If you have a DIY project that involves cutting sheet metal but lack experience, you can successfully make clean and precise cuts using an affordable jigsaw. While metal cutting demands a different approach compared to wood, a standard jigsaw, equipped with the appropriate blade, can efficiently handle thin sheet metal for various DIY needs. Let's delve deeper into the process.
What jigsaw do I need for cutting metal?
Selecting the proper jigsaw is the first crucial step in cutting metal effectively.
Power and speed
Look for a jigsaw with a minimum of 600 watts of power. Higher power enables faster and more precise cuts. Additionally, opt for a jigsaw with adjustable speed settings, which provide you with more control over the cutting process.
Blade selection
Tungsten carbide blades, often referred to as bi-metal blades, are essential for cutting metal. These blades are incredibly hard and maintain sharpness for extended periods during metal-cutting tasks.
Teeth per inch (TPI)
For most metal cutting applications, a blade with 14 to 24 teeth per inch is ideal. More teeth per inch deliver a finer cut, while fewer teeth remove material more quickly. Moreover, it's essential to choose blades specifically designed for the type of metal you're cutting – mild steel, aluminium, or other alloys each require different blades.
Additional features
Consider features such as a sturdy metal base plate for stability, dust extraction or a brushless motor to maintain cleanliness and ergonomic handles for prolonged, low-vibration use. With the right blade, power, and speed settings, a heavy-duty jigsaw can cut through mild steel sheets, pipes, and plates up to 6mm thick.
Tips for cutting metal with a jigsaw
To cut metal with a jigsaw, the proper techniques and precautions must be followed:
Marking the cut line
Using a pencil or permanent marker, measure and mark the line you intend to cut on the metal. For cutting curves or complex shapes, consider using a template or stencil. It's imperative to secure the metal in a vice or using clamps to prevent it from slipping during cutting. Additionally, wearing safety glasses is vital to protect your eyes from metal shards and sparks.
Lubricating the blade
To prevent overheating, reduce friction, and prolong the blade's lifespan, apply a lubricating cutting fluid, oil, or a wax stick to both the blade and the marked cut line. Be prepared to reapply lubricant as necessary throughout the cutting process.
Adjusting the speed and feed rate
Select a slow blade speed, typically around 2,000 RPM, and maintain a slow feed rate. Allowing the blade teeth to do the work will minimize jagged edges or tearing. Apply firm and even pressure as you cut, ensuring a consistent and controlled motion.
Maintaining blade contact
It's essential to ensure continuous blade contact with the metal. Lifting the jigsaw at any point can cause the metal to warp or bend, potentially damaging the blade. For tight curves, make relief cuts before cutting out the desired shape, and take extra care when navigating corners or changing direction.
With the proper preparation and adherence to these techniques, you can achieve clean and accurate cuts in sheet metal and metal plates using a standard jigsaw. Taking your time and prioritising safety will lead to the best possible results.
About author
Tom Garner
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This is such a great service. I'm thrilled with my purchases. I'm disabled and could not have managed to organise what I needed any other way. Thank you CutMy.
Bee Lilli ,
6 hours ago
Verified
Fast service
Fast service, good quality from the company - only let down by the delivery driver who couldn't fathom out how to lift a latch on a gate and just left parcel without attempting to knock or call.
Pat Collins,
6 hours ago
Verified
Excellent service
Excellent service, excellent ply
Bill Jarvis,
9 hours ago
Verified
Nice website and efficient service
Nice website showing the cut piece. Good prices and reasonably quick delivery (and well packed to reduce possibility of damage). This is my second order from CutMy.
Most importantly, the pieces were accurately cut using the specified material. i.e. no errors.
It couldn't have been better unless it was free :)
Frank,
9 hours ago
Verified
Great service from Cut My.
This was my first time using Cut My supplier to cut a piece of wood to a specific size. I am very happy with the service i received from them.
My order arrived safe, securely wrapped and in good condition.
I will recommend this supplier to friends and will use them again for this type of service.
Prisca,
11 hours ago
Verified
Perfect !
Really good, I’d forgotten to get one of the edges done and the helpline sorted it and sent the edging next day. Really nice quality
Sean Nugent,
9 hours ago
Verified
Excellent service
Excellent service, quick easy to order what you want cut to size. Nothing seems to be a problem.
Definitely recommend and will use again.
Michael Davison,
9 hours ago
Verified
2nd order hopefully delivery will be as…
2nd order hopefully delivery will be as good as the 1st one
jon allsopp,
9 hours ago
Verified
Good quality plywood delivered promptly and in good condition
Good quality plywood delivered promptly and in good condition
M from Birmingham UK,
9 hours ago
Verified
Parts cut exactly to size
Parts cut exactly to size, good quality, arrived on time and reasonable price.
Kevin Murray,
9 hours ago
Verified
Great company to deal with
Excellent value, great service and arrived extremely well packaged which is always a concern when ordering things that can easily be damaged. Highly recommend this company
David Farmer,
10 hours ago
Verified
Excellent service
Really easy to order the exact sizes of plywood that I needed and delivered quickly as well
D Bolton,
10 hours ago
Verified
Easy to use website
Easy to use website. All work competently carried out and packing exceptional. Highly Recommended.
