11 replies to this topic

[Deathrow]

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 .

[Bungle]

a fein multi master is great

[dave20046]

I thought they used air saws

Edited by dave20046, 06 January 2008 - 06:15 PM.

[panelbeaterpeter]

Well I use good quality tin snips or an air nibbler.

[MiniMick]

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

[Ethel]

Air nibblers are really good, the hand one's are pants. A hacksaw is good for sheet as well as thicker stuff.

[panelbeaterpeter]

Always helps to have a biffing hammer on the go.

[pete1781]

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!!!

[1984mini25]

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.

[panelbeaterpeter]

Yup that'd work, but I'd guess it's more time consuming then using snips.

[Deathrow]

Yup that'd work, but I'd guess it's more time consuming then using snips.

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.

Thanks for the tips guys!

[Senile Old Git]

No one has mentioned a joggler!