Cutting sheetmetal (1/8") ?

[BMB]

OK,
I need to cut some 1/8" sheetmetal into two 6"x48" pieces. I need to cut it pretty straight and have a decent edge on it. The only two ways I have to cut it are with a circular saw with metal cutting blade or reciprocating saw. Either way I plan on clamping an edge on it to keep me straight. Any tips or other ideas?

I do know someone with a plasma cutter, but hate to ask other people to go out of the way for help.

Thanks,
BMB

[Big Nate]

I wish you were closer, I'd just give ya some pieces I already have cut 6" x 54" 7 gauge (3/16") but in your situation a circular saw will probably be your best bet unless you like buying $4.00 recip blades by the case

[Dan]

6" is a standard width for 1/8" flat bar. If you are wanting a nice straight factory edge, if possible, I would just pick up a length of 1/8"X6" flat bar from my local steel supplier. Then cut this into 48" lengths. In my area I can get a 20' length for less than $20.

[BMB]

Dan,
Yep I know, but I got 5 sheets of 4'x5' 1/8" for free. Figured I mightas well use them for something.

I think I might do a test cut with the reciprocating saw to see if it looks like the blades will hold up. I've done short sections of 1/4" and it did well on it.

BMB

[jniolon]

cutting plate

I think I'd check with a local fab shop and see about getting it sheared... nice clean edges and much easier on your hands..

john

[morpheus]

I'd use the circular saw before the recrip saw ... clamp down a 2x4 or piece of angle at the right width and just push the saw. makes the cut straight as arrow

- jack

[Trevor]

i agree with morpheous

[Guest]

I vote for the circ saw, too...recip saw will beat you to death and the cut will be jagged. I can't say enough good about circular saw blade cutting...the best...BTW, a shear will put a twist in your part.

[Sberry]

I vote for Dans method of buying the 6 inch plate. It wont be free by the time you cut it. Save the nice big plate for future projects.

[Dirt Rider]

What kind of blade are you using the circular saw? I would assume an abrasive, but wasn't sure.

[Arc Burn]

Yes,you are looking for an abrasive blade,they are relativly cheap and work great,set up a straight edge like mentioned and you won't be dissapointed,shears and plasma are great but sometimes a hobiest doing the "little" things himself is half the point!

[Guest]

No, not talking abrasive blades....metal cutting carbide blades for the circ saw.

[dseman]

talk about dancing around the subject...

here are some blades:

https://www.2sharp.com/tentryupri1.html

PRF-18538DS 7.25",38tooth,dampened,
0.125-0.25" material
PRF-18548DS 7.25",48tooth,dampened,
0.0-0.125" material

PRF-18538 non-dampened (slightly noisier)
PRF-18548 non-dampened (slightly noisier)


call 'em , buy 'em, use 'em.

-dseman

[dseman]

should be:

https://www.2sharp.com/tenryupri1.html

-dseman

[bitternut]

I'm gonna vote on the side of Sberry27 and Dan. After you buy the metal cutting blade the price of the metal is no longer free. Save the large pieces for larger projects, like maybe a steel plate for a work table.

Rocky D "BTW, a shear will put a twist in your part" Rock, I have to disagree with you about shearing putting a twist in the material. I have sheared a lot of sheet stock and never had a problem with twist in anything that is cut that wide. It certainly would likely have a twist on narrow pieces though.