what kind of power tool would you use to cut fairly thin sheet metal?
2006-09-20 05:03:17 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
Hand snips would probably serve you ok but...if you have a LONG straight cut to make then there is a tool called "double-cuts". Home Depot sells Milwaukee double-cuts. They take a swath about 1/4" wide out of the middle of two blades and when I have long straight cuts to make, this is the tool I choose.
Now, presuming that your surface is raised, as in an agricultural roofing panel, there is a tool called a "nibbler". This tool notches a half-moon shaped piece out of the steel, from the side as you progress over the surface of your tin. This is best for uneven surfaces.
2006-09-20 05:13:47 · answer #1 · answered by westgaliberty 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately there isn't a succinct answer for this without many more details being given. Fairly thin isn't adequate. Having worked in the field and designed sheet metal parts for decades, I consider that as .032" thick and thinner as 'fairly thin' but someone else may consider something else. 16 Ga (.062 nominal, normally about .055 thick) material is very common and some consider that thin. Also, how precise and what type material (mild steel, stainless, aluminum) and how many pieces do you need to cut make a big difference. There are small powered hand shearing tools available but in the hands of an amateur you will make lots of scrap and may be badly injured. If you only want to cut a couple of pieces about .032 to .125 thick and only a couple of hundred inches of total cutting, then just buy hand shears. To do a good job get center cut style if you can only afford one tool, draw your lines on the surface and cut on one side or the other of the line. Or get a set of hand shears, powered or not, left hand cut, right hand cut and center cut and being very careful start cutting.The material will curl and 'move' as you cut it and all the edges are razor sharp. The last power tool I bought to cut sheet metal was a 3000 watt computer controlled laser with a 75" x 300" table , but I have made do with much less sophisticated machines and hand tools. Good luck
2006-09-20 05:32:40 · answer #2 · answered by Nightstalker1967 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
cutting sheet metal?
what kind of power tool would you use to cut fairly thin sheet metal?
2015-08-16 16:56:21 · answer #3 · answered by Brandy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on the thickness of the metal you're talking about....there are numerous tools that you can use.Personally,I run a CNC computer operated torch table,which has the ability to cut everything from aluminum,stainless,and plate steel,from3/16in.thick(and smaller guages,),to 3,4,and 5 inches thick.But for something of a craft nature ,you can use a plasma cutter,that will give you the speed,and an edge that will be acceptably smooth ,with little or no cleanup.If you wish to do anything of volume...this item,could pay for itself in no time at all,as you will find it to be quite handy,for numerous things,once you get the hang of it.Good luck in whichever of the many tools that you have at your disposal.
2006-09-20 15:30:28 · answer #4 · answered by rhajha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many tools to cut sheet metal. I prefer sheet metal shears. They come in manual, electric, or my favorite, pneumatic.
2006-09-20 05:14:18 · answer #5 · answered by Don G 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Super helpful for this guy...I feel much more confident after reading this. Will try my straight and left-hand cut on .030 sheet metal tomorrow *S* THANKS!
2013-12-11 10:31:15 · answer #6 · answered by John 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just go to ur local home depot and get a pair of tin snips
2006-09-23 09:45:55 · answer #7 · answered by Nora G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