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Plasma Cutting Tin Top Arches?
FASTdan - 11/12/12 at 12:31 PM

I've got a pair of rear arches to repair on a puma. I'd normally use a cutting disc but I now have a plasma and was wondering about using this to cut the arch strip out - figure it'll be a lot quicker and neater than grinding. However should I be worried about distortion of the rear wing? I'd guess welding will put more heat in but of course thats quite easy to control, not sure how much heat a plasma will put into that material but I'm guessing the distortion shouldnt be as bad as your not adding/shrinking material?

Was planning to cut about 30-40mm above the arch line right the way around on both arches as they're well rotten. Good ol' Ford.

clairetoo - 11/12/12 at 12:55 PM

The thing with a plasma cutter is it will cut through anything in its path - so any strengthening ribs will be cut as well .
The only way to avoid distortion is to cut fast - not easy to do on a curve on a curved surface !

mark chandler - 11/12/12 at 01:37 PM

My plasma has a power setting, as long as you only use enough heat to cut the panel you should be okay.

As you have noted, welding will distort far more than anything else you do.

[Edited on 11/12/12 by mark chandler]

blakep82 - 11/12/12 at 01:45 PM

i've only cut 3mm plate with one, so might be a cleaner cut with ford body work, but it will blow a shower of molten metal everywhere, and maybe leave lumps of it on the back of the panels needing cleaned up.

i'd stick with grinder and 1mm cutting disc tbh. might take a little longer, but will be a cleaner cut i think, and less heat input,

will121 - 11/12/12 at 05:26 PM

quote:
Originally posted by blakep82
i've only cut 3mm plate with one, so might be a cleaner cut with ford body work, but it will blow a shower of molten metal everywhere, and maybe leave lumps of it on the back of the panels needing cleaned up.

i'd stick with grinder and 1mm cutting disc tbh. might take a little longer, but will be a cleaner cut i think, and less heat input,


just fitted a pair to my Fiesta, As above I would use 1mm plasma cutting discs or if want to cold cut as much as possible use a hand nibbler £8 from machine Mart





[Edited on 11/12/12 by will121]

clanger - 11/12/12 at 06:06 PM

took my old mini to pieces with one, plasma every time, clean cut, no lumps on the back...............like a knife through butter.........word of caution though, when you see what it can do you'll be looking for things to cut with it...................enjoy

[Edited on 11/12/12 by clanger]

macc man - 11/12/12 at 06:44 PM

If you go for the Plasa option it might be best to disconnect the battery, alternator and ecu to avoid frying them.

PSpirine - 11/12/12 at 07:39 PM

And remove the wheel arch liners if they're in direct path of the fireball!