And you can use the same technique anytime you need a straight cut on aluminum or other light gauge sheet metal even steel.
How to cut copper sheet straight.
If your project requires curved cuts make an easy economical and adjustable.
The sheers handles are brought together to cut through the sheet.
Using a metal cutting sheer begin to make the cuts along your marks.
Elevate and support one edge of sheet with free hand allowing entry point for cut enough clearance for metal cutting sheer to proceed.
Cut the copper sheet.
Once the copper sheet has been marked where it needs to be cut the sheers blades are positioned on each side of the sheet as would be regular scissors when cutting paper.
Cutting copper pipe with a hacksaw 1 select the right hacksaw blade.
Mark the required dimensions on the surface of the sheet using marking tool and straightedge.
Begin cut with metal cutting sheer.
Using metal shears perhaps the easiest way to cut copper sheet metal shears or tin snips are ideal for making straight cuts in high and medium gauge sheet metal.
Cut slowly and make straight lines in as continuous a motion as you can.
Make long strokes for long straight cuts.
Start by taping both sides of the sheet metal directly over the line you want to cut and clamp the metal to a work station so it doesn t move.
Then bend the sheet back and forth a few times to snap it.
Use a hacksaw with a small gap between its teeth so it cuts cleanly through the copper pipe.
Using a straight edge clamped to the edge of the bench is also a good tip to cut thin metal precisely.
Work gloves must be worn during the cutting process as the cutting edge of the copper is very sharp.
Clamp or hold a straightedge or square along the cutting marks and score a line with the tip of a sharp utility knife blade.
Do this for all of your cuts until you have freed your pattern from the copper sheet.
To cut straight lines use an electric saw.
Open the cutters as wide as you can at the start of each stroke and make long smooth strokes.
Lift the cutoff strip and roll it to the side to prevent it from binding on the tin snips handle.
For thin sheets of metal you can use tin snips to cut through it.
Tin snips are perhaps the most popular and affordable but there are also heavier duty versions available designed for cutting thicker sheets.
Long straight cuts are easier to make with large tin snips.
The method you choose to cut sheet metal depends on the thickness of the metal and the type of cut you plan to make.
Then grip the saw with both hands and push the blade through the metal to cut it.
Place the sheet metal on top of the workbench and lay out your pattern using a tape measure pencil and straightedge.
