Metal sheets can be an excellent option for building a barn or a roof for any project. They protect from natural elements. Good quality metal sheets are rust-proof and lightweight, which means that they are easy to install and have a long life. Metal roofing can seem intimidating if you haven’t done it before. With so many tools available to cut metal and the different tips and reviews, it can get confusing. In this article, we will be giving you step by step guides on how to cut metal roofing. How To Cut Metal Roofing – Step By Step GuideStep 1Step 1: Calculate the number of metal sheets you need. This can be done by measuring the area to be covered, the length and width of each sheet, for example. If the area to be covered is 100 sq ft, you have ten metal sheets of 10 ft length and 2 feet width. You will need 100/(10*2) = five sheets. Now calculate the size of each sheet to be cut. For example, if you want to keep the size of each sheet as 1 ft by 1 ft, you have five sheets of 2X10 ft and the area to be covered 100 ft, you will need 100 pieces of 1X1 ft sheets. Step 2Using the tape measure and marker, measure and mark the sheets where they need to be cut. In the case of circular cuts, use the compass for accurate marking. Using the scale, mark the straight lines using the marker. Step 3Using the C- clamps, clamp the metal sheet onto the workbench or table on all four sides. The metal sheet should be placed such that the underside of the sheet is placed on the table. As the underside is flatter than the top ridges and grooves, it gives more stability. Use as many C-clamps as necessary to make sure that the sheet is secured firmly to reduce vibrations while cutting. Step 4Using Shears: Using shears, cut through the marked lines on the metal sheet. Using shears is similar to using scissors, but the tool can cut through metal. In case you are cutting a circle, using a drill machine, drill a hole inside the middle of the marked circle. Turn off the drill machine. Then push one of the blades of the shear inside the hole and cut to one of the marked points. One the marked point is reached, cut along the marked circle. Using A Reciprocating Saw Or A Grinder: This step is to be used when the number of cuts to be made, and the accuracy level is high. A reciprocating saw or a grinder is not recommended to make cuts with low angles or circles. A reciprocating saw is not recommended when the grooves or ridges on the metal sheet are too deep. In such cases, use a grinder. Step 4In the case of using a reciprocating saw, reinforce the supports as it causes a lot of vibration. Fit the blade on the saw. A carbide blade would be the best one. Line up the blade with the marks on the sheet. Turn on the reciprocating saw and move slowly, cutting through the metal sheet along the marked line. In case of an angular cut or a circular cut, using the drill machine, drill a hole inside the middle area of the marked circle. Make sure that the hole is large enough for the blade of the reciprocating saw to go in and out quickly. Turn off the drill machine. Gently push the blade in and turn on the saw. Cut through the circle until you reach one of the marked points of the circle. Once it is within reach, cut along the marked lines slowly. For a Grinder, fit the metal cutting blade on the grinder. A carbide blade would be the best one. Line up the blade with the marks on the sheet. Turn on the grinder and move slowly, cutting through the metal sheet along the marked line. The same process is to be followed in case of angular cuts, but it cannot be used for smaller angles. It can be used for wider angles and metal sheets with deep grooves and ridges. Using A NibblerA nibbler can be used when the number of sheets to be cut less or moderate. It is best to make angular cuts. It has high accuracy and ease of operation. A nibbler ‘nibbles’ through the metal, similar to a rabbit nibbling on a carrot. However, it can be time-consuming if the number of sheets to be cut is high. Step 4Line the blade of the Nibbler with the marked line. Turn on the Nibbler and slowly push it through the metal sheet, passing it along the grooves and ridges. In case of an angular cut, replace the blade of the Nibbler with the angular attachment. Measure the radius of the circle to be cut. Place the stationary part of the blade in the center of the circle to be cut. Turn on the Nibbler and cut along the circumference to form the perfect circle. Things You Would Need
FAQs1. What kind of tool should I use to cut my metal roofing?1.Various tools can be used to cut metal roofing. It depends on the quantity and accuracy of the sheet cuttings you need. For a small quantity, metals shears can be used. For more accurate straight cuts in large quantities, a reciprocating saw or a grinder can be used. A nibbler can be used if accuracy in angular cuts is a priority. 2. Which is the best tool to use between a grinder, a reciprocating saw, and a nibbler to cut metal roofing?All the tools have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to metal cutting. For a reciprocating saw, you can cut metal roofings with smaller ridges. However, if the ridges on the metal sheet are too deep, it becomes difficult to cut accurately. Also, there is a lot of vibration with reciprocating saws. With a grinder, you can get high accuracy at high speed. However, it is challenging to make angular cuts with a grinder. Also, if the blade is not carbide or diamond cut, there will be a lot of sparks while cutting. 3. Which tool is best for making angular cuts on metal roofing?The best power tool to make angular cuts on metal roofing is a battery-operated nibbler. Final ThoughtCutting metal sheets is simple once you know the basics of it. There are a variety of tools that can be used to cut metal sheets, each with their pros and cons. Depending on individual needs and requirements, you can customize the process. We hope that this article has given you enough knowledge on how to cut metal sheets in a quick and easy way source http://thehemloft.com/how-to-cut-metal-roofing/ Via https://thehemloft.tumblr.com/post/636379357160570880
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