good metal cutting tools

[NelsonC]

I'm planning on doing some work on a 65 C10, will need to do some mods on the frame. Just wondering what are the best tools for cutting metal and drill holes, etc. I have heard of evolution saw, not sure how well they work. Is there something else that's more versatile or better for metal cutting? I have a Dewalt sawzall, but have never used it to cut thicker metal, only go through nails and things. Would it work well on a frame? What about drill bits, etc.?

If there is already a thread about this, please let me know. Thanks.

 

[Askme42]

I'd use a cutoff wheel on a grinder. Ok personally I'd use my plasma cutter but I don't think that's the answer you're looking for.

For drill bits just make sure you get some good quality ones and a plug in 1/2 drill.

 

[56vette461]

Electric recip saw like they use to demo walls. They have some very good metal blades for cutting everything from sheet products to heavy frame and support members. The first thing to remember is the power of those saws and nasty teeth can get away from you if your not paying attention. Dewalt also have a good 18 volt battery saw that is useful.

 

[Beemer533]

I love my Dewalt 18v and corded band saws! I don't go anywhere without them. The Milwaukee equivalents are fine too, if you prefer one over the other..

We use a lot of stainless steel at work and the Norseman drill bits hold up very well.

These are more geared towards electrical work, but the Greenlee quick-change carbide hole saws are excellent.

Depending on the amount of work you plan on, a plasma torch is never a bad idea..

 

[Ruger_556]

I'm planning on doing some work on a 65 C10, will need to do some mods on the frame. Just wondering what are the best tools for cutting metal and drill holes, etc. I have heard of evolution saw, not sure how well they work. Is there something else that's more versatile or better for metal cutting? I have a Dewalt sawzall, but have never used it to cut thicker metal, only go through nails and things. Would it work well on a frame? What about drill bits, etc.?

If there is already a thread about this, please let me know. Thanks.

Most versatile would be an oxy cutting torch. A sawzall is about the last tool I reach for when cutting metal. Grinder with a cut off wheel and some good drill bits will get you a long ways.

 

[RivennHewn]

The evolution saws cut well, if you can get them into where you want to cut.

If you're cutting on the underside of a truck, they'll be limited.

Porta-bands also cut well. Again, limited access due to size.

Grinder with cutting wheels is the easiest way to get into tight spaces, but watch for kickbacks.

Die grinders or cut-off tools are great, but limited by size of wheel.

No one tool will do everything.

 

[Adam.C]

I'm no expert on auto body restoration, but I think it depends on what you have in mind. Cutting away bits of frame? Cutting down springs? Or are you cutting away rusted sheet metal?

My advice is to peruse the Eastwood Company's website.

My answer is- you can cut all automotive metal effectively and efficiently with a hack saw and a little practice. You need a decent frame (I have the Bahco which is the same as the cheap Snap On model). And the right blades. Guys use the wrong blade then wonder why their hack saws don't work.

For drilling, no exotic drills are required. Just USA (not for patriotic reasons, but because they really are better) HSS drill bits, sharpened 135 degrees split point. A cordless drill will work fine if its a good one with a slow speed. My recommendation for folks who drill a lot of metal is to buy a Drill Doctor. If you buy that first, you can buy high quality used drill bits cheap and sharpen them into whatever profile you prefer. Start your holes with a center punch.

You can shape automotive metal effectively with quality hand files. Again, you want USA. The new mexican Nicholsons seem to be made of pewter or aluminum (kidding). They are really soft. See if you local store still has USA made Nicholsons and buy all you can. Keep them clean and they will last a life time.

Otherwise, for power tools, I think for auto body restoration you want an air nibbler, air die grinder with a cutoff wheel, then probably an oxy set up for cutting and welding. Then you are going to want sanders.

One of my cousins rebuilt an old camaro and had a Bosch jig saw mounted upside down on a bench with a hack saw blade in it and used that to saw all kinds of patches. He does amazing work. Not sure I'd recommend this set up. But I guess my advice is to start with the basics and build your kit as your skills grow.

 

[crewchief888]

my main cutting tool is a 4 1/2" electric grinder with a cutoff wheel.


i prefer it to the plasma i had.

 

[malibu101]

my main cutting tool is a 4 1/2" electric grinder with a cutoff wheel.


i prefer it to the plasma i had.

I have a small plasma and it has it's place. Like hacking metal out of the way
but,
I will normally use a wheel on grinder or air whizzer too if it is a cut that must be welded.
It takes less time to just cut it whith a wheel than to go back and dress the edge, with a grinder, after a plasma cut.

To me, a sawzall is too slow and the potential for a poor cut is high and a body saw is a small step above that although they are very useful depending on what you are doing.
"Tin" snips cut metal too.
Heck even a toothed panel ripper on an air hammer has it's place in the arsenal.
Just try using a reciprocating cutting tool on a small piece you are trimming in.


Every tool has it's place depending on what the needed end result is.....

 

[dr_clyde]

My standard kit for doing automotive fab work is:

An electric angle grinder with cutoff wheels
A 3" cutoff wheel on a die grinder
A 2" grinding disc assortment on a die grinder
Drill with Norseman twist drills
MIG welder

If doing sheetmetal work then:
Aviation snips
Body hammers and dollies
Kett shears
Shrinker/Stretcher

Oh yeah, and a shitload of clamps. Lots of clamps.

With these tools you can pretty much do whatever you need to on a vehicle.

 

[gus1962]

I have a porta band saw; it's my first metal cutting machine on the shop.

 

[Zeke]

The recip saw you have will do fairly precision cuts whereas a torch will leave irregular edges that will have to be dressed. By the time you get that done you could have just used a cutoff wheel. But the recip saw is the safest way to go. You will need the grinder though, so get some wheels for cutting and grinding where you might need them.

Be sure to plan for doublers on any frame patch. In fact, I'd double and box.

 

[ez-duzit]

For heavy gauge stuff, like frame rails, I would use my Milwaukee Super Sawzall with a bi-metal blade.