Cutting sheet metal?

[Randall977]

I need a 230v / cordless tool to cut mild steel sheet upto 1.2mm thick for a car restoration project. I will be forming repair sections as well as cutting out rusty sections. I also have a louvre project which will involve accurate cuts mid sheet.

I am wondering about a recipricating saw for all of these - but are they too large? I already have an angle grinder with a 1mm metal blades but this would not be suitable for the louvres...would it?

Thanks

Christian

 

[troppo]

G`day Randall
The angle grinder with a 1 mm or .8 mm blade would be fine for cutting the slits for the louvres as long as you cut a clean line. . The angle grinder is also perfect for cutting all your curves as long as you have a light touch with the blade.

 

[Randall977]

Thanks Troppo - good news - saves spending more money...however like everyone else on here I don't need much of an excuse to buy new tools!

 

[troppo]

A 5 inch grinder can be one of the handiest tools you`ll own, cutting, grinding, brushing, sanding, polishing and you can get a saw blade that fits them to shape wood and aluminium

 

[chunkolini]

'you can get a saw blade that fits them to shape wood and aluminium'
And remove surplus limbs.
As said angle grinder with a 1mm or 0.8mm disc is great for cutting, just dont try making curves too tight as they go 'POW' all over the place.
if you want to spend money on tools there are some great power shears that cut sheet up to about 1.6mm and cordless versions. But watch out there are some crap versions as well. I bought one that lasted about 8 seconds before it blew up.
Jigsaws are also good for cutting sheet metal if you take your time, from what I have seen the large reciprocating saws are not much use for accurate work as they are so cumbersome.
Here is a link with a few shears options, do you have deep pockets? http://www.lawson-his.co.uk/scripts/products.php?cat=Power Shears

 

[gordon stephenson]

As mentioned above when cutting sheet metal with the thin discs,keep a light touch and only let the disc penetrate the thickness of the metal.

 

[Randall977]

Yes I saw the Bosch cutter - I would love one but it's a lot of money right now!

 

[eddie49]

Cutting sheet metal? What a great excuse to go out and buy 5 or 10 new tools....then maybe an air compressor, a cut-off tool and an air saw, and then a whole shed full of air tools. But seriously, in addition to powered tools, don't forget a pair of Gilbow tinsnips, and a Monodex hand nibbler.
As Chunko' said, an electric reciprocating saw is clumsy - but fine for chopping up bits of Dexion angle to make shelves for all your other tools.

 

[Randall977]

Have a Monodex hand nibbler already - it's great! Hmmm, that Bosch is very nice...

 

[FranV8]

Vote for using a jigsaw on 1.2 here. Been doing it that way for quite a while.

An air nibbler also works, but won't suit you unless you've already got a powerful compressor already, and I think they prefer 1mm as a max.

 

[chunkolini]

I have the old bosch one GSC16, a lovely tool to use and so quick.
Gobbles up 1.6mm as well.

 

[Randall977]

I surcumed and bought a Bosch for what appears to be a very good price;

http://www.wokinghamtools.co.uk/product.php/site/froogle/sn/BSH0601926171

I think it will avoid a lot of faffing around as I have a lot of sheet metal to cut...

 

[chunkolini]

You flash get.
One thing never let anybody else use them. People get excited then twist the tool and knacker the blades by breaking the corners off. The blades are pricy but last ages.
Top tip here, when they get blunt mark the used edges with an indelible marker so you dont put them back inthe wrong way round.

 

[Randall977]

Good tips Chunkolini - thanks!

 

[Randall977]

I now have my Bosch and it really is very good. Small, cuts through upto 1.5mm like a knife through butter, no more blistered, cut hands. I recommend this thoroughly...having used it for only 10 minutes!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4PaEcbUWmM

 

[zx9]

I like the look of that, it even uses the same battery packs as my small drill/driver. How big a hole does it need to start a cut in the middle of a sheet?
Trying to find a reason for putting one 'through the books' and I am thinking ideal tool for cutting speakers into metal ceiling tiles.

 

[Randall977]

You would need a very big hole to start cutting in the middle of a sheet - don't think it's meant to be used in that way...I guess that's the advantage of a nibbler!

 

[zx9]

You would need a very big hole to start cutting in the middle of a sheet - don't think it's meant to be used in that way...I guess that's the advantage of a nibbler!

Thankyou, I was hoping that I could open a hole in the sheet with a 51mm hole saw and then use the sheers to cut the larger holes.
I think I will try to track one down locally, and have a look rather than buying from the www.

 

[brabo choke]

I surcumed and bought a Bosch for what appears to be a very good price;

http://www.wokinghamtools.co.uk/product.php/site/froogle/sn/BSH0601926171

I think it will avoid a lot of faffing around as I have a lot of sheet metal to cut...

How's the tool holding up?

I'm swithering between this one and the Bosch GSC 2.8, which cuts thicker sheet. Comparing the specs, the 2.8 seems better. Does the GSC 10.8V-Li have any advantages over the 2.8 (other than being battery operated)? Does the 10.8V-Li cut a smaller radius curves?

If anyone has any other recommendations for a good quality power shear that can produce detailed work, i'm all ears. It's for sculptural work, I currently have access to a plasma, but would like a quieter, neighbour friendlier option.

 

[printcom]

Makita JB1600 (1.6mm) Nibbler, got mine off of fleabay for £70, makes cutting through thin sheet a breeze. I just accquired a JB3200 (3.2mm) from the same source to cut up an old oil tank. I thought it best not to use a plasma cutter as it still stinks of kerosene