Cutting Thick Sheet Metal

[Ulma Doctor]

i bought some nibblers and powered shears- they both have their advantages

 

[Aukai]

The swarf from the nibblers is bad news if found by your feet....

 

[savarin]

The swarf from the nibblers is bad news if found by your feet....

As I found out the hard way, and they stick in your clothes and attack at inconvenient moments.
Detestable little critters

 

[Old Mud]

Any good 7 1/4" circular saw of 12 or more amps and the right blade will work.

 

[Dave Smith]

I have a vintage Hammond Ben Franklin BF-10 cutting saw ---Dave

 

[rwm]

Any good 7 1/4" circular saw of 12 or more amps and the right blade will work.

Really? I would think the thinner stainless (like 20 gauge) would get caught by a tooth and do who know's what!? Can a circular saw safely cut this?
Robert

 

[rwm]

delete this. Site error

 

[stupoty]

In my shop I try to have multiple ways to do most cuts, and then test and find the way that work best for the particular job at hand.

Much depends on the size and shape, as well as material.......

For this question, I would consider these and find what works best:
1) metal bandsaw (I'd buy a high-quality blade and ration its use for stainless only)
2) hand shear (like this)
View attachment 321170

3) metal chop saw (like this)
View attachment 321169


-brino

I have a 12" bench shear , it's amazing for sheet upto maybe 2mm thick , can do 3mm (1/8th) but doesn't like it much.

Everyone should have a bench shear

 

[Old Mud]

Really? I would think the thinner stainless (like 20 gauge) would get caught by a tooth and do who know's what!? Can a circular saw safely cut this?
Robert

Robert i thought you asked for "Thickish" 1/8" and more ? No i would not cut anything thinner than 1/8" with a circular saw. Also forgot to mention, Depth of cut is critical with a circular saw.

 

[jwmelvin]

Also forgot to mention, Depth of cut is critical with a circular saw.

What’s the proper depth of cut? Just barely breaking through the thickness?