PHILLIP STRAUSS,
10 hours ago
Verified
First Class Product & All Round Service
Excellent quality product. Easy to understand & use website coupled with good price & fast delivery. I would recommend this company.
Mr Tim Parrett,
12 hours ago
Verified
Perfect solution.
Great quality smoky perspex cut to the exact spec to replace actual glass on my coffee table in order to make it child proof. It fits perfectly and looks like the real McCoy! Saved me buying a new coffee table. Win, win👌
Placing order was very straight forward. Acrylic sheets arrived very quickly and extremely well packed with protective film either side.
The 4mm thick Acrylic sheets now installed, very clear and without scratches or marks. I would recommend this Company.
Michael Haley,
12 hours ago
New Shed Windows
I was initially a little worried about some of the recent negative reviews but based on my experience, I can't fault Cut/My's perspex service. Excellent quality materials, delivered on the day promised, size absolutely spot-on. My shed's now got new windows.
Robert Wood,
15 hours ago
Verified
Having made several purchases in the…
Having made several purchases in the past, once again it was top service and delivery. Recommend to get all your plastic from here
Fletch,
15 hours ago
Verified
Efficient
Efficient ordering process and prompt delivery.
Jonathan ,
18 hours ago
Verified
Great product
Great product. Super service
Roland,
19 hours ago
Verified
Great Service
This is such a great service. I'm thrilled with my purchases. I'm disabled and could not have managed to organise what I needed any other way. Thank you CutMy.
Bee Lilli ,
6 hours ago
Verified
Fast service
Fast service, good quality from the company - only let down by the delivery driver who couldn't fathom out how to lift a latch on a gate and just left parcel without attempting to knock or call.
Pat Collins,
6 hours ago
Verified
Excellent service
Excellent service, excellent ply
Bill Jarvis,
9 hours ago
Verified
Nice website and efficient service
Nice website showing the cut piece. Good prices and reasonably quick delivery (and well packed to reduce possibility of damage). This is my second order from CutMy.
Most importantly, the pieces were accurately cut using the specified material. i.e. no errors.
It couldn't have been better unless it was free :)
Frank,
9 hours ago
Verified
Great service from Cut My.
This was my first time using Cut My supplier to cut a piece of wood to a specific size. I am very happy with the service i received from them.
My order arrived safe, securely wrapped and in good condition.
I will recommend this supplier to friends and will use them again for this type of service.
Prisca,
11 hours ago
Verified
Perfect !
Really good, I’d forgotten to get one of the edges done and the helpline sorted it and sent the edging next day. Really nice quality
Sean Nugent,
9 hours ago
Verified
Excellent service
Excellent service, quick easy to order what you want cut to size. Nothing seems to be a problem.
Definitely recommend and will use again.
Michael Davison,
9 hours ago
Verified
2nd order hopefully delivery will be as…
2nd order hopefully delivery will be as good as the 1st one
jon allsopp,
9 hours ago
Verified
Good quality plywood delivered promptly and in good condition
Good quality plywood delivered promptly and in good condition
M from Birmingham UK,
9 hours ago
Verified
Parts cut exactly to size
Parts cut exactly to size, good quality, arrived on time and reasonable price.
Kevin Murray,
10 hours ago
Verified
Great company to deal with
Excellent value, great service and arrived extremely well packaged which is always a concern when ordering things that can easily be damaged. Highly recommend this company
David Farmer,
10 hours ago
Verified
Excellent service
Really easy to order the exact sizes of plywood that I needed and delivered quickly as well
D Bolton,
10 hours ago
Verified
Easy to use website
Easy to use website. All work competently carried out and packing exceptional. Highly Recommended.
PHILLIP STRAUSS,
10 hours ago
Verified
First Class Product & All Round Service
Excellent quality product. Easy to understand & use website coupled with good price & fast delivery. I would recommend this company.
Mr Tim Parrett,
12 hours ago
Verified
Perfect solution.
Great quality smoky perspex cut to the exact spec to replace actual glass on my coffee table in order to make it child proof. It fits perfectly and looks like the real McCoy! Saved me buying a new coffee table. Win, win👌
Placing order was very straight forward. Acrylic sheets arrived very quickly and extremely well packed with protective film either side.
The 4mm thick Acrylic sheets now installed, very clear and without scratches or marks. I would recommend this Company.
Michael Haley,
13 hours ago
New Shed Windows
I was initially a little worried about some of the recent negative reviews but based on my experience, I can't fault Cut/My's perspex service. Excellent quality materials, delivered on the day promised, size absolutely spot-on. My shed's now got new windows.
Robert Wood,
15 hours ago
Verified
Having made several purchases in the…
Having made several purchases in the past, once again it was top service and delivery. Recommend to get all your plastic from here
Fletch,
15 hours ago
Verified
Efficient
Efficient ordering process and prompt delivery.
Jonathan ,
19 hours ago
Verified
Great product
Great product. Super service
Roland,
19 hours ago
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