cutting repair panels/shapes from 1mm steel

[DavidS16]

So Ive been doing a fair bit of repair work on the mrs 106 GTi (the more you look about, the more you find and excuse to weld). Cutting and shaping the repair plates I need is pretty time consuming using an angle grinder, and covers the place in mess as well.

Having never used any proper tools for fabricating, can anyone recommend anything better?

Thanks in advance

 

[the snooper]

a pair of electric shears

 

[anjum]

Plasma cutter!

I first used one many many years ago. It was a big industrial one, quite a revelation.
I thought at the time it would be amazing to have a DIY version. I did think about producing one but I let the naysayers put me off. There's no market for it .If it was a good idea someone would have done it already etc Rats!!!
Also invented the electronic book, and variable valve timing, discovered john Stuart Mills theory when I was twelve.......
Just never had the courage of my convictions to actually do any of my ideas.

 

[Burdekin]

As above or a pair of snips or bench shears.

 

[the snooper]

As above or a pair of snips or bench shears.

snips, horrible blister creating things, ok for the odd cut

 

[Burdekin]

snips, horrible blister creating things, ok for the odd cut

Lay off the moisturiser.

 

[Swift&Bold]

Jigsaw

 

[pedrobedro]

Aviation snips cut round corners and if you get the offset ones they are easier to use. They come in left or right curve . I don't get blisters from ordinary snips but I do pinch my belly with the handles trying to get through thicker stuff.

 

[the snooper]

Lay off the moisturiser.

ive got electric shears, non of that manual junk

 

[Parm]

snips, horrible blister creating things, ok for the odd cut

I'll have you know they were fine to cut the metal for my pan lid, but it was copper

 

[Turbo]

Electric nibbler would be my choice for cutting curves, angle grinder with a slitting disc for the rest.

 

[Maker]

Aviation snips cut round corners and if you get the offset ones they are easier to use. They come in left or right curve . I don't get blisters from ordinary snips but I do pinch my belly with the handles trying to get through thicker stuff.

I've pinched worse than my belly before.

 

[Chris Stevens]

So Ive been doing a fair bit of repair work on the mrs 106 GTi (the more you look about, the more you find and excuse to weld). Cutting and shaping the repair plates I need is pretty time consuming using an angle grinder, and covers the place in mess as well.

Having never used any proper tools for fabricating, can anyone recommend anything better?

Thanks in advance [/QUOTE

Good quality aviation snips will be fine. You might find using 2 rather than 1mm sheet for repair patches makes welding a bit easier.