Connect with your social network account

[WILD BILL]

I've got a couple door panels to reproduce for a customer. I have the cowlboard and I'm ready to get started on it but figured I'd ask what you guys have found worked best for cutting this stuff. I't the .100 stuff from Miami Corp so not really that thick.

I'm sure my Ginger's would do it but don't want to abuse them

[Ron Henningsen]

Some time ago I posted with pictures (but I can't find the post) how I cut these boards. I use a sheet metal cutter that consists of two fixed outer jaws and a inner cutter between them that goes up and down. This type of cutter removes about 1/4" of material but is very accurate in following lines plus it leaves a very clean edge on the cut material. These cutters are readly available on-line and from of course Harbor Freight but I have found that a better quality unit cuts smoother and more accurate.

[WILD BILL]

The tool your referring to is called a pneumatic sheet metal nibbler. (although I have seen electric ones)

Not only do I know them I think I own one although it's in my tool box that is still at my old job. Never would have thought to try that.

[Ron Henningsen]

It's called a electric metal shear. A few pic of mine are attached. Some of them come with a swivel head but the head on mine is fixed. Hope this helps. They work like a champ.

[WILD BILL]

Thanks. I picked up a Bauer off the clearance table for $45 and it works like a dream. If it takes a dump I look into a better quality one but this will get the job done for now.

[Ron Henningsen]

Glad to help.

[WILD BILL]

SO I thought I'd expand on this. I had the need to cut some holes in this board so I ordered a leather hole punch kit from Amazon




https://www.amazon.com/Senrog-Gasket-Le ... a_hp_atf_d

It worked a lot better then expected.



To cut the door handle out I simply punched each corner then connected the tangent points of each with a sharp razor blade using a straight edge as a guide.

[Ron Henningsen]

Same tool but a different name is a gasket hole punch set. Take the leather name off the tool and it seems to cost less. If you didn't figure it out yet the tool works best if you do it over a piece of wood.

[Rhonda]

I saw a tool battery operated ,on a utube , he was using to cut thin metal roof material I don't know what he called it , but it cut smooth and even.