cutting out the rot

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by andyv, Nov 12, 2018.

  1. IMG_0586 (800x800).jpg IMG_0585 (800x600).jpg IMG_0690 (800x600).jpg So I started on a small rust hole on the front of the rear arch. Not much of a problem compared to the other side I thought. Just a bit round the back to fill. Hah!

    I'd ideally like to cut back as little as possible so long as I reach solid metal, and have been using a Dremel cutter and grinder for the intricate bits, but the tools don't last long and are not cheap.

    Anybody got any advice on alternatives to genuine Dremel stuff. Am I going about this the wrong way?

    I just did the other side but that needed a full repair panel, but it did make it easier to get inside.
     
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  2. ginger ninja

    ginger ninja Supporter

    Hello
    Grinding, flap and cutting discs aren’t expensive really. I would just use a selection of those to cut and clean the areas up. But then again I don’t have a Dremel. I also use those wire brush drill bit sets for the more tricky intricate places. Looks like you’re doing a great job so far anyway!
     
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  3. EggBoxes

    EggBoxes Supporter

    If you have a compressor then an small air powered saw is handy for 30sec cuts before you run out of air, but they do fit into small spaces.
    A 240v electric narrow belt file £30 is well worth it. Relatively quite compared to an angle grinder. Buy wide sander belts and cut into stripes.
     
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  4. Thanks for that ginger ninja. Most work I do is using a full sized disk in an angle grinder but the tiny disks in a dremel are good for tight corners but don’t last very long. I’ll have to order some more in - sod the expense.

    Quite keen on the air saw idea Eggboxes. My compressor is a monster.
     
  5. Kruger

    Kruger Sponsor

    115 or 100mm grinder discs, a cheap electric belt sander as already mentioned, I’ve got a Bosch compact 12v recip saw I sometimes use, an air saw that rarely gets used,

    I imagine using a Dremel to be really tedious!
     
    andyv likes this.
  6. As said above, power file. Air or electric
    Also an air cut off tool, its like a big dremmel bit not as cumbersome as an angle grinder
     
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  7. I've got an air die grinder which is like a Dremel so that's useful for tight spaces too. I wondered has anybody tried a multitool with a sheet metal cutting blade. I've got one I use for woodworking jobs. That might also get in there.
     
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  8. I found a finger sander with ceramic or zirconium belts really useful. You can get into tight corners and have a lot of control.
     
  9. I use a mixture of angle grinders with 1mm cut off disk, flap wheels and cup or disk wire wheels

    Die grinder with carbide burrs, garryson ones seem to last forever

    90 degree die grinder with 50 or 75mm sanding disks, look for 'roloc' fittings as they are quick change. Don't buy cheapo disks from China as they are likely to be crap and not much cheaper than decent ones.

    I'm thinking of getting a finger sander and I've borrowed a power file and it was good but had to give it back :-(

    I've got two big compressors so I'm not having to wait for air pressure to build up but you might find electric kit is better, it's annoying having to stop and wait while a compressor catches up and air tools usually quote a 25% duty cycle so continuous running needs 4 times the cfm listed on the box....

    I have tried a dremel but it was too slow and pricey for bits, it went in the drawer a long time ago :)

    Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
     
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  10. 77 Westy

    77 Westy Supporter

    If I’d used a Dremel to cut the rot out of mine I’d probably still be at it.
     
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  11. So a vote for a finger sander it seems.
     
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  12. Kruger

    Kruger Sponsor

    Mine died over the weekend, the bearings in the top roller wheel made a bid for freedom! Has seen plenty of work though and has probably gone through towards 1000 belts,

    So ordered another, which arrived today £28 from Amazon.
    [​IMG]


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
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  13. Good bits of kit..

    A blob of oil on the end bearing,
    each week..will extend its life
     
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  14. EggBoxes

    EggBoxes Supporter

    A good repair if you have one, is the small guide bearing off a router bit.
     
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  15. DubCat

    DubCat Sponsor

    Just ordered one too :)
     
    Lasty likes this.
  16. Agreed . Ive had one a couple of years and it got use a plenty !! They're one of the most useful power tools - how how did we manage before they came along ??


    Sent from my SM-A320FL using Tapatalk
     
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  17. davidoft

    davidoft Sponsor

    I take them off periodically and drop them in a pot of oil. My front rollers cost more than @Kruger s belt sander :eek: , last for years and see a very lot of work
     
    Coco likes this.
  18. Any advice? iv got to chop out the rear valance and weld in a new one. never cut or welded anything on the bus. iv practiced on loads of scrap with my mig that i feel confident to have a go though. my engine and fuel tank are out so no concerns there.

    Also have you tried carbide tips in the dremel? i found them really handy for cutting of rusted bolt heads in hard to reach places. I image they will come in handy for this type of work.
    DSC_1499.JPG
     
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  19. I'd say start off with a full sized cutting disk and grinder as a Dremel will be too slow. But so far where I've had a tight corner my Dremel has been great. Also I've now got an air driven finger sander. It's early days with that - first impressions are that I'll need a lot of belts.

    Regret I've not tackled this job with my welder so can't advise, but plenty of people on here can tell you about it. I believe it's popular to fit a bolt on valance as per what they had on earlies.
     
  20. Used a file ;).
     
    77 Westy likes this.

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