Cutting sheet metal on the cheap

[chunkolini]

All this talk of fancy pants powered shears and nibblers.
Here is a good option for the cheap skates. http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/cps75-mini-sheet-metal-cutter


I bought one of these years back and was amazed that it worked as well as claimed. it did die after being abused but I replaced it and it does get dug out of the green box every now and again. Great for straight cuts and convex curves, cut a series of straight lines close to the edge you want then roll around the edge. like using a giant tin opener. I have even cut whole sheets of 1.6mm sheet in half (with an assistant).

 

[piman]

Hello Paul,

I have a slightly heavier duty version (it will cut 1\8" mild steel sheet) and it has been used regularly for very many years and still on the original cutting wheels. Highly recommended for a DIY workshop.

Alec

 

[outofthefire]

I've got a heavier duty version as well, its loads easier than tin snips.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Got the same one as the picture, identical but branded Sykes Pickvant, one of those tools that sits locked away for ages but is great when you need it and I agree..brilliant within it's scope

 

[DEANO3528]

I bought one the other week from Chronos Tools via ebay. Cut the first piece okay but then it stopped playing so I have held off on giving feedback whilst awaiting a reply froom the supplier.

 

[CaptainBofo]

I've been eyeing this up too.

Might be a silly question but is it able to cut, for example, a 1m straight line through thin metal sheet? Seems like it would cut through a few inches of the metal then get stuck due to the thick body of the cutter.

Any insight please?

 

[Wozzaaah]

It'll cut for as long as you operate the handle, the body doesn't restrict the steel as it passes through.

 

[chunkolini]

When I bought the first one I was wondering about this.
I phoned Machine Mart's helpline.
the muppet on the phone reckoned a cutting depth of about 3".
I was feeling optimistic and bought it anyway.
The metal curves gently around the throat of the tool, you can cut an 8x4ft sheet of metal in half. It is a 'fun' process but can be done.
As a budget tool it is a great piece of kit.

 

[CaptainBofo]

So it curves up on the bump in the body?

I'd like to be able to cut 2-3cm width strips of thin sheet from a 1x1.5m sheet, do you reckon this would be just the ticket?

 

[chunkolini]

It woul do the job the thin strip would come off as a very gentle spiral, but should be able to be flattened out. How thick?
I always used to cut main sheet on the left and piece being removed on the right.

 

[CaptainBofo]

It'd be no thicker than 1.2mm

 

[chunkolini]

If I remember I will have a go tomorrow and let you know how I get on.
If I can find the thing...

 

[CaptainBofo]

Any luck finding it chunkolini?