Jesse OBrien Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 So far, I've just been cutting some sheet metal that I got ahold of, but seeing how easy steel is to work with, I have a feeling this is going to get out of hand pretty quickly. I've wanted a welder for quite some time now, but never actually broke down and purchased one. I think I'm going to wait until after I move back to the East Coast (so I don't have to drive a welder cross-country, and so I'll have PROPER electrical in my garage). Anyway, enough back story. It all started when I found a need for a block-off plate on my l28et, where the power steering pump once sat. I picked up some steel at a local machining shop (during off-hours, the awesome owner actually handed the keys to his front door over to me minutes after we met, awesome experience) for free (plus a little rust). I headed down to Home Depot to get a new quick-release fitting and hose for my compressor, along with a Die Grinder. I explained exactly what I was doing to their self-proclaimed "tool guy" and he told me to get a Roto-Zip, the granddaddy to the Dremel. In all actuality, it's just a goddamned drill. It's a piece of ♥♥♥♥ tool that I wouldn't use against my enemies. I actually ended up using my dremel with a cut-off wheel instead, and intend to return the shitty electric Roto-Zip and exchange it for a proper tool: a die grinder. Anyway, here's what I ended up with (still needs paint and I need to make a gasket for it): Don't laugh, this is a big step for me! I also went ahead and started my switch panel to go in the dash. I may add media controls to this as well: I'll post more when everything's painted, if anybody's interested in seeing my feeble attempts to start 'fabrication (minus welding)'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V8_DatZun Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 Got to start some where. You're on the right track. Start small and work your way up. You're right... you own a Z.. it WILL get out of hand fairly quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesse OBrien Posted July 14, 2009 Author Share Posted July 14, 2009 Thanks for the encouragement, I just want to make sure I don't get in over my head and get frustrated. So far, aside from using this craptastical tool, it's been a great experience! This piece of poo is NOT a metal cutting tool in ANY sense of the word. I already have a great handheld impact drive that'll drill through pretty much anything! Just so you know what I'm talking about, this is the rotozip: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V8_DatZun Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 I've been trying to find a tool to make curved cuts (angle grinder just wont "cut" it hah). I was tempted to try something like that rotozip... glad you posted your results. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magnum380Z Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 Thanks for the encouragement, I just want to make sure I don't get in over my head and get frustrated. So far, aside from using this craptastical tool, it's been a great experience! This piece of poo is NOT a metal cutting tool in ANY sense of the word. I already have a great handheld impact drive that'll drill through pretty much anything! Just so you know what I'm talking about, this is the rotozip: i wondered about that too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrenadeZ Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 (edited) I would use what zr8ed is using on his air dam. Ill try to find the link. he makes some really smooth lines. A plasma cutter is also Ideal. But I commonly Use my dremel with a small (1-2") diameter cut off wheel. Its flexibl and makes some pretty smooth cuts. Edited July 14, 2009 by GrenadeZ mispelling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evan Purple240zt Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 If your cutting thick enough metal a jigsaw and a high quality blade does a great job at contours. Clean it up with a grinder of some sort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrenadeZ Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=148945 Half way down the page is the cutting tool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Over the Top Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 oh ya! thoughs are really good for sheet metal cutting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesse OBrien Posted July 14, 2009 Author Share Posted July 14, 2009 I believe it's called a 'nibbler'. They're pretty specialized and do an AWESOME job. Maybe I'll pick that up instead of the die grinder tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
240Z8_Dad Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 Thanks for the encouragement, I just want to make sure I don't get in over my head and get frustrated. So far, aside from using this craptastical tool, it's been a great experience! This piece of poo is NOT a metal cutting tool in ANY sense of the word. I already have a great handheld impact drive that'll drill through pretty much anything! Just so you know what I'm talking about, this is the rotozip: Rotozips are GREAT for working on drywall and such. This is the first time I have ever heard of using one for steel. Wierd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
proxlamus© Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 FYI - an 18 yr old kid can be hired at home depot, in the tool department with no experience.. and 4 hours of computer based training Can't know it all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeeZ Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 oh ya! thoughs are really good for sheet metal cutting. What!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesse OBrien Posted July 15, 2009 Author Share Posted July 15, 2009 The guy was in his mid-50's and seemed to know his way around tools pretty well. I wouldn't trust some 27-year-old virgin fresh out of Home Depot training. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrenadeZ Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 Hey! I used to work at home depot every summer! lol but they paid me 10 bucks to stand around. I wouldnt have trust me either at 18 years old! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AgentZ Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 Well done. The first projects are always the most duanting huh? Just a wee tip on your block off plate. Throw that thing in a vice and hit it with a file on the edges. It will look better and remove the sharp edges. That way you wont cut yourself to pieces when you rub your hand past it. Good to get moving on these things! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesse OBrien Posted July 20, 2009 Author Share Posted July 20, 2009 I cleaned it up a bit with a file (not as much as I would have wanted, but I'll get to that). I'd like to hit it with a belt sander if I can get ahold of one in due time. I also sprayed it with a bit of matte black, and made a gasket for it out of the rubber seat hardware covers. Here's a picture of the finished product, for anyone who might be interested: (block-off) switch panel: Thanks for all the great feedback, guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auxilary Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 hey bud, I need to introduce you to the only store you'll ever need to visit.... harbor freight tools. You need to go in there and buy the following tools: -2 x 4.5"angle grinders ($15 each), 1 for grinding wheel, 1 for cut off wheel or wire brush -wire brush cups of various sizes for cleaning metal -dremel tool with accessories. buy wheels elsewhere besides harbor freight -3 lb deadblow sand filled mallet - if you want to spring for it, a bench grinder is an incredibly useful tool when cleaning up edges of fabbed parts. This should cover your fabrication needs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesse OBrien Posted July 21, 2009 Author Share Posted July 21, 2009 I used to go there all the time when I was in Vallejo. Now I'm in Oakland. No Harbor Freight anywhere nearby, as far as I can tell. Also, I'm doing all this work so I can get my one vehicle on the road. That means no long trips to pick up tools/supplies/etc. If you end up heading to Oakland, or even the meet on the 8th, want to stop by HF for me and pick up some supplies? I can paypal or just pay you back when we meet, and it'd be a HUGE help for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auxilary Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 There;s one in Fremont, I live by it. I can pick you up some stuff for the meet, what all do you need? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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