How To Cut A 3 4 Inch Hole In Sheet Metal

In this video we show you the best and safest way to cut a round hole into a can or rectangular duct.

How to cut a 3 4 inch hole in sheet metal.

Thick using a ferrous metal cutting blade. Now it s time to use that center punch. You ll need a drill sheet metal snips a start collar. Like twist bits hole saws chuck right into your drill and will cut through thin gauge sheet metals like aluminum and steel.

Hot metal chips will fly. At first locate the center of the whole. Put your ink to the use and mark the hole center. For thin sheets of metal you can use tin snips to cut through it.

Metal cutting hole saws are typically available in 3 4 inch to 6 inches in size and. In contrast to how twist and step drill bits operate hole saws work by cutting out the edges of an opening. To cut straight lines use an electric saw. It may not be an obvious choice but fitted with the right blade a circular saw is a great metal cutting tool.

The instructions of my aprilaire 600 humidifier ask to drill a 3 4 inch hole into the sheet metal to install the control unit. Next use a compass to outline the edge of the hole. Cut metal with your circular saw. You can cut mild steel up to about 3 8 in.

For large holes a hole saw gets the job done cleanly and quickly. I don t even have a drill bit that big. Use your center punch to strike at the center of the hole. If your project requires cutting a hole in the center of sheet metal draw it on the metal as you would any other cut line.

Then create a pilot hole within the penciled circle using a power drill. Use a scrap of plywood as a backer for the hole saw s pilot bit and to protect your work surface. This will create dimples in the sheet.