Cutting metal siding ?

[blurose]

What is the best way to cut a hole in the side of a metal shed, for a window? Can I use a jig saw? What blade should I use if I do? I've only ever used a jig saw to cut wood before.

 

[sticks22]

I would use an angle grinder with a thin metal cutting blade. I had to cut a piece of corrogated tin and I did a good job cutting it using the same method!

 

[pdpatch]

Yes you can use a jig saw, usually something like a 22 teeth per inch blade work.

Cutting metal with a blade, it works best of you can have at least two blades fit into the thickness of the metal.

With a jig saw you need to support the metal close to where you are cutting it.

Tom

 

[RiverwoodChicks]

You can use a Skill saw, just turn the blade around. You won't get all that vibration like you would with the jig saw.

 

[Bi0sC0mp]

a real good pair of sharp tin snips will cut it also

 

[patandchickens]

Or, if you don't like noise (oh my GOSH the noise) and sparks, just use heavy duty tin snips. Your regular ones may or may not work depending on the metal gauge, but if they don't you can buy great big ones for like $20-30 that are handy to have around anyhow.

Start at the edge of a panel of tin (take out a screw or two to give you leeway to start) then go around the whole hole in the correct direction (that is, remember that tin snips cut real well in one direction but crappily in the other). Then cover the sharp edges with flashing or wood trim.

Have fun (oh ok, "fun" is not really the right term for putting windows in metal siding, sorry

),

Pat

 

[Chic-n-farmer]

Quote:
Tried and true method for us!

We just turn the blade backwards on the circular saw and away we go!

I have no idea why it works, but it does!

 

[Pullet Pimp]

You can use a Jig saw, but don't skimp on price for the blade. If it is heavy gauge metal barn type siding you will go through several blades in the process if you go cheap. Turning the blade around on a circular saw works fine. But they make a metal cutting blade for a circular saw that is very cheap, I paid 4.99 for my last one at Menards. You can get them at any home improvement store. They cut better and cleaner than turning a regular blade around, and they are safer when plunge cutting a window opening. I use them often when building my pole buildings and metal projects.

 

[blurose]

I have a circular saw and tinsnips and like both of those ideas. I'm not looking forward to the vibration or tremendous sparks so will probably get DS to try the tinsnips first. Thanks to all.

 

[EweSheep]

We used the power saw with blade turned around...works well!