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Spot weld cutter..

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Category: The Garage
Forum Name: Tool Time tool review and eval area
Forum Description: Tool reviews, evaluations and tips only please.
URL: https://theamcforum.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=91524
Printed Date: Mar/29/2024 at 10:00am
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Topic: Spot weld cutter..
Posted By: BrotherBamc
Subject: Spot weld cutter..
Date Posted: Dec/25/2017 at 1:27pm
I am in need of one and I am not too sure what to get. Seems to be several different types. 
Suggestions would be great on what you use and what would be best to purchase for a newbie like myself. 
Thanks in advance...!!! 


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77 CJ5 360
73 Gremlin 401 4 speed
2006 Dodge Magnum R/T AWD
http://www.lxforums.com/board/garage.php?do=user_garage_view&id=19745" rel="nofollow - My Garage



Replies:
Posted By: tufcj
Date Posted: Dec/25/2017 at 1:41pm
You get what you pay for.  I'm not sure what your budget is.  This is the tool I have, I've had it for years and cut 100s of spot welds.  I'm still on the original cutting head, even though I bought spares.
You can find the small set for about $60 online.

https://www.blairequipment.com/rotabroach-cutters" rel="nofollow - https://www.blairequipment.com/rotabroach-cutters

Bob
tufcj




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69 AMX
74 Javelin AMX
67 Rogue

If you need a tool and don't buy it...
you'll eventually pay for it...
and not have it.
Henry Ford


Posted By: gtoman_us
Date Posted: Dec/25/2017 at 2:16pm
Blair is the one and only!

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Moderator - Emeritus

Used to collect trophies, now I collect gas receipts and put on miles

1964 Rambler Ambassador Cross Country Wagon
1965 GTO
1931 Model A original survivor
"Flat Roofs are Cool"


Posted By: bigbadgreen
Date Posted: Dec/25/2017 at 3:07pm
I bought the harbor freight ones.worked for what I needed it for.Removed a tail panel.


Posted By: 71SC360
Date Posted: Dec/25/2017 at 3:34pm
I agree with the others... buy the Blair, you won't be disappointed. They definitely make the best ones on the market and they won't let you down like the cheap ones can and do..



Posted By: Ram Air Rick
Date Posted: Dec/25/2017 at 5:48pm
 While I haven't used the Blair tool, if it's cut 100's of spot welds and you are on the same cutting head, I'm sold !

 I had a spot weld cutter years ago and it wasn't a cheapie. It wouldn't last anywhere near that long.

 The Blair is the one I'd buy.

 Rich C.




Originally posted by tufcj tufcj wrote:

You get what you pay for.  I'm not sure what your budget is.  This is the tool I have, I've had it for years and cut 100s of spot welds.  I'm still on the original cutting head, even though I bought spares.
You can find the small set for about $60 online.

https://www.blairequipment.com/rotabroach-cutters" rel="nofollow - https://www.blairequipment.com/rotabroach-cutters

Bob
tufcj




Posted By: jpnjim
Date Posted: Dec/25/2017 at 6:12pm
I used regular old drill bits when I drilled out the spot welds on my Comanche
(outer rocker and lower cab corner).

Wasn't really that hard, and I only drilled until the weld let go so smaller holes made for less weld to put back when I hot-glue-gunned the new pieces in. Smile


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71 P-code 4spd Javelin/AMX
some Jeeps and some Fords


Posted By: 71SC360
Date Posted: Dec/25/2017 at 6:40pm
I've owned a Blair RotaBroach set for about 5 years. I've only broken one cutter (spot weld size). The replaceable cutters are pretty affordable compared to the cost of the original set. Like I said previously, they are the best you can buy...

http://shop.blairequipment.com/Fractional-Rotabroach-Cutter-Kit-p/11090.htm" rel="nofollow - http://shop.blairequipment.com/Fractional-Rotabroach-Cutter-Kit-p/11090.htm



Posted By: pacerman
Date Posted: Dec/25/2017 at 8:02pm
I like the Blair rotabroach, but the cutter (double ended) did not last through cutting off a Hornet hatchback quarter at the spot welds.  I intend to use it again if I ever need it.  Joe

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Happiness is making something out of nothing.


