What cani use

[Crow#21957]

What can I use to cut steel f or a side plate.
It's got some figure to it and curves.
I was thinking if getting a scroll saw (harbour freight) Can't buy the good stuff at this time.I need to make the plate due to nothing from the vendors will help cover up a couple bad spots. I would mail a template and pay for someone to cut me one.

 

[Crow#21957]

What can I use to cut steel f or a side plate.
It's got some figure to it and curves.
I was thinking if getting a scroll saw (harbour freight) Can't buy the good stuff at this time.I need to make the plate due to nothing from the vendors will help cover up a couple bad spots. I would mail a template and pay for someone to cut me one.

 

[The Crisco Kid]

Does it have to be steel? Brass plate from Ace can be cut with a coping saw.

 

[Nav]

What about using an angle grinder with a cutting wheel to get close, and then a grinder or belt sander to shape it?

 

[martin9]

I use a combination of hacksaw and jewelers saw.....and do the final shaping with an assortment of files.

 

[Compressorguy]

All you may need is a hack saw, vise and some files depending on the complexity. I cut this one by hand from 1/8” brass stock. The original was missing from the kit and they didn’t have any replacements. Just make your trace and glue it to the bar stock and plan your cuts for the longest straightest lines as close as you can get to the trace lines. Then cut any remaining tips or crevices and clean up with files for final fitting. Be sure to bevel the bottom edge inward, I did cut it a couple thousands larger than the mortise just to ensure a good inlet. This took about an hour by hand. Good luck on your project!

 

[wiscoaster]

What can I use to cut steel f or a side plate.
It's got some figure to it and curves.
...

You could use a hacksaw to cut the major angles, a Dremel cutting wheel to cut the minor angles and round out the major curves, and then files, esp. three-sided files and needle files to smooth out the curves and get in the acute angles vertexes.

 

[wiscoaster]

...
I was thinking if getting a scroll saw (harbour freight) Can't buy the good stuff at this time....

Harbor Freight power tools are surprisingly good quality, at least their mid and top level lines are. I have an old Milwaukee drill that's still going strong after 30-plus years, but the last several power tools I bought (jig saw, belt sander, finish router) were Harbor Freight brands, and I'm happy with them. I don't need something new now that's going to last 30 years. I'll be dead long before the tool dies.

 

[Compressorguy]

Hand drill and small drill bits can get you close to those tight inside radius also. Then just saw to the holes.

 

[Crow#21957]

Thanks guys. Good idea compressorguy

 

[Codger Craig Wilcox]

I cut all the steel parts of several airplanes (.032-.500") mostly with a jeweler's saw, blades varied from 5/0 to #4. You can cut right down the center of a line with a fine-point sharpie.

 

[Crow#21957]

Than k s everyone. I didn't see all the answers right away. I thought just compressorguy and wiscoaster were the only ones. Sorry

 

[CuNosecap]

Agree with compressorguy and others. Drills right up to the tight curves. Hacksaw or jewelers saw, or coping saw with metal cutting fine tooth blade will work. Stay wide of you marking then file to fit mortise.

 

[WALT53]

All you may need is a hack saw, vise and some files depending on the complexity. I cut this one by hand from 1/8” brass stock. The original was missing from the kit and they didn’t have any replacements. Just make your trace and glue it to the bar stock and plan your cuts for the longest straightest lines as close as you can get to the trace lines. Then cut any remaining tips or crevices and clean up with files for final fitting. Be sure to bevel the bottom edge inward, I did cut it a couple thousands larger than the mortise just to ensure a good inlet. This took about an hour by hand. Good luck on your project!

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What he said.

 

[The Appalachian]

Scribe an outline then angle grinder with .040" cutting wheels. Zip off straight cuts then nibble up close to the line. File to finish.

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

I have used a hacksaw and a file for 43 years.

 

[Sam squanch]

I use a carbide coated rod saw. You can cut curves with this, but go slow as it will break if overheated. Fits in any hacksaw frame.

 

[wiscoaster]

I have used a hacksaw and a file for 43 years.

Now, just to show an old guy can learn new things, it's time to learn how to use a Dremel!!

 

[Crow#21957]

I do alot with a dremmel. Takes some learning but you can do alotor mess up alot.. LOL

 

[Comfortably_Numb]

Now, just to show an old guy can learn new things, it's time to learn how to use a Dremel!!

I use a Dremel a lot, but not for cutting out sideplates. I'll use an angle grinder if I need to move a lot of stock. I don’t recommend just anyone do that.