Cut many sheets at once?

[Markus P]

Hello!

I need to cut a bunch of tp20 sheets that are about 20cm too long. Is there a good way to cut many sheets at once? I was thinking if I clamp them with a board on top and bottom and cut along the board with a jigsaw with a metal blade?

I assume you can only nibble one sheet at a time? I'm not too concerned about the cut surface being perfect, as the cut end won't be visible anyway. I just don't want to damage the sheet (or the tools).

Otherwise, the plan is to nibble them individually, but that takes some time, and they're cumbersome to move on my own when they're 4m long.

Suggestions?

 

[cpalm]

Thinking about clamping with a board at the top and bottom and then cutting along the board with a jigsaw with a metal blade?

It works to do as you're thinking. It might be challenging to get the jigsaw to go straight, so a board is a good idea. In general, it's a bit tricky to cut corrugated metal with a jigsaw.

 

[C.Lundin]

Depending on how many there are, it might be worth covering the top one fairly well and using an angle grinder. It feels obvious.

 

[Matti_75]

Circular saw for metal

 

[cpalm]

Yep, or reciprocating saw. The jigsaw is probably the "worst" option as it works best when the material is against the base.

 

[Markus P]

Yes, I figured that a jigsaw might not be the best option, but the blades are so much cheaper than buying a metal blade for the circular saw...

The thing about the angle grinder sounded interesting. You're not supposed to use it to cut rust-protected sheet metal, but if they are close together and you cover the top one, maybe it won't be a problem? It would certainly be the easiest way to cut through that way, and the cheapest =). Anyone else have anything to add about this option? As mentioned, it seems "obvious" otherwise =D.

 

[Mazen]

The stickisen works if you tighten two boards with a gap between both above and below, the saw blade runs in the gap and the whole saw has a flat surface to run over... otherwise, the angle grinder is the easiest except for all the spark spraying.

 

[sixten88]

Depending on how many there are, it might be worth covering the top one decently and using an angle grinder. It feels like a given.

Absolutely not the angle grinder, then the sheets get hot and the surface treatment peels off even far from the cut.

 

[P-plats]

Absolutely not the angle grinder, as the sheets will become hot and the surface coating will come off even far from the cut.

Assuming it's not too thick sheet metal, a 0.8mm disc is great if you're going to cut painted sheet metal. Not at all the same heat development, so the paint usually holds up surprisingly well.

 

[C.Lundin]

Absolutely not the angle grinder, the plates will get hot and the surface treatment will come off even far from the cut.

Then one cannot cut correctly with an angle grinder if it should become a problem.

 

[sixten88]

Then you cannot cut properly with an angle grinder if it would become a problem.

There isn't a sheet metal worker who cuts with a grinder regardless of what you think. Then there's a risk that sparks will burn and rust.

 

[sixten88]

Image from Planja's brochure

 

[C.Lundin]

There isn't a tinsmith who cuts with an angle grinder regardless of what you think. Then there is a risk that sparks will burn in and rust.

You might have missed the part where it was discussed to cover the top sheet.
There is often more heat development with a reciprocating saw, for example.

 

[sixten88]

Regardless, it becomes too hot so the paint comes off closest to the cut. Using a reciprocating saw or a tiger saw aggressively is also not good. My advice is for TS to proceed very carefully with a plunge saw with a blade for metal.

 

[daugaard]

You might have missed the part where it was discussed to cover the top sheet. It often results in more heat development with a reciprocating saw, for example.

If it gets so hot that sparks fly from the reciprocating saw, then you're probably doing something wrong.

I also advise against cutting with an angle grinder/cutting disc!