Tools of the trade

More of an art than a science - discuss metalworking and welding here.



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PostPosted: Tue Feb 21, 2017 9:02 am
Another newbie question for me. I have some experience in autobody but am starting a project car that will need some new panels and more welded/replaced. I am curious as to what tools to invest in for 1) cutting metal: what type of sheers, nibblers, etc. (handheld or air?) are best for trimming metal off the car and prepping new panels, and 2) clamps or pliers or clecos for holding panels in?

Just curious, maybe a silly question but if there's something that will help me out, I'd like to know about it ahead of time and have it on hand.

Thanks



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Joined: Tue Sep 16, 2008 1:17 pm
Location: Pahrump NV.
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 23, 2017 1:00 pm
Are you looking to get into this as a one time shot to do one car or two cars to save some money or as a Full time Hobby? or to make money? because this is No way youll save any money doing one or two cars! This aint No cheap Hobby! This is a forever lifetime deal to invest in yourself if you really want to get into it and do it well do not expect to be able to Buy every thing your going to need all at once.

A Hi speed Die grinder is a Go too tool for cutting I use 1/32 in thick cutting wheels on mine.
I have strait and 90degree Die grinders. I also Use a Small Hand held Reciprocating Saw.
Don't forget these Plazma cutter, hand Shears, Table top and Bench top, sheet Metal Brake/ shear

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarte ... 53177.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarte ... 52848.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/high-speed ... 91753.html

I pulled these up on Horrible freight just because they are easy to find NOT because they are good tools. Horrible freight are cheap knockoffs of quality tools If you do some searching you can find these tools made under a quality names such as Snap On, Mack, Matco, Sears Craftsmen, and many others. Good tools are expensive good Air tools doubly so.

If you buy from Horrible freight expect tools not to work out of box or have a VERY short life expectancy! If they work at all Always buy the insurance and keep photo copy of receipt as they use disappearing ink on there receipts that way you can prove warranty as your name will/can disappear from there computer system for warranty's.

Next is a Welder of some sort Most guys like using a Mig and Like most all Tools there are more manufactures to chose from recommending one is hard.

I started welding with Gas Years ago on Aircraft then went too Mig welders for Cars and then went to Tig and now back to Gas welding, I use all three processes.
I recommend Gas welding thin sheet metal It takes A LOT OF PRACTICE too do it at all let alone doing it well.
After learning gas welding stepping into Tig welding is easy.
Gas welding can be very cheap to get into as compared to the rest of the processes, if your willing to buy used equipment. Take your time studying the different Manufactures equipment and look for good buys on Amazon and Ebay & Craigslist.

Air compressor Buy the biggest baddest one you can you can you will never have enough air. Look at 5-10 hp models in 20-35 CFM range buy the biggest one you can Think of it as the Heart of your shop because it is! Its the most important piece!
If I had to recommend a good size model to start with for single garage type environment A True 5hp model with a True 20 CFM rating pump. That's a tall order to fill !

Personally I am looking for a 7-10 hp 35 CFM as a MINIMUM for my next machine.

next would be a Good Hi Quality set of hammers and Dolly's from Snap on OR Martin tools. ya you can get what Horrible freight calls a Starter set for 30-40 bucks But They are JUNK! When you look at there hammers and dolly's side by side with Quality stuff Its very apparent why the quality tool costs more.

Clecos
I use Clecos I have Hundreds of them they are very expensive for even cheap ones never mind Hi Quality ones. You can use small Sheet metal screws just as easy and are a lot more affordable.

Go to web sights such as these there are many more and look around ask same questions.
http://allmetalshaping.com/showthread.php?t=1083
http://metalmeet.com/

And we haven't even talked about Paint guns Air driers and Filters yet or Sanders, Sand blasters, hand tools, Steam cleaners, Pressure washers, Drills & drill bits, Hi Speed Files, Sanding Blocks Consumables Sand Paper, Paint, Primer's, Clears, Tape, Masking paper or a Place to paint!

Again Don't expect to save money doing this stuff your self or for one or two cars or even three or four cars. Most of us that are serious are trying to make money at it or are planning too.
Can it be done on the cheap? ya, Is it going to look like a cheap job? That depends on you! How many of your mistakes in the learning curves your willing to live with OR redo?
How much your willing to spend in time and money learning how to do a Task.
There are many things to get right and master to do quality work.

Hope it helps
Dennis B.
A&P Mechanic, FCC General radio Telephone Operator
Line Maintenance A&P Mechanic and MOC Tech specialist.

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