Cutting bodywork... in tight spaces

[Trtj]

SO, what tool to use in a restoration where the need is to cut sections of bodywork out of tight corners etc? The angle is too big and the dremel too small and the discs are weak. Are there any other options apart from a die grinder? They seem to be horrendously expensive!

[kambites]

In the past I've used a little three-inch air powered grinder - much like a Dremmel but scaled up and taking small angle grinder discs.

Something along these lines: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Metal-Cutting-Blades-19670...

You can probably get smaller versions, if that's too big.

Edited by kambites on Monday 16th June 21:14

[oilslick]

Hire/borrow a plasma cutter?

[CR6ZZ]

If you already have a Dremel and the job is not too big, how about a carborundum wheel or reinforced discs like below? I use my wheel on thick fibreglass very successfully.

[DrDeAtH]

Air saw...

[droopsnoot]

I have had similar issues, and all you can do is get a variety of things. I've had several Aldi Dremel-alikes, and the reinforced discs above work well as long as you don't stress them sideways - then they just explode. I've also got some diamond burrs for it, which take quite some time compared to the die grinder due to the lower power, but are smaller. The 3" cut-off tool is also great, usually £9.99 in Aldi when they have air tools, and £4.99 a few weeks later when they realised they ordered too many. And three year warranty.

I've also used the not-dremel to cut a slot, then used a hacksaw blade in a handle to continue the cut, and an air-operated die grinder again can be had for not too much money, and use either grind stones or larger diamond burrs of various shapes.

[Hasbeen]

I used to use a tig tip in a stick welder, on high power, & simply cut by melting the bit out. It gives a similar finish to gas cutting, without the flame starting fires.

[Trtj]

Cheers for the replies gents. Without the provisions of air from a compressor I think I will be experimenting with some chinese cutting wheels like the above for the dremel type tool. Failing that, it'll be the drill and a hacksaw

[woodypup59]

Really sharp cold chisel ?

[paintman]

I must try the tig tip on an arc welder idea, never come across that one before.

You could also consider something on the lines of a Fein Multimaster. I use a genuine one on caravan bodywork & with the correct blades it makes short work of metal, plastic, grp, wood etc.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nynD2SfyINU

[johnny fotze]

Man up, son. Get a gas axe on the job.