How To Cut Copper Sheet Straight

The sheers handles are brought together to cut through the sheet.

How to cut copper sheet straight.

Long straight cuts are easier to make with large tin snips. Using a straight edge clamped to the edge of the bench is also a good tip to cut thin metal precisely. Work gloves must be worn during the cutting process as the cutting edge of the copper is very sharp. Lift the cutoff strip and roll it to the side to prevent it from binding on the tin snips handle.

Start by taping both sides of the sheet metal directly over the line you want to cut and clamp the metal to a work station so it doesn t move. Cutting copper pipe with a hacksaw 1 select the right hacksaw blade. To cut straight lines use an electric saw. Use a hacksaw with a small gap between its teeth so it cuts cleanly through the copper pipe.

Tin snips are perhaps the most popular and affordable but there are also heavier duty versions available designed for cutting thicker sheets. Then bend the sheet back and forth a few times to snap it. Open the cutters as wide as you can at the start of each stroke and make long smooth strokes. If your project requires curved cuts make an easy economical and adjustable.

Once the copper sheet has been marked where it needs to be cut the sheers blades are positioned on each side of the sheet as would be regular scissors when cutting paper. Elevate and support one edge of sheet with free hand allowing entry point for cut enough clearance for metal cutting sheer to proceed. Using a metal cutting sheer begin to make the cuts along your marks. Measure the dimensions needed with tape measure.

And you can use the same technique anytime you need a straight cut on aluminum or other light gauge sheet metal even steel. Mark the required dimensions on the surface of the sheet using marking tool and straightedge. Place the sheet metal on top of the workbench and lay out your pattern using a tape measure pencil and straightedge. For thin sheets of metal you can use tin snips to cut through it.

Cut slowly and make straight lines in as continuous a motion as you can. Debur the ends to make them smooth. Clamp or hold a straightedge or square along the cutting marks and score a line with the tip of a sharp utility knife blade. Then grip the saw with both hands and push the blade through the metal to cut it.

Cut the copper sheet. Do this for all of your cuts until you have freed your pattern from the copper sheet. Begin cut with metal cutting sheer. The method you choose to cut sheet metal depends on the thickness of the metal and the type of cut you plan to make.