Die Grinders / Tools for Tight Auto body Cutting

[Jayhawk_Aviator]

I bought a 90 degree Harbor Freight air die grinder to get in some tight spots when cutting metal. It bogs down and stalls basically as soon as it hits the metal. It's not an air issue (I have a 60 gallon tank, proper air pressure, and oil the tool). I know HF tools are cheap and I generally don't buy electric HF items, but is there a difference in power between cheap and "good" air die grinders like this?

On that note, what are others using to get in tight spaces? the 4" angle grinder with cutoff wheel works great and I ocassionally use the sawzall, but I'm looking for something that works well in tight places.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[Jayhawk_Aviator]

Any recommendations here? Is this par for the course on die grinders?

 

[d.mcfarland]

How long and what size is the hose/fittings going from the tank to the tool.

It's possible that the hose/fitting is your restriction.

 

[danielbuck]

I find that an air-saw (sometimes called a "body saw") works wonders. It's basically a mini sawzall.

They are meant for sheet metal, but I use mine on metal even 1/4" thick. Sometimes the air saw can get into an area that a grinder can't. You can get pretty precise with them too.

 

[matt_i]

It is of course slower but a Foredom shaft tool plus the cross-woven Dremel cutoff wheels work very well for slicing sheetmetal. The Foredom has a lot more torque/hp than any of the actual Dremel lineup and the combo works accceptably well in my opinion. Plus good for many other jobs.

 

[lis2323]

Lots of options depending on the situation but one of my favourites is this extended reach grinder with cut off wheel.




https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00U24VGBQ/?tag=atomicindus04-20

 

[Gummi Bear]

I still really like pneumatic tools.


I have an AirCat right angle die grinder, it’s ¾ hp. Pretty beefy. I don’t have enough air to realize it’s full potential


I also have a Chicago Pneumatic body saw, it’s pretty terrific. I’ve learned to buy good blades (I usually buy Ingersoll blades for it)

I also sometimes use my Ingersoll cutoff tool (with reverse!). It’s fantastic, I can change direction and throw the sparks away from me.



I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

 

[real_life_ram_air]

This is a must have for tight spots. Cut what you can with a cut off wheel or saw and finish with the belt file sander.
This with an 80g belt will remove material quickly.

mc