Cutting Thick Sheet Metal

[RJSakowski]

There is a shear called a Beverly shear that is essentially a bench mounted version of a pair of tin snips. It will cut heavier heet metal with ease and can cut curves as well as straight. As with all shears, there will be a slight deformity at the edge but if the shear is well adjusted, the deformity isn't too bad.

Beverly Shear | Elite Metal Tools

First opened in 1931 and since then they have created one of the best designs of throatless shears. Beverly Shear is located in Chicago, IL. This American made manufacturing company has products such as throatless shears, slitters, handheld cutting tools, and blades. These products create an...

www.elitemetaltools.com

 

[FOMOGO]

Used for cutting metal roofing and sheet aluminum up to 1/8" in straight lines or mild curves. Did it for years using standard plywood blades run backwards before carbide was in common use back in the day. I believe the new metal specific saws run at a lower rpm. Like most things, there is a learning curve associated with getting good results. Mike

What size stock you cutting and is it strait lines? For smaller stuff that gauge Ill flip it vertical up against a piece of wood and cut it on the bandsaw.

 

[rwm]

I have a metal cutting bandsaw that works great on aluminum of all thicknesses and thicker steel. I also have a table saw set to cut aluminum. When I cut stainless between 20 and 14 gauge I invariably rip teeth off the blade and ruin it. I am using a Lenox Dimaster II at 14 tpi. I have tried multiple speeds.
I would like to be able to make square cuts in material up to 12". I am thinking about a stomp shear although many are rated for only 16 gauge mild steel. That bench shear that Brino showed my be good although a little short. I would be afraid to go after sheet metal like this with a circular saw, no? I like the Kett shears also.
Thanks Guys!

 

[Aukai]

I'm not sure what gauge they used for my garage beam, but I ripped the entire length with the metal circular saw. For the short runs you need to use the guide because you cannot see the blade, and the line.

 

[Cadillac]

I also have a 36" stomp shear rated to 16g. It works really good for thin gauges 18 and up.16g full width you need a 400lb gorilla to jump on it. 12" wouldn't be a problem. Now if it has air cylinders hooked to the step it might be more powerful.

 

[hman]

+1 on the plate shear (brino) for straight cuts. Got one and like using it. +1 on the Beverly shear (RJ) for curved cuts. Plan to get one soon.

Manual Shear at Grizzly.com

<h1>Grizzly T26867 Manual Shear</h1> <p>The T26867 Manual Shear is capable of cutting smooth curves into sheet metal up to 2mm thick.</p> <p>With a "throatless" frame design, this shear allows for unlimited material width.</p> <p>The ratcheting handle and two circular blades provide excellent...

www.grizzly.com

4 in. Mountable Throatless Shear

Amazing deals on this Throatless Shear at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Throatless Sheet Metal Hand Shear

Throatless Sheet Metal Hand Shear, Baileigh Throatless Sheet Metal Hand Shear, Woodward Fab Throatless Sheet Metal Hand Shear, Sheet Metal Hand Shear

www.southern-tool.com

 

[Aukai]

I did a job with an old school grandpa type he drilled a hole through the front of a machete, mounted it on a wood frame with an angle bracket, and cut roofing iron to size with it. I remember being amazed at how little effort it took.

 

[Grandpop]

I usually use my jig saw, sometimes with a piece of hard board as a guide. Quick pass on the belt sander and looks good enough.

 

[rwm]

Great information guys! I think I will order the plate shear. I will make an infeed table for it to facilitate clamping. I will come back and post some pics and results!
Robert

 

[hman]

Here's my infeed clamp/stock support for a "pick it up and use it on a table" shear:


... and here's an even nicer one for a bench mounted shear, created by a friend in Phoenix: