What is the best toot to use for cutting a finished piece of aluminum sheet? Electric Shears, Nibbler, other?

Question

The tech data on the aluminum states it is .02 thick. I need to cut very straight lines on this finished piece of aluminum and am not sure what type of tool to use to cut it. I could go with electronic shears or an electronic nibbler but have not used either of these tools before. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

The pros use a skill saw, there is a special blade for this,but if your only cutting a few pieces turn a regular skill saw blade over so that the teeth are rubbing instead of ripping.It may sound strange but I promise it works!

Answer 2

big hand shears keeps you in control they are about 14 inches long and cuts something like 5 inches a cut

Answer 3

Depends on what you are to use this for, and if both sides of the cut have to be smooth and flat.

  A nibbler, unless guided on both sides will stray and are hard to control.  Snips, electric shears will both leave one side warped and rough.

  Best way is to turn the sheet over with some form of protection to keep from tarnishing the finish, mark the cuts on the back,, and use a slow sabre saw with fine blade.

  Another possible way is to get a fine skill saw blade, install backwards, and cut the sheet, again from the back.

  Easiest and best way is to take to a local sheet metal shop and for a few dollars they can shear it where both sides will be smooth and straight.

  These ideas are from Opal's husband, a journeyman sheet metal worker for over 55 years.

Answer 4

use a straight edge and score it several times with a sharp utility knife, then bend & snap, shears or snips will not give you a clean edge