Cutting sheet metal straight!

Snifflebag · Jan 10, 2014

I've got a sheet of 2mx1mx2mm treadplate (ALU) that I need to cut a large rectangle out of. I've got no particular special metalworking/fabrication tools (I do have angle grinder,jigsaw), but I'd like to get a straight cut.

Any suggestions for how best to get a straight edge without hassling a local fabricators to get it cut on their guillotine/metal cutting gizmo?

Is there anyone close by who may be able to assist?

ArticFox · Jan 10, 2014

Clamp it onto a workbench and clamp a wooden batten along the line you wish to cut. Then use the batten as a guide for a circular saw/jigsaw with appropriate blade etc.

200 · Jan 10, 2014

As above but use some paraffin or some sort of lubricant on the blade if using a jigsaw as the ally will just clog the blade up.i buy special stuff at work for cutting sanding ally its like a hot knife through butter,it looks and smell a bit like lard but only harder.

Dan_Trials · Jan 10, 2014

Yep as said rig up a side gate and use some lube

RAMBIRKETT · Jan 10, 2014

Just personal preference but i would get some thin slitting discs for grinder and use a straight edge as a guide if you need too.

200 · Jan 10, 2014

I would also do this but the ally clogs them up really quickly unless you have the special lube.i am lying really as i would just cut it on my guillotine at work but you know what i mean.

Snifflebag · Jan 11, 2014

Well I took the advice of using a wooden template and following it with me angle grinder - worked a treat

easye1 · Jan 11, 2014

200 said:
As above but use some paraffin or some sort of lubricant on the blade if using a jigsaw as the ally will just clog the blade up.i buy special stuff at work for cutting sanding ally its like a hot knife through butter,it looks and smell a bit like lard but only harder.

TALLOW ??

well it was called that when I was a boy....
big tubs of it and a hairy brush in it to get it out with

melts with heat and as you say, smells like, err, lard..................lol

thought it was mine! · Jan 11, 2014

easye1 said:
TALLOW ??

well it was called that when I was a boy....
big tubs of it and a hairy brush in it to get it out with
melts with heat and as you say, smells like, err, lard..................lol

remember this from school and tech

The Mad Hat Man · Jan 11, 2014

candle wax does the same.

Cutting sheet metal straight!

Snifflebag

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ArticFox

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200

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Dan_Trials

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RAMBIRKETT

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200

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Snifflebag

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easye1

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thought it was mine!

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The Mad Hat Man

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