Cutting 3mm sheet?

[Finalreminder]

Is there an easier and less noisy way of cutting 3mm sheet metal than with a 4" angle grinder.

I'm on good terms with the neighbours and I'd really like to keep it that way.

Something mobile if possible as I don't have a workshop

 

[hoodedclaw]

Just looked on ebay. I think one of these would do it. 3mm prob at the limit, though

Here's the link http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HAND-GUILLOTI...ryZ64819QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

There's bigger treadle type guillotine type stuff too.. Depends on budget, really..

 

[oddball90]

Try using the thin cutting discs(1mm usally for stainless steel), i find them alot easier to use and quieter. Or buy a plasma cutter.
Don

 

[Finalreminder]

Are they the diamond blades Don? The thin shiny ones

Greatt suggestion on the shears claw. I'd completely forgot about them
Will they only cut small plates or can I use them like scissors and feed a whole sheet through to make long strips, does anyone know?
Found new ones here.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SEALEY-Metal-...ryZ20778QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

 

[Hitch]

Makita do a nibbler that cuts 3mm. Not brilliant for curves.

Plasma, but you'd need to run a compressor....and clean up the cut with a grinder anyway...

Evolution saw, (cold cutting with a tct blade) they are a bit noisey though. Not much good for intricate work, great for straights though.


What sort of cutting discs do you use eggman? The ultra thin ones are quick cutting, so the noise is over twice as fast...

 

[Finalreminder]

I use the metal cutting disks very similar to these 3.2mm thick ones

The problem is, I have a 6ft x 3ft sheet of 3mm. So when you apply the grinder to it it sounds like the second coming of Christ Almighty
It's not fair on the neighbours.

If I can find a good <£100 tool to cut plates out of the sheet as quietly as possible that would be great.

So we have Shears, Makita Nibbler.
Plasma is out for me, too expensive

 

[hoodedclaw]

What is the ultimate use of the sheet? Does it have to pristine and flat when cut, or can you tap it flat after cutting without any issues?

 

[Finalreminder]

No, no, I've got a lump hammer.
Its to patch up my land rover chassis

 

[oddball90]

The thin cutting discs are not diamond discs, like what you are using but only 1mm. Place sheet of steel on wooden bearers and stand on sheet when cutting. (Just dampens the vibration from the sheet.)
Don

 

[hoodedclaw]

I would seriously think about using the angle grinder with a 1mm disc to reduce it to sensible bits, then get a hand guillotine as pictured above to chop these bits into the right size. You'll need to clamp it to something hefty. Maybe the landy..?

 

[Finalreminder]

Thanks for the suggestion Don but I think it'll still be loud as all hell.
I'll try it though, I mean it's only a £1 innit

 

[oddball90]

If you buy in bulk (20 discs) they are only 60p plus vat a disc. They are alot quicker to cut with just don't push them. I find getting 3mm offcuts easier to use as alot less cutting to do.
Don

 

[Finalreminder]

OK, well the discs are fine and cheap.
I think I'll get a guillotine too. That'll certainly come in handy

You guys have been great as per usual.
Cookies and milk all round!!

 

[malcolm]

I tend to buy 3mm sheet in 6 inch wide by 12m lengths. That saves cutting (and noise).

Also with those dudes you can cut half way through and fatigue the rest off in a vice. Though there's grinding still to do if you need a flat edge.

For reducing noise bung a couple of bags of sand on top of the sheet. They damp out sheet noise very well.

 

[Drains]

Best thing mate, play some music REALLY LOUD, then they won't hear the grinder. That, or do it at night when they're asleep.








Sorry................

 

[Finalreminder]

lol!

 

[Drains]

I tend to buy 3mm sheet in 6 inch wide by 12m lengths.

Got a long wheelbase on that Renault?

 

[AndyP]

Whats wrong with using a jigsaw on slow speed with bimetal blades. Works a treat with nice clean unburnt finish. Cheers Andy

 

[Finalreminder]

Yeah, didnt think of that. I've got a Jig around here somewhere to

 

[ChasesDragons]

You need to cut it on a lawn - stick the piece flat on a lawn, stand on it, and apply the grinder - the noise is soaked up by the ground quite well.

......if you have a lawned garden....and steel capped boots!

Regards