cutting tin with tendonitits

Rusted Iron · Post by **Rusted Iron** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 6:08 pm

I need to cut two wing-like features, out of light tin. I also have some sheet metal that I would like to use. I know that I can't do it by hand, without ordering new wrists and hands.

I researched power metal cutting tools and they all appear to be professional grade. Or, at least, they are priced for professionals. Before I break down and take the metal to a machine shop, and pay the minimum hourly fee, I thought I'd see if anyone could suggest a way for me to do the cutting, at home.

Thanks.

Pras

Absolut Jeenyus · Post by **Absolut Jeenyus** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 6:14 pm

What kind of sheet metal is it? How big? Thick? Sounds like something you may be able to plasma cut.

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 6:32 pm

Sounds like something I would use the malco cast aluminum shears with blade inserts.
Can you handle something like that by using one hand on each grip?

How about this power option?
Never used these.

Token · Post by **Token** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 6:35 pm

You can cut thin gauge metal with a jigsaw. It takes some practice to figure out how to keep the sheetmetal from flopping up and down.

Be sure to get a fine tooth metal blade.

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 7:05 pm

Token wrote:You can cut thin gauge metal with a jigsaw. It takes some practice to figure out how to keep the sheetmetal from flopping up and down.

Be sure to get a fine tooth metal blade.

you can put it on plywood and cut both if it's a complicated pattern.........
and/or, hold the saw firmly against the metal, so, the foot stops the bouncing.......

I have a plasma cutter, but, am near Nevada City, if you get over this way.......

EB · Post by EB » Tue Jul 14, 2009 7:57 pm

I'm going to find a metalworking BBS and post "How do I keep playa dust out of my dreadlocks."

phil · Post by **phil** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 9:11 pm

Where are you?

SilverOrange · Post by **SilverOrange** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 5:49 am

Rusted Iron. If the sheet metal is not really heavy guage I would suggest using a pair of nippers like Gyre posted above. (Lower image of the two) You should be able to find them at anyplace that rents tools. A good one usually runs about $300, so renting is a good idea if you wouldn't use them on a regular basis. You can cut the sheet metal with a reciprocating saw or jigsaw, but the vibrations can be a real pain in the ass. If you go that route I would take Ygmirs advice and use a piece of thin plywood as a backer and get a friend to help hold the metal down. Good luck!

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 6:44 am

http://www.toolbarn.com/product/malco/TSHD/
$70 attach to a drill.
I don't know if they're any good.

I think a sabre saw would be much worse than shears for your joints.

flatlander13 · Post by **flatlander13** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 9:09 am

Hi Rusty......sounds like most of the devices for cutting tin are going to cause you problems.........have you thought about enlisting a partner in your project who may be able to do cutting? Sometimes having a partner in crime is or can be fun.......Orâ€¦just asking a friend for help? Good Luck.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 9:30 am

When cut carefully inspect the edges. Those things could kill.

(Well, maybe not kill. But injure--perhaps enough for a trip off-playa.)

fciron · Post by **fciron** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 11:06 am

If you are cutting sheet metal that can be handled with tin snips (I have some with 18 inch handles that are pretty awesome.) it may be useful to put one handle in a vice so that you can put some weight behind the other handle. Sometimes this can be managed by simply resting the lower handle on the bench or floor and pushing on the top handle.

If you go for the professional solution it may be better to try a welding shop than a machine shop.

Good luck and mind Ms. Fishy when she says "Mind the edges!"

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 2:27 pm

Or a sheet metal shop.
And there's all kinds of those.

Rusted Iron · Post by **Rusted Iron** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 7:31 pm

Good suggestions all. Thanks.

I think I'm going to try the plywood idea with the tin. The sheet metal is too thick for the jig saw, and the tin might be all that I need. If it's not, the tool, pictured on the bottom, looks good... in someone else's hands.

(Right, not a machine shop. I was picturing Reliable, in Santa Rosa, which is a sheet metal shop, when I wrote machine.)

Pras

Rusted Iron · Post by **Rusted Iron** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 7:32 pm

Phil, a bit outside of Santa Rosa, CA.