Posted By: PlazinJavelin
Date Posted: Dec/25/2017 at 9:00pm

+1 for the harbor freight cutter. About $10, has cut ~150 welds my javelin and still has some life left in it.
You only get one size (~1/4") and it might not be as fast as a more expensive cutter, but I have no complaints.
Plazin's Tips... center punch first, don't "gorilla it", let the tool do the work and rotate the angle a little as you go.


Posted By: Woosterkevin
Date Posted: Dec/26/2017 at 6:14am
I totally agree on the Harbor Freight spot weld cutter. I used them to remove the trunk pan, quarters, roof skin.For the price (under$10) you get the double sided cuter that if used carefully will last thru hundreds of spot welds.


Posted By: mixed up
Date Posted: Dec/26/2017 at 7:20am
ditto on the harbor freight one it will do the job if questionable there cheap enough buy two never had any issue with one

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69 amx 290 auto
65 220 290 4spd
80 ford fairmont


Posted By: Raccoonman
Date Posted: Dec/26/2017 at 2:13pm
I bought two HF sets and ended up giving the spare one away because the first one hasn't failed yet! Bought them specifically for cutting the cowl top off of a '62 Falcon and use the same one several years later to cut one off of a '69. Center punch every spot weld you can see, and let the tool do the work. Don't "gorilla" it, as has been noted before. Buy better ones if your budget allows, of course. One of the best tools I've got in my box. Right up there with electric sheet metal shears!


Posted By: MARTINSR
Date Posted: Jan/08/2018 at 3:19pm
Here is a "Basics of Basics' on removing welds that may come in handy, there are many ways to accomplish it.

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/basics-basics-spot-welds-removing-welded-panels-222549.html

Brian


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1959 Rambler American daily driver. And I mean EVERY SINGLE day.


Posted By: BrotherBamc
Date Posted: Jan/09/2018 at 11:11am
Originally posted by MARTINSR MARTINSR wrote:

Here is a "Basics of Basics' on removing welds that may come in handy, there are many ways to accomplish it.

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/basics-basics-spot-welds-removing-welded-panels-222549.html

Brian

Went to my new Harbor Freight store yesterday. Couldn't find what I was looking for so I asked the "cashiers" for a spot weld cutter. They looked at each other and by them doing that, I knew that I was not going to find one there. LOL
Great read and write up..!! 
Thank you... 


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77 CJ5 360
73 Gremlin 401 4 speed
2006 Dodge Magnum R/T AWD
http://www.lxforums.com/board/garage.php?do=user_garage_view&id=19745" rel="nofollow - My Garage


Posted By: pit crew
Date Posted: Jan/09/2018 at 12:39pm
Originally posted by BrotherBamc BrotherBamc wrote:

Went to my new Harbor Freight store yesterday. Couldn't find what I was looking for so I asked the "cashiers" for a spot weld cutter. They looked at each other and by them doing that, I knew that I was not going to find one there. LOL
Great read and write up..!! 
Thank you... 
Want to get a REAL strange look/reaction? Ask for a dwell meter at any so called auto parts store....


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73 Hornet - 401EFI - THM400 - Twin Grip 20


Posted By: Woosterkevin
Date Posted: Jan/09/2018 at 3:24pm
All Harbor Freight stores have them, They are in the isle with the drill bits , not easy to find but they are there. You can also order them online. 


Posted By: Dan390
Date Posted: Jan/09/2018 at 4:28pm
I've used them my entire working career, and really the biggest thing is the operator, if you don't know how to use it you'll dull it or break it in minutes/seconds.

Used with patience and properly, you can make a cutting head last a very long time, but always good to have a handful of spares on hand so you can get the job done regardless.

You can just drill through them also, but leaving a solid flange on the metal you will weld to later is so nice and professional, it's worth using a spot weld cutter (properly) to ensure a proper fit and finish.


