How to Cut Metal

While indulging in any type of metal work, either to fix up small drainage defects or larger construction purposes, cutting metal is nearly an unavoidable task. The tricks and equipment required to cut metal depend upon the material type (steel, aluminum, iron, etc.), size and thickness. By learning simple metal bending and cutting tips, you will be able to cut any type of metal like a professional.

The most important tip for cutting metal is using the right blade appropriate for the particular material. For example, the preferable blade for cutting aluminum and stainless steel are different. This is because steel is much harder than aluminum, thus requiring a special blade to cut it smoothly. Likewise, the tips to cut metal pipes differ from cutting sheet metal. Let's take a look at the methods of cutting sheet metal and metal pipe.

How to Cut a Metal Pipe?

Before you try your hands on actual metal cutting with a torch or other device, gather safety accessories such as protective eyeglasses and leather hand gloves. The required supplies to cut a metal pipe are hacksaw, extra hacksaw blades, holding device (clamp vice), worktable and scriber. Keep these things in a handy place and follow the steps mentioned below to cut a metal pipe:

• Place the metal pipe, that is to be cut, on the worktable. Measure the length accurately and mark the cutting point with the scriber.
• Using the vice, clinch the metal pipe tightly in such a way that the portion to be cut is extended from the vice clamp jaws.
• Check the hacksaw and more importantly, the blade whether it is installed properly or not. If not, try fastening the blade in its place.
• To start cutting a metal pipe, grip the hack saw by the handle and adjust the blade, so that the teeth is overlapping the marked spot in the pipe.
• Applying gentle pressure over the saw with your left hand, continue cutting the pipe by moving it in a forward and backward direction.
• In between, check the cutting line to ensure that you are not deviated from the marked spot.
• After you are done with cutting the remaining section of the metal pipe, loosen the clamp vice and take out the metal pipe.

How to Cut Metal Sheets?

Whether you are cutting metal pipes or sheet metal, safety is the first priority. So, be prepared with the safety gears. Cutting metal sheets can be done by using simple hand-held tools to sophisticated electric powered shears. In order to cut metal sheet with a jigsaw, you require jigsaw with correct teeth size, extra blades, working bench, self locking C-clamps and fine toothed file. Once you are ready with these requirements, start cutting the sheet metal:

• Keep the metal sheet in the working bench; the side to be cut should overhang from the table.
• Fasten the edge of the sheet metal to the bench with self-locking C-clamps and mark the cut line.
• After securing the jigsaw blades as per the manufacturer's directions, position it over the metal sheet making sure that the blades are aligned with the marked line.
• Support the metal sheet with one hand and use another hand to apply gentle pressure on the jigsaw.
• To initiate cutting a metal sheet, press down the trigger of the jigsaw and push forward while remaining on the cut line.
• You can control the speed of operation and lower it in case of excess vibration of the metal sheet. While reaching the end side of the metal sheet, reduce hand pressure to avoid deformed cutting.
• Unfasten the C-clamp and remove the metal sheet. Give a final touch to the cut metal by running fine-toothed file along the cut edges.

This was an overview of how to cut metal at home. Always remember that, using the wrong equipment will waste both time and money. Do not hesitant to hire a contractor, in case you are unsure about carrying out metal cutting on your own or the project needs the hands of a professional. If you happen to calculate, wasting metal is more expensive than paying the fees of a professional metal cutter.