Which electric scissors are best for cutting corrugated sheets? How to cut corrugated sheets: pros and cons of tools. Hacksaw for metal
Corrugated sheeting today is the most popular building material used in various works: in the construction of outbuildings, garages, fencing areas, roofing, etc. From time to time, when performing such work, it is necessary to cut corrugated sheets to specified sizes. Although it should be noted right away that this should be done as a last resort. This article will tell you how to cut corrugated sheets and what to pay attention to when doing this.
Types and sizes of corrugated sheets.
Features of cutting corrugated sheets
First, you need to understand what corrugated sheeting is, why it is important to know what tool to use to cut it, and what features of this building material should be taken into account.
Corrugated sheeting is valued, first of all, because of its versatility in use, excellent physical and mechanical characteristics, ease of use and affordability.
Corrugated sheet is a profiled sheet consisting of galvanized steel coated with a polymer composition.
The polymer composition in this case is used to protect the material from corrosion. When cutting a corrugated sheet using the wrong tool, the upper polymer composition may be damaged, which is why this building material is subject to rapid deterioration. The question of how to cut corrugated sheets arises for many when using this material. Corrugated sheets are cut only using a cold method of processing the material; you cannot use such effective methods as autogen, plasma, abrasive elements, etc., which are associated with high temperatures, since the protective coating at the cut site will be destroyed. For this reason, a tool is selected that is used to accurately cut corrugated sheets.
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Tools for cutting corrugated sheets: hacksaw, jigsaw, metal scissors, their advantages and disadvantages
Cutting corrugated sheets is possible using the following basic tools, which help reduce the area of damage to the material:
- hacksaws for metal;
- angle grinder (grinder);
- metal scissors;
- electric scissors;
- manual or electric jigsaw;
- hand circular saw.
The material in our case is corrugated board. It is worth considering in more detail each of the above tools used to cut corrugated sheets, identifying the positive and negative aspects.
A hacksaw is one of the most common tools for cutting corrugated sheets. It is safe, cutting the material in this case is done entirely manