For decorative finishing, especially in the private sector, material from the group of thin-sheet metal products is increasingly in demand. Let's look at the features of the process of cutting corrugated sheets. Let's get acquainted with controversial issues regarding the use of an angle grinder and a hand-held circular saw. We will also learn about tools with which you can perform straight and curved cuts with minimal harm to the workpiece.
An example of corrugated sheeting for cladding a fence Source domstyle.by
Features of cutting sheets
The corrugated sheet is based on thin sheet steel with a thickness of 0.3-1.2 mm. To prevent the material from rusting and serve for a long time, it is coated on both sides with a thin layer of an alloy containing zinc. For the decorative component, there are layers of special primer and powder paint, which also extend the service life of the canvases.
During installation work, the corrugated sheet is cut. As a result, the protective layers are destroyed. Therefore, the most gentle tool is selected for cutting, and the edges are treated with anti-corrosion agents.
Edge protection against corrosion
There are special paints in cans that are applied by spraying onto the work surface. They are supplied for sale in the same colors as corrugated sheets. Another option is anti-corrosion mastic. In any case, you need to read the instructions to find out whether and what kind of primer should be applied to the damaged edge before finishing.
An example of special paints for protecting rolled metal products Source armadius.com.ua
Material range
Guide profile
It would seem that what could be difficult in such a process? But as practice shows, even with such a seemingly simple matter, certain difficulties can arise. Metal framing is almost always necessary for drywall. To install it you need to use a profile. It should be noted that the profile for drywall may be different. Today there are the following types of profiles:
These are the two main types of frame elements. But profiles can also be of the following types:
Rack profile
- beacon;
- angular.
HOW to cut a metal profile with an angle grinder or scissors
All of them have to be cut during the assembly of the frame, since it is unlikely that you will need to use the entire length of the rail. Typically, the profile needs to be cut into several pieces to create a frame for the required structure.
Selecting a cutting tool
The main three criteria for choosing the optimal tool for cutting corrugated sheets are the permissibility of working with thin sheet metal, gentle and accurate cutting, and ease of performing the task. These parameters correspond to scissors, hacksaws, their electric analogues and equipment with replaceable discs. Let's take a closer look at the features of working with each option.
Scissors
Hand-held metal shears for cutting corrugated sheets are more convenient to use when cutting a small number of workpieces and forming curved edges. Craftsmen recommend choosing spline samples from this category. Here, the cutting part of the tool is represented by a rectangular plate (also known as the supporting part) and a movable sharpened head that fits into the groove of the plate. The thickness of sheet metal for cutting can reach 2.5 mm.
Using conventional metal scissors Source yandex.net
Another solution is nibblers or notching shears for corrugated sheets in the form of an attachment for a drill or screwdriver. There is a mechanism here that converts the rotation of the cartridge into reciprocating movements of the cutting elements of the device. They can cut both steel blanks and plastic with polycarbonate. The edges are equally neat regardless of the curvature of the intended line.
Example of using a screwdriver attachment Source leguidedelamaison.com
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in finishing materials and related work
The third option for scissors for cutting corrugated sheets is a power tool. Externally, the technique is similar to an angle grinder. The working part is designed in a similar way to the drill attachment described above. There is also a static part and a moving part. Only there are models that, during cutting, act on the metal from one or both sides (like nibblers or hand scissors, respectively). In the case of the former, there is one drawback - the edges of the prepared sheet are slightly bent.
Option for electric metal shears Source amazon.com
Hacksaw blade
Despite the labor intensity, craftsmen often prefer a hand hacksaw for metal to other tools than can be used to cut profiled sheets. This is justified by accurate and accurate results, the absence of restrictions on the thickness of the blade, and safety compared to electrical analogues. Disadvantages include the difficulty of forming curved edges.
An example of a hand hacksaw for metal Source artem-tools.ru
Alternative powered or battery powered tools for cutting corrugated sheets include a jigsaw or reciprocating saw. Only in the case of the former, the height of the wave on the workpieces should be limited to 20-25 mm in order to prevent the formation of a torn edge. The latter are equipped with a comparatively smaller base plate, so there is no dependence on the topography of the sheet. But in each case, the speed of the saw must be adjusted downward so that the paint along the cut line does not burn.
Electric jigsaw Source ozone.ru
Is it possible to cut corrugated sheets with a grinder?
The greatest damage to the protective coating of corrugated sheets is caused by heating to high temperatures that occurs during the cutting process. Therefore, the use of gas cutting equipment for these purposes is completely excluded. For the same reason, you cannot cut corrugated sheets with a grinder.
The fact is that when cutting with a high-speed tool with abrasive wheels, the metal at the cut site simply burns. Along with it, the protective coating also burns, not only along the cut line, but on both sides of it. The width of the damaged area is usually 3-5 mm, which leads to the occurrence of so-called edge corrosion.
Cutting metal with a grinder - due to the heat and large number of sparks, this tool cannot be used for corrugated sheets
In addition, sparks flying from under the abrasive wheel are also dangerous. Due to the high temperature, they can damage the polymer coating at a distance of several tens of centimeters from the cut site.
Cutting corrugated sheets with a grinder is possible only in one case - if, before cutting the corrugated sheets, the abrasive wheel is replaced with a cutting disc for corrugated sheets with fine teeth. However, even in this case, using this tool is not recommended, since such a measure will simply reduce the amount of damage, and not remove it altogether.
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Recommendations from the experts
When working with thin sheet metal, you need to use construction gloves. They can significantly reduce the likelihood of injury from a sharp edge on the cutting line, from burrs and other defects on it. Another important point concerns tools with replaceable disks. They must be equipped with protective covers to prevent sparks from getting into the eyes and face in general. They also reduce the area of distribution of hot metal chips.
As a rule, cutting of corrugated sheets is carried out in a straight line. To make the process of creating a straight edge easier, you can use another sheet as a guide. Simply place it on top of the workpiece. It can also be used at the same time to protect the bottom sheet from damage from sparks.
Another point concerns the flexibility of rolled metal. If you use ordinary metal scissors to cut corrugated sheets, then reliable fixation of the workpiece is not required. In other cases, this must be done.
An example of a working platform using wooden blocks Source stroitelstvo.expert
Otherwise, vibrations and mobility of the blade will contribute to the performance of work in uncomfortable conditions. As a result, the quality of the formed edge will suffer.
Profile mode for drywall at home
Today, not a single renovation can be done without drywall. This modern material has firmly established its position as a leader in the construction market. If you decide to do your own interior decoration with plasterboard sheets, you should know that you will have to deal not only with this material, but also with metal profiles. The latter are used to create a frame, which is then sheathed with sheets of plasterboard.
Metal carcass
Due to the fact that plasterboard sheets are used to assemble structures of a wide variety of complexity, metal profiles need to be cut, bent and connected. All these manipulations must be done correctly so as not to damage the material and create a durable structure. In this article we will look at everything related to the issue of cutting profiles.
READ How to Cut Skirting Boards for a Ceiling Using a Miter Box
Specifics of using a jigsaw - how to cut correctly
When choosing a suitable tool for cutting profiled sheets, it is recommended to pay attention to an electric jigsaw. It is especially good in cases of independent implementation of roofing work. The same applies to the construction of a fence made of corrugated sheets. Preference should be given to a tool with a laser guide. A jigsaw allows you to cut profiled sheets without any experience in such work. Serious efforts are also not required. In addition, this device will be useful in carpentry work or for cutting branches in the garden.
Maintaining an electric jigsaw is quite simple. The same applies to handling it - in this case, cutting a profiled sheet does not require any special skills. The tool has a high operating speed, with a very minimal likelihood of injury. If the saw breaks, installing a new attachment is very quick. Thanks to these qualities, a jigsaw is a very popular tool when choosing the appropriate option for working with corrugated sheets.
How to use an electric jigsaw:
- Before cutting a profiled sheet, you need to mark the surface intended for cutting. It is convenient to mark the lines of future cuts with a regular marker.
- When securing the sheet, it is important to raise it to a height of at least 100 mm from the desktop, achieving its secure fixation. Any displacements during operation should be excluded. In this case, it is convenient to work on ordinary construction trestles.
- Once the material has been marked and fixed, you can begin cutting it. It is better to replace visual control with a laser pointer; this will allow you to achieve even cutting, without deviating to the right or left from the intended direction.
- When working, it is advisable to press the jigsaw against the fabric being cut as tightly as possible. This will not work in every area, but where possible, it is advisable to do it. In this case, the load on the saw will noticeably decrease, and it will not break down as often.
- This tool is one of the safest options for working with profiled sheets - the risk of injury or damage in this case is reduced to almost zero. For this purpose, the jigsaw has special safety and protective mechanisms, such as guards and saw movement limiters. However, despite this, additional caution will not be superfluous. When cutting, it is not recommended to use your hand as a support on the sheet. It is better to hold it by the edge or edge. The hand should not be along the cutting line at all - no safety mechanism can save you from such stupidity. It does not matter at what distance the cutting tool is located. As for protective clothing, thick mittens or gloves, a thick jacket and goggles to protect against flying chips will not go amiss.
Advice from professionals
Now that the issue with the cutting tool has been clarified, it is necessary to add a few words about cut processing. Professionals know that when using “hot” methods (grinder and jigsaw), the coating of the profiled sheet is damaged and the cut itself is charred. Not only is this unsightly, but it also takes extra time to straighten and clean up the cut. Moreover, professionals never use autogen for cutting corrugated sheets.
Of course, it is preferable to cut corrugated sheets using scissors or a hacksaw. In this case, you need to decide what is more important: speed or quality. In any case, after cutting the corrugated sheeting is completed, care should be taken to ensure the durability of its service. The most important advice that is relevant here is: be sure to treat the cut, ideally this should be done with factory paint. Such paint is usually sold in any hardware store, and most manufacturers of profiled sheets include paint complete with corrugated sheets.
