Sheet metal cutting tools
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Sheet metal cutting tools
What tool do you guys prefer to cut thin sheet metal for patch panels? Example cutting a curve or something...
Question #2
What do you guys use to cut straight lines on thicker gauge metal?
Question #2
What do you guys use to cut straight lines on thicker gauge metal?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,882
Likes: 3,126
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
I've been spending the last 4-5 days making patch panels for my '37 Buick. I course cut with a plasma cutter and then clean up with flapper type grinding disc.
I really should be using tin snips for the parts but I don't have a good set and just never think about buying one when I'm at the store.
I also use a saber saw, it all depends what I think works best for the job at hand. For heavy metal the plasma cutter works great but I also use a horizontal band saw for flat stock, angle iron and pipe. I use torch for other things.
You all should check out this video, it's extremely informative on how to use tin snips and what kind to use.
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qAOQfUaRZyw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I really should be using tin snips for the parts but I don't have a good set and just never think about buying one when I'm at the store.
I also use a saber saw, it all depends what I think works best for the job at hand. For heavy metal the plasma cutter works great but I also use a horizontal band saw for flat stock, angle iron and pipe. I use torch for other things.
You all should check out this video, it's extremely informative on how to use tin snips and what kind to use.
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qAOQfUaRZyw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,599
Likes: 34
From: Rockingham, VA
This was a great video. Thanks for sharing.
I can't give you more reps until I spread 'em around... again.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 302
Likes: 17
I always use an electric or pneumatic angle grinder with a cut-off wheel, mostly because that is what I have to use. I've never had much luck with snips, I always seem to bend everything all out of shape. I would like to have some pneumatic nibblers, just haven't bought them yet. Measure twice, cut once, and then spend some time with a flap disc getting it just right....
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,882
Likes: 3,126
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Are you typing about the nibblers that chomp little half moon shapes out of the sheet metal as you go along? If you are I highly recommend not get one. I worked in a body shop that had one, those damned little moons were all over and like to embed in the bottom of you shoes so you can take them home with you. I had an electric shears and it worked pretty good but I think the blade got dull and worked like crap.
I would still with the shears over the nibbler.
I would still with the shears over the nibbler.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,294
Likes: 1,055
From: NM
I have been using tin snips wrong all long. Always upside down. And I never understood why I was always curling the wrong piece or ofen trying to go right through the middle of the piece.
This was a great video. Thanks for sharing.
I can't give you more reps until I spread 'em around... again.
This was a great video. Thanks for sharing.
I can't give you more reps until I spread 'em around... again.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
Nice video, thanks for sharing. I watched my Dad use snips on and off for years and thought that I knew pretty much all there was to know about their use...I learned that I didn't know as much as I thought.
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 787
Likes: 1
From: Prescott AZ.
i got an electric metal cutting shear from Eastwood, it really works great for straight cuts and large radius cuts.
18 Gauge Electric Sheet Metal Shears | Electric Metal-Cutting Shears
18 Gauge Electric Sheet Metal Shears | Electric Metal-Cutting Shears
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 5
From: Cary Il
I've been spending the last 4-5 days making patch panels for my '37 Buick. I course cut with a plasma cutter and then clean up with flapper type grinding disc.
I really should be using tin snips for the parts but I don't have a good set and just never think about buying one when I'm at the store.
I also use a saber saw, it all depends what I think works best for the job at hand. For heavy metal the plasma cutter works great but I also use a horizontal band saw for flat stock, angle iron and pipe. I use torch for other things.
You all should check out this video, it's extremely informative on how to use tin snips and what kind to use.
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qAOQfUaRZyw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I really should be using tin snips for the parts but I don't have a good set and just never think about buying one when I'm at the store.
I also use a saber saw, it all depends what I think works best for the job at hand. For heavy metal the plasma cutter works great but I also use a horizontal band saw for flat stock, angle iron and pipe. I use torch for other things.
You all should check out this video, it's extremely informative on how to use tin snips and what kind to use.
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qAOQfUaRZyw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 5
From: Cary Il
I cut all kinds of metal from aluminum to stainless steel to tin ... I have several tools to do this . I like to use electrice shears for thin steel/tin and electric nibblers also for steel
If I am cutting thicker gage steel I use a metal saw like this one
This saw can cut 2" cold steel bar . I can cut 1/2" plate steel with it too !
If I am cutting thicker gage steel I use a metal saw like this one
This saw can cut 2" cold steel bar . I can cut 1/2" plate steel with it too !
oldmerc
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,538
Likes: 5
From: Edmonton,Alberta
Most of the time I use a Beverly Shear or a Straight Shear . I use my nibbler for detailed cuts out of the inside of a panel or a pair of Pneumatic Shears for braking down large sheets . Then I'll use snips for trimming .
