Metal blade for a padsaw/keyhole saw handle

[MattF]

Just wondered if anyone had a recommendation as to a good metal cutting blade for a padsaw/keyhole saw handle. Half the time I just tend to fit a hacksaw blade in there and use that, but wanting to cut a fairly tight curve in 3mm or so steel, so I know the hacksaw blade wouldn't be a good choice. Wanting something with a bit of rigidity but slimline.

The use it's for is to cut the mounting plate from the top of a vertical air receiver. Wanting to cut it so that it leaves domed mounting lugs where the four weld points are, so that I can add a fixing plate to the mounting plate to bolt it back onto those lugs, so I obviously want to keep the cuts quite neat.

 

[gaz_moose]

I always use hacksaw blades. but then they bend when you get too excited using it, can you fit jig saw blades?

 

[Shox Dr]

I cut the backs down, with a pair of tin snips. Stops them from jamming up in the panel, when used in an air saw

 

[zx9]

I always use hacksaw blades. but then they bend when you get too excited using it, can you fit jig saw blades?

Why can you not use a Jig saw with Jig saw blades, would it not be quicker and easier?

Edit: added ?

 

[MattF]

I always use hacksaw blades. but then they bend when you get too excited using it, can you fit jig saw blades?

They don't take too well to a bit of sideways movement, do they. I'd not considered jigsaw blades. I've got some knocking about somewhere. Doubt they'd hold too well in the padsaw, but if I could find/make something to hold them, they would probably be spot on.

I cut the backs down, with a pair of tin snips. Stops them from jamming up in the panel, when used in an air saw

How careful do you have to be with them if trimmed like that? Are they particularly prone to flexing, or snapping if twisted ever so slightly?

Why can you not use a Jig saw with Jig saw blades, would it not be quicker and easier?

Just prefer to do stuff like this by hand. It's slow, granted, but it's easier to keep almost perfectly on track, and to correct any minor deviations when you're taking it steady. I always find a bit of a numpty moment when following a line with a jigsaw is harder to correct as quickly.

 

[MattF]

The ears outlined in black are the lugs I'm wanting to cut from that mounting plate. It's mainly so that I can get that plate off to clean, derust and paint the tank and plate properly, whilst making it easy to refit either the original plate else an alternative one.

 

[Shox Dr]

I cut them between 2-15* The shallower the angle, the end needs triming to 2-3mm high. It just curls over if not.

 

[ford34/2]

metal cutting reciprocating saw blade-- slightly adapted. 4" and 6" easy off the shelf, longer you`ll have to hunt round

Stan