder. And Bosch is the only grinder I`ll buy now. But all will have its place and uses. sawzall, etc. Never used a nibber, but they seem to work well, one advantage would be no burr. you get a big one with a cutoff wheel. If you have the resources, get em all, they`ll all come in handy. and a Plasma torch is sweet for fast roughing, and getting in tight places. But if I could only afford one tool, it would be the electric 4.5 grinder. multipurpose tool man. grinder,sander,flapdisc,flapwheel,cutoff!!!!! oh yea, and cupbrush and wirewheel. 7 function tool:-D Damn, you guys type fast!lol

 

[greg340]

For large spots I use these they cut straight without distorting the metal

 

[green1]

A nibbler controls easy, and leaves a nice cut. Harbor Freight

 

[AdamR]

I use an air saw

 

[alleyoopmgv]

Cut off wheel