How To Cut Sheet Metal Without Bending

How to cut thin sheet metal and keep it flat.

How to cut sheet metal without bending.

But the discs wear down quickly cut slowly and shrink in diameter as you use them. These photo steps show that it can be done using a utility knife. The illustrations are for a small bracket but i have cut 3 foot. A hacksaw can cut sheet metal but its shape limits its turning radius and depth of cut.

Also referred to as aviator snips these scissor like hand tools cut sheet metal materials up to 18 gauge in thickness accurately without leaving a ragged bent edge as the finished product. An angle grinder fitted with an abrasive metal cutting disc works well to cut all kinds of metal including bolts angle iron rebar and even sheet metal. Most frequently expensive sheet metal bending tools called brakes are used to bend sheet metal but you can also complete this task without one. Edge bending is used to eliminate sharp edges to provide geometric surfaces for purposes such as joining to protect the part to increase stiffness and for cosmetic appearance.

With the aid of a straight edge and a sharp knife score both sides of the aluminium sheet. To prolong blade life rub wax along the length of the blade. Sheet aluminium can be cut without the need for a guillotine or tin snips which tend to deform the metal. Edge bending operations are commonly used in industrial sheet metal processing and involve bending a section of the metal that is small relative to the part.

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. This weakens the aluminium and creates a fracture line. To cut straight lines use an electric saw. Place the fracture line over the edge of a table and bend the overhang slightly downwards.

If you use metal shears to cut thin sheet metal such as duct metal it curls and can be difficult to flaten properly. The method you choose to cut sheet metal depends on the thickness of the metal and the type of cut you plan to make. Instead we recommend using a diamond blade that s rated to cut ferrous metal.