Posted By: PlazinJavelin
Date Posted: Jan/10/2018 at 6:31pm
I've had better luck when asking for the part number on some items. The computer might tell them the isle location... # 95343 $4.99. It's listed as welding supplies, but my store had them hanging on the wall near power tools. 


Posted By: BrotherBamc
Date Posted: Jan/10/2018 at 7:11pm
I think that's what I probably should do. Is go in with part number in hand.
I went back down yesterday and looked again in the drill bit's.
Nothing.
Looked again in most spots that you'd think they'd be.
Nothing.  
Brand new store, so I can see where it might be hidden. 


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77 CJ5 360
73 Gremlin 401 4 speed
2006 Dodge Magnum R/T AWD
http://www.lxforums.com/board/garage.php?do=user_garage_view&id=19745" rel="nofollow - My Garage


Posted By: mstrcrftr
Date Posted: Jan/10/2018 at 9:27pm
just call the store and see how many they show in stock.. i do it all the time


Posted By: Woosterkevin
Date Posted: Jan/11/2018 at 2:53am
The item number is 95343.


Posted By: amcglass
Date Posted: Jan/17/2018 at 9:25am
I have a few Harbor Freight tools and although they are cheaper to purchase I have had luck with them so far

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Javmanpres

BBG Mark Donohue 401

74 Jav/AMX
71 Matador 2dr sedan delivery wagon
1902 Rambler Runabout   
70 T/A Javelin


Posted By: LouB
Date Posted: Jan/02/2021 at 10:24am
I agree with Dan390- the key is the Operator.  I bought the Blair cutters and would burn them up after 5 spot welds.  I didn't know what I was doing and it dulled/broke them very quickly.  I finally figured it out now they last for many spot welds. Let the tool do the work and don't force it.


Posted By: Kbmwm3
Date Posted: Oct/28/2021 at 7:55am
Getting ready to start on project repair on 68 Javelin.....
Info was greatly appreciated.

Good topic,
Thanks,
Keith in Tampa


Posted By: mixed up
Date Posted: Oct/29/2021 at 12:56am
you may only use it on this one project I have had good results with the harbor freight ones just buy 2 they are cheap enough

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69 amx 290 auto
65 220 290 4spd
80 ford fairmont


Posted By: Kbmwm3
Date Posted: Oct/29/2021 at 7:41am
Thanks,
You just saved me a second trip.

Keith


Posted By: Dan390
Date Posted: Oct/29/2021 at 10:20pm
Most failures with spot weld cutters are "Operator failure" basically if you do it wrong it will shatter or eat the teeth right off, most people just think these will zing right through in an instant no problem.

No two spot welds are alike and none are perfectly flat around the weld. If you just hit it like a monkey at full speed and force, you'll be buying 5 gallon buckets of replacement cutters. Do it right, and like others have said you can make a good head last literally years.

I like to start above the highest point of surrounding metal at a low RPM, let the teeth lightly start to dig in and cut a circle outline, slowly applying downward pressure until you see a full circle.

If it constantly wanders off the weld and is getting frustrating, drill a small center hole so the spot weld cutter center guide pin will engage that hole, that should help. And that little hole is easy to weld up when you put the patch on later.

Then you can speed up and apply pressure, but remember you are only trying to cut through the outer layer of metal, and once cut it leaves the center nugget (the weld) behind.

That way you later grind the nugget smooth and you have a 100% solid inner panel to weld the new patch to, instead of filling holes like if you just drilled through the spots with a drill bit.

Patience and looking at what's happing while you do it is really the key to making ANY cutter work.


Posted By: Kbmwm3
Date Posted: Oct/29/2021 at 10:44pm
Thanks for the details.
Keith


Posted By: Mopar_guy
Date Posted: Oct/30/2021 at 8:05am
I found that drilling a pilot with a small centering bit first works the best to keep it from walking around. It makes the process much easier and cleaner. Also less frustrating. I had 2 drills so I didn't have to switch back and forth. I also ground the paint down so I could see the center of the weld first. I drilled a lot of welds out fixing my 71.


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" http://theamcforum.com/forum/hemilina_topic95889.html" rel="nofollow - Hemilina " My 1973, 5.7 Hemi swapped Javelin



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