Panel welding tips

[Bens69PlymouthSatellite]

Thanks for the p.m Domino,I must have spaced on that part of the article! Like I said Ive only welded crappy galvanized steel and I have never done any body work so I am terrified! But I think I will make an attempt I guess thats the only way to learn,sorry again for hijacking the thread.

 

[satellite66]

You didn't hijack it, you added to it. Any and all info helps! Another question: what is the best way to cut sheet metal, using a wheel or saw? I'm asking because I have an inner fender from a project car that has some rust holes. I went to cut out the bad area yesterday using a cutting wheel (craftsman air tool and compressor). How fast can I expect it to cut through the metal? I had it on the part and it took off a line of surface metal but didn't cut through. So I applied more pressure and it made the wheel stop. This is my first time using the wheel and doing any cutting so maybe I was hosing it up and not doing it right.

 

[Domino]

Check your CFM of tool and compressor. You need a lot of air volume to run cut-off wheels, grinders, etc.

 

[RGAZ]

You didn't hijack it, you added to it. Any and all info helps! Another question: what is the best way to cut sheet metal, using a wheel or saw? I'm asking because I have an inner fender from a project car that has some rust holes. I went to cut out the bad area yesterday using a cutting wheel (craftsman air tool and compressor). How fast can I expect it to cut through the metal? I had it on the part and it took off a line of surface metal but didn't cut through. So I applied more pressure and it made the wheel stop. This is my first time using the wheel and doing any cutting so maybe I was hosing it up and not doing it right.

Don't use a cutting wheel unless you have to. The edges are really ugly and the material gets "pushed" around. I recommend a body saw, high speed, pneumatic. there are cheap ones and good ones. harbor freight and northern tool sell cheap ones that do the job, but don't last. I use the cheap one and when it breaks I buy a new one. I haven't spent enough to justify a good one.

Get a bunch of blades too while you are at it. I use the 32TPI blades and can get must of the work done. Go slow, the blade will try and walk on you. ITs noisy so use earplugs. A small compressor can do it, you just have to cut, then wait, cut then wait, repeat.

If you have to use a cutting wheel (been there), slowly cut into the steel so 1/8" of the wheel is through. Then slowly go straight. You cannot turn corners. the cut will be messy and will require serious de-burring.

Personally, I love the body saw, but I have gruesome images in my head of how fast this thing could take off a finger.

Randy

 

[Propwash]

Unless you have good die grinder (ingersoll, Blue point ect..ect..) and a large Air compressor (5HP+), your gonna waste alot of time with a cutting wheel. Like Randy said, your probably better off with a body saw. A bit more glorified cut besides.

Just an idea....For small/isolated and precise cuts on body sheetmetal, I've used a Dremel with their cut off wheels before. The wheels don't last very long but are easily controlled and dont chew out as much metal as an air die grinder.. Good luck!