Disks/cutters for bodywork...

[robtheplod]

H Guys,
About to start on bodywork on a classic mini and I'm just getting together kit needed. I have the drill and grinder, but just after the most useful attachments for these, such as wire sander disk/flap disk etc... - are there recommended grades of these for bodywork???
thanks in advance....

 

[big_d]

Bodywork cutting tools

Rob,
The best tool I have found for classic car work are these 1mm thick metal cutting disks. They are fantastic for cutting out rotten body panels without causing damage. See link to the axminster site but many others also stock. (no commission, sorry )

Would be very interested in hearing others choices for 'best tool'

Big_D

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=31571&name=cutting+disks&user_search=1&sfile=1&jump=44

 

[madkayaker]

kettle

 

[andypocock]

A dustpan and brush to sweep the rust up.

 

[Chipper]

2 grinders or pref 3, one with cutting disc, another with flap disc, and if you got 3 then shove a wire wheel on that (be prepared for being speared by flying wires though when they're new... great for doing steel hedgehog impressions). Saves lots of swapping about.
Don't chuck discs when they get small, don't wear 'em right out. That way you have smaller discs, handy for more confined cuts when the full-size one is too big, if that makes sense.

 

[robtheplod]

A dustpan and brush to sweep the rust up.

 

[Sam]

And make clamps like these http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=4676 I will also say two/three grinders are a good idea.

 

[Garvey]

Those clamps look like a good idea

 

[bob the builder]

Those 1mm discs are great for cutting bolts down they don't damage the thread, a quick rub round with the file and the jobs good...

 

[robtheplod]

is a flap disk the standard way of removing rust from metal, or is it a finishing tool to tidy up welds?

 

[madkayaker]

both realy

 

[gavuk]

Tend to use wire cup brush more than flap disk to remove rust,easy to take too much metal off with a flap disk. flap disks are still good to have though , i find a die grinder useful for difficult access,although a dremel style tool works as well.. flap grades i keep are 40,80,120, if doing filling and painting u should consider a dual action sander which gives a better finish before wet and dry without swirl marks......Gav

 

[lchris21]

Us fellow mini masochists need to stick together. My weapons of choice for my mini resto.
You can never have enough grinders, not pictured are my numerous pneumatic die grinders and a beast of a Dewalt leccy one !
The small angled die grinder, I turned up an attachment to take the small 1mm slitting discs when they get too small for the 4-1/2" angle......................well there is a credit crunch on and every little helps
Makes the most out of the discs and lets you get into those tight spots

Only probs with all these grinders is you end up knitting the cables together and end up spending 5mins at the end of playtime untangling the lot

 

[rtcosic]

Correct Use of 1mm Discs

Do I use them like a knife or a hacksaw?

Knife - score a light groove all the way along the desired line, repeat until whole cut complete

Hacksaw - start at edge of sheet cutting across its thickness and continue

They look so thin and flimsy I would feel uncomfortable using them in hacksaw mode!

 

[gavuk]

Depends on thickness of matl and accuracy required ,both are ok,.....for thick or long or accurate i would score to give myself a reasonable line to follow,short cuts and less accurate,,,,ie cutting to an edge i'd be happy plunging through then moving....can't put side load on the disk and set the gaurd so you don't get covered in sparks....Gav

 

[rtcosic]

Depends on thickness of matl and accuracy required ,both are ok,.....for thick or long or accurate i would score to give myself a reasonable line to follow,short cuts and less accurate,,,,ie cutting to an edge i'd be happy plunging through then moving....can't put side load on the disk and set the gaurd so you don't get covered in sparks....Gav

Seems logical - thanks. I just need to be brave enough to use these flimsy looking things!

 

[gavuk]

Seems logical - thanks. I just need to be brave enough to use these flimsy looking things!

They really are very good ,cut some plate mounted horizontal,use the disk vertical ,you will soon build up your confidence and see they aren't as fragile as they look ,they won't allow you to go much off the vertical without complaining