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Smawgunner
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# Posted: 12 Mar 2014 05:52pm
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I'm building a wood shed with a metal roof and I'm not sure how to make a good straight cut. Tin snips would take forever and I think the result would be poor. Same with a hack saw I think. I thought of using my big dremel tool. Jig saw? I'm open to suggestions!
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turkeyhunter
Member
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# Posted: 12 Mar 2014 06:11pm - Edited by: turkeyhunter
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turn a regular carbide tip skill saw blade ( a old one) backwards and install back on skill saw and it cuts GREAT...
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bldginsp
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# Posted: 12 Mar 2014 06:29pm - Edited by: bldginsp
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I invested in an electric tin shears, like the one shown on the link below. It's a bit tricky to use on corrugated or ribbed roofing, but much easier than hand tin snips, I've been real happy with it. The one shown in that link is Chicago Electric brand which I don't recommend, it's the first link I could find just to show you what they look like.
http://t.harborfreight.com/14-gauge-swivel-head-shear-68199.html#.UyDelcu9KSM
You can also put a metal cutting abrasive wheel into a skil saw, but it makes a hell of a racket, lots of sparks and leaves a raspy edge. The electric shears is better for little cuts, a wheel only cuts straight.
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MJW
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# Posted: 12 Mar 2014 07:49pm
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Quoting: turkeyhunter turn a regular carbide tip skill saw blade ( a old one) backwards and install back on skill saw and it cuts GREAT...
What he said...
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Martian
Member
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# Posted: 12 Mar 2014 08:11pm
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I don't bother turning the blade backwards, but I do cut the metal from the backside. WEAR GOGGLES!!!
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MtnDon
Member
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# Posted: 12 Mar 2014 08:22pm
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Very fine tooth metal cutting jigsaw blades, like these from Bosch.
Cut from the backside. Not as noisy as circular saw blades but still noisy enough to use hearing protection. I clamp a straight edge as a guide and get nice straight cuts.
There are also some that do nice curved cuts.
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Malamute
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# Posted: 12 Mar 2014 09:30pm - Edited by: Malamute
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I've used the circular saws with the blade turned backwards. Cut from the back. I dont like them, as noted, they make a terrific racket, tons of sparks and metal particles all over.
Tin snips aren't too good for long cuts. I have some shears that look like very large scissors. They are alloy handles with steel cutting jaws. Its good to have someone to help roll the metal away from the shears so you can continue to cut straight.
The electric shears are great, but not cheap. If you don't work with metal much, I'd find it hard to rationalize buying some.
Wear gloves when handling metal. You can get really wicked cuts in a heartbeat.
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Smawgunner
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# Posted: 12 Mar 2014 10:21pm
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Great tips...thanks guys!
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bldginsp
Member
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# Posted: 13 Mar 2014 08:07am
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The electric shears are not cheap. I found an off brand, 'factory reconditioned' for about $80. If you're doing more than one shed, or you know you will make a lot of odd cuts, it's the best way to go.
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Bret
Member
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# Posted: 13 Mar 2014 08:57am
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http://www.amazon.com/Malco-Capacity-Cutting-Attachment-8-Inch/dp/B0000AQK7C/ref=sr_1 _1/182-3622565-2678810?ie=UTF8&qid=1394715300&sr=8-1&keywords=shears+for+electric+dri ll
Check these out
Bret
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OwenChristensen
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# Posted: 14 Mar 2014 07:46am
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I do several roofs a year, so the electric nibblers for long cuts are cheap for me. For cross cuts, I special order the length. If I have to cut them, I just use an old carbide blade in the skill saw, also Menards has a cross cut shear for rent.
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