Preferred Method For Cutting Out Patches?
Started by
Deathrow
, Jan 06 2008 05:44 PM
11 replies to this topic
#1
Posted 06 January 2008 - 05:44 PM
I'm wondering what technique all you pro Mini restoration guys use for cutting out patches from sheet metal.
I notice you all manage to make the edges of your patches match up perfectly with the edge of the hole you need to patch on your bodywork and I'm just wondering how you get such a perfect edge.
I've tried using tin snips to cut sheet metal but it always leaves me with a slightly deformed patch and the edges are always knurled a bit and generally not flat with the rest of the patch which makes for my patches being pretty rubbish.
Any help would be great .
I notice you all manage to make the edges of your patches match up perfectly with the edge of the hole you need to patch on your bodywork and I'm just wondering how you get such a perfect edge.
I've tried using tin snips to cut sheet metal but it always leaves me with a slightly deformed patch and the edges are always knurled a bit and generally not flat with the rest of the patch which makes for my patches being pretty rubbish.
Any help would be great .
#2
Posted 06 January 2008 - 06:10 PM
a fein multi master is great
#3
Posted 06 January 2008 - 06:15 PM
I thought they used air saws
Edited by dave20046, 06 January 2008 - 06:15 PM.
#4
Posted 06 January 2008 - 06:29 PM
Well I use good quality tin snips or an air nibbler.
#5
Posted 06 January 2008 - 06:31 PM
Well I use good quality tin snips or an air nibbler.
Me too i also have an heavy metal block and a good biffing hammer
#6
Posted 06 January 2008 - 06:38 PM
Air nibblers are really good, the hand one's are pants. A hacksaw is good for sheet as well as thicker stuff.
#7
Posted 06 January 2008 - 06:38 PM
Always helps to have a biffing hammer on the go.
#8
Posted 06 January 2008 - 06:41 PM
also, if you need any odd shapes, i.e not just straight cuts, a jigs saw with a metal blade in it works really well, or theres always 1mm cutting discs for you grinder!!!
#9
Posted 06 January 2008 - 06:57 PM
I’ve always done…
Template of patch made from thin card, cereal boxes, etc are ideal, and it’s easer to mess it up a few times with card rather than wasting good steel.
Once happy transfer patch onto steel and cut out using a grinder (being careful of fingers), a hacksaw and a file to finish the edges.
Then clamp in place and weld.
Template of patch made from thin card, cereal boxes, etc are ideal, and it’s easer to mess it up a few times with card rather than wasting good steel.
Once happy transfer patch onto steel and cut out using a grinder (being careful of fingers), a hacksaw and a file to finish the edges.
Then clamp in place and weld.
#10
Posted 06 January 2008 - 07:02 PM
Yup that'd work, but I'd guess it's more time consuming then using snips.
#11
Posted 06 January 2008 - 07:23 PM
I'll use my aviation snips and then beat the edges against somthing nice and flat to get them straight again I think. I've got an air compressor so I could use an air nibbler, however I don't have a garage so it's a pain to be carting around so much heavy equipment.Yup that'd work, but I'd guess it's more time consuming then using snips.
Thanks for the tips guys!
#12
Posted 06 January 2008 - 08:49 PM
No one has mentioned a joggler!
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