If you have a DIY project that involves cutting sheet metal but lack experience, you can successfully make clean and precise cuts using an affordable jigsaw. While metal cutting demands a different approach compared to wood, a standard jigsaw, equipped with the appropriate blade, can efficiently handle thin sheet metal for various DIY needs. Let's delve deeper into the process.
What jigsaw do I need for cutting metal?
Selecting the proper jigsaw is the first crucial step in cutting metal effectively.
Power and speed
Look for a jigsaw with a minimum of 600 watts of power. Higher power enables faster and more precise cuts. Additionally, opt for a jigsaw with adjustable speed settings, which provide you with more control over the cutting process.
Blade selection
Tungsten carbide blades, often referred to as bi-metal blades, are essential for cutting metal. These blades are incredibly hard and maintain sharpness for extended periods during metal-cutting tasks.
Teeth per inch (TPI)
For most metal cutting applications, a blade with 14 to 24 teeth per inch is ideal. More teeth per inch deliver a finer cut, while fewer teeth remove material more quickly. Moreover, it's essential to choose blades specifically designed for the type of metal you're cutting – mild steel, aluminium, or other alloys each require different blades.
Additional features
Consider features such as a sturdy metal base plate for stability, dust extraction or a brushless motor to maintain cleanliness and ergonomic handles for prolonged, low-vibration use. With the right blade, power, and speed settings, a heavy-duty jigsaw can cut through mild steel sheets, pipes, and plates up to 6mm thick.
Tips for cutting metal with a jigsaw
To cut metal with a jigsaw, the proper techniques and precautions must be followed:
Marking the cut line
Using a pencil or permanent marker, measure and mark the line you intend to cut on the metal. For cutting curves or complex shapes, consider using a template or stencil. It's imperative to secure the metal in a vice or using clamps to prevent it from slipping during cutting. Additionally, wearing safety glasses is vital to protect your eyes from metal shards and sparks.
Lubricating the blade
To prevent overheating, reduce friction, and prolong the blade's lifespan, apply a lubricating cutting fluid, oil, or a wax stick to both the blade and the marked cut line. Be prepared to reapply lubricant as necessary throughout the cutting process.
Adjusting the speed and feed rate
Select a slow blade speed, typically around 2,000 RPM, and maintain a slow feed rate. Allowing the blade teeth to do the work will minimize jagged edges or tearing. Apply firm and even pressure as you cut, ensuring a consistent and controlled motion.
Maintaining blade contact
It's essential to ensure continuous blade contact with the metal. Lifting the jigsaw at any point can cause the metal to warp or bend, potentially damaging the blade. For tight curves, make relief cuts before cutting out the desired shape, and take extra care when navigating corners or changing direction.
With the proper preparation and adherence to these techniques, you can achieve clean and accurate cuts in sheet metal and metal plates using a standard jigsaw. Taking your time and prioritising safety will lead to the best possible results.
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Tom Garner
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There were some delays along the way but am I glad I waited!
I had called before placing my order and from the outset they were very open and honest about some covid issues and explained if I did order there would be delays, but even after that, I still had the option to gain a full refund.
The product - Aluminium Composite - Copper coloured with Grain, all 7 pieces cut perfectly to the milemeter and with up to 4 sockets per cut/piece meant it was well worth using the socket/hole cutting service!
Just wish they sold edging strips to match 😉
Thank you 🙂 the kitchen looks amazing now!
Ian,
7 hours ago
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Good service
Cut perspex light diffuser panels to custom sizes with angles and notches. Made a tricky time consuming job easy. Will use again.
Geoff Harris,
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Perfect size
Perfect size
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Great service
Great service
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Excellent Service
Great purchase. Very pleased with our made to measure splashback. Arrived when expected & very well packaged so no damage. Fitted perfectly. Have ordered some shelving now.
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Very easy transaction
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Great product, good delivery . Fitted exactly into the space where necessary
Yvonne Connally,
10 hours ago
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The replacement greenhouse glass was…
The replacement greenhouse glass was cut exactly to size, easy to place the order with the dimensions. Just wish it could have been a little faster on delivery.
Matched,
15 hours ago
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Fantastic product, just a couple of thoughts…
Bought 2x3mm panels to cover a bedroom unit for surface protection. Arrived well packaged and cut perfectly to size. Panels look great. Chose the glass option and had the edges polished and you can’t tell the difference between these and glass. 2 thoughts on them however. As they are plastic, they are somewhat dust magnets because of static, and being 3mm (as I put the feet underneath) they dip if you put anything on them. Might have been better to leave the feet off. Don’t know if a thicker option might have been more sturdy. Cleaning them with anti static spray, but a bit of a battle to keep them looking clean. Other than that would still give the product and company 5 stars for service and quality.
Debbie Foulkes,
16 hours ago
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Good price fast delivery
Good price fast delivery
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17 hours ago
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Good all round service
Web site was easy to use and order what I wanted. Fast delivery and packed very good.
Mr Kevin Best,
18 hours ago
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Perfection
Acrylic sheets x2 was cut to the precise measurements I required. The quality of the sheets was 100%, no scratches or marks, just crystal clear, just like glass. Used these x2 sheets for a large allotment shed. Packaging was great and the sheets well protected. Only minor thing is the company gave me a date of delivery and I received the sheets 1week after, which wasn’t a great problem, just had to wait to weather proof shed. I would use this company again if required.
erry bilton ORDER ID,
1 day ago
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I have used you for perspex and wood…
I have used you for perspex and wood products, i can not fault you
Philip Hunt,
1 day ago
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Perfect
Perfect cut piece of MDF
Amanda Terry,
1 day ago
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First class Company offering cut to…
First class Company offering cut to size products preventing the need to purchase a full size sheet of material when you only require a small amount. Edging and hole cutting help to save time / money
Adrian Thomas,
1 day ago
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A very happy customer
It came within the stated time and the cut was exactly what I had asked for.
Nic Clouting,
1 day ago
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Great price quality copper finish…
Great price quality copper finish panel cut to size. Fast delivery will definitely order more in the future.
Darren,
1 day ago
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Couldn't fault it.
Quality product cut exactly to size, emailed with order progress and delivery date time etc. packed really well.
Buffy,
1 day ago
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Being as it was only a small order i…
Being as it was only a small order i was very happy with the quality of the product and happy with the service I received
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Excellent product and service received
Excellent product and service received
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