Topic: Cutting Chrome fenders

[Duanob]

Maybe a silly question but what's the best way to bob chrome fenders? I friend of mine has a plasma cutter but he thinks the heat will ruin the chrome. I have a hand grinder with cutting wheels but I think that will make a mess of things. Any other thoughts?

[Tracksnblades1]

If you have access to a Do All contour bandsaw, it’ll do a good job..

I would use heavy 3m masking tape on at least the bright chrome side and draw your desire cut line for the Do All blade to follow.. I cut down on the finished side (chrome up) so the majority of the clean up is on the tire side in case of a fender..

You may want to practice below your mark to get the feel of how fast you need to cut to get a good cut..
You could mist coolant at the cut if your saw is rated for it..It’s also easy to make a trim cut compared to a separation cut.

Smooth up your cut with a mill bastard fine file. draw filing works well next to chrome..paint the cut with silver/chrome paint to prevent it from rusting on the cut, stay skinny and don’t get the paint on the undisturbed chrome..

[pekingduck]

I would use the cutting wheel, but too much heat could still discolor it, so do it in spurts. I suggest cutting the fender well in the expendable portion to get the feel first. 

Use blue masking tape and mark with a Sharpie. There's a chance the chrome may peel off, so be careful removing tape. And be sure to use clearcoat the edge to protect from corrosion.

[MauiK3]

The raw edge will rust

[Duanob]

It's already dented and rusted, that's why I want to cut them off shorter.

[Tracksnblades1]

It's already dented and rusted, that's why I want to cut them off shorter.

They do look good shortened up.. Not very good in the rain or gravel roads. Did quite a few back in the late 70’s and early 80’s..

A big Do All band saw and a vertical belt sander will make short work of it… Go slow with the belt sander..
Don’t forget to paint the cut(s)..

And no my own remains unmolested..

[Duanob]

Thanks. This bike won't be ridden in the rain or gravel. That's what my BMW GS is for!

[HondaMan]

If you have access to a Do All contour bandsaw, it’ll do a good job..

I would use heavy 3m masking tape on at least the bright chrome side and draw your desire cut line for the Do All blade to follow.. I cut down on the finished side (chrome up) so the majority of the clean up is on the tire side in case of a fender..

You may want to practice below your mark to get the feel of how fast you need to cut to get a good cut..
You could mist coolant at the cut if your saw is rated for it..It’s also easy to make a trim cut compared to a separation cut.

Smooth up your cut with a mill bastard fine file. draw filing works well next to chrome..paint the cut with silver/chrome paint to prevent it from rusting on the cut, stay skinny and don’t get the paint on the undisturbed chrome..

Your reply makes me miss working in the machine shops I have been in for the previous 30 years...

[Duanob]

I looked up what a Do All Band Saw was. I don't have an extra $16K laying around for one or a place to put it, unfortunately.