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Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: pomprocker on August 07, 2008, 06:22:10 PM

Title: thin metal sheets
Post by: pomprocker on August 07, 2008, 06:22:10 PM
I got some of these thin metal sheets at a hobby shop....aluminum maybe?


anyway i went to cut out one shape i had and realized that none of my tools could do a good job. so i ended up bending it back and forth on the lines i put in it with a razor.

i have a couple more parts i need to cut out of this sheet, but i want to get niiice clean cuts on it and make it look pro.


what hand tools/methods do i use for this?

i'd be willing to pick up some hand tools if theyre reasonable price.


Title: Re: thin metal sheets
Post by: SeagullOne on August 07, 2008, 08:48:03 PM
I would probably recommend a 9" band saw with a metal cutting blade. I don't know how expensive they are, and I've never used one before, but it should be very good for cutting thin metal sheets with some nice precision and cleanliness.

Good luck.

Loren
Title: Re: thin metal sheets
Post by: pomprocker on August 08, 2008, 12:40:41 AM
isnt a band saw a really expensive shop machine?

i have a hack saw with a fine tooth carbide metal cutting blade...


how about a coping saw?
Title: Re: thin metal sheets
Post by: ArcMan on August 08, 2008, 09:31:10 AM
How thick are your sheets?  Really thin metal sheets are typically cut with tin snips - basically super heavy duty scissors.  You can get them at Home Depot.
Title: Re: thin metal sheets
Post by: pomprocker on August 08, 2008, 09:38:08 AM
i have one thats thin that makes that "wobble" sound when you flex it back and forth


and the other sheet that I'm working with isnt flexible, but if i put some muscle into it, i could bend it.

i dont really like using scissors/snips, because you have to bend away the metal thats been cutaway to get it out of the way.

i think with a saw at least some of that extra metal could be salvaged.
Title: Re: thin metal sheets
Post by: paulstreats on August 08, 2008, 03:31:58 PM
Really thin metal really has to be snipped unfortunately. When you saw it you alsways leave sharp raggedy edges unless youre using something very high speed (like the bandsaw)
Title: Re: thin metal sheets
Post by: Gertlex on August 09, 2008, 12:24:13 PM
There are roller cutters for sheet metal... but that's a pain in the rear to set up and not super cheap either (and heavy, too)

A small table saw of some sort (i.e. jigsaw or vertical bandsaw) is probably your best bet for ease.  And sharp edges? One should always file cut edges anyways!  Sandpaper might be easier for the sanding part.  A stationary belt sander also works nicely if you have steady hands (nonsteady hands will end up with a smooth, but uneven edge)