Cutting Sheet Metal?

[vtgaryw]

I have a project I'm working on, I need a number of pieces of galvanized 24 ga sheet metal cut to 10" x 12". I no longer have access to the small machine shop where I used to work, so no shear.

How would you cut up 10 or so pieces? They need to be relatively straight cuts.

Gary

 

[Woodchipper]

Find a sheet metal shop. From experience in sheet metal, it is hard to cut without a shear.

 

[frank123]

What size material are you starting with to cut it from?

It's difficult to get a good cut without a shear on larger pieces, but I've cut smaller pieces fairly well by sandwiching it between plywood and cutting it with a fine tooth metal saw on a circular saw. Not the best of edges, but was adequate for my intention at the time.

 

[magpens]

If you have a metal vendor in your vicinity (in particular the one where you may have bought the metal originally) they might let you use their shear or do it for you.

 

[Marmotjr]

Also check to see if there is a local maker space with a shear. It's nearly impossible in my experience to get straight cuts with hand tools. Of course, I'd only try it for a few seconds before giving up and using the shear.

There should be some sort of industrial shop in your area that might let you pay them a small fee for cutting it up for you.

If you plan on doing similar projects in the future, look into getting a small shear for yourself. You can find hobbyist stuff relatively cheaply (few hundred).

 

[Woodchipper]

A sheet metal shop will not let you use their equipment for liability reasons. Pay them and keep your body parts intact.

 

[randyrls]

If you don't have too many of them, clamp the metal between two pieces of aluminum angle and score with a sharp utility knife. Bend until it breaks. Throw the blade away when done. WEAR GLOVES!!!

 

[vtgaryw]

I ended up getting a quote from an HVAC shop. Turns out that even with their cutting fee, because they buy in bulk, I can get a better price from them than if I bought individual sheets and cut it myself.

Thanks everyone,

Gary