[Shop-talk] notching metal

[john niolon]

Need some metal working expertise.  I know there is  a simpler way to notch metal than what I’m using.  I had to fabricate a latch thingy for a neighbor using 3/8” plate which required a rectangular notch to be cut in the plate about 3/4” wide and 3” deep.  I used a Metabo grinder with a .040 cutting disc to cut the sides but how to cut the back end of the notch.  I thought about a saber saw with a metal blade but the notch was very narrow and it would have been difficult in that small area. Guess I could have used a hole saw at the back of the notch and then squared up with a file...

I couldn’t reach in the gap with a 4.5” grinder to hog it out... finally I drilled a number of holes across the back line of the notch, broke out the slug and finished it with a file to make it square.  There has to be a better way.  Can’t find a hand tool to handle 3/8” material and notching machines aren’t in my budget..  

give me some suggestions and options or ideas, that haven’t dawned on my feeble old brain !

john

https://jniolon.classicpickup.com/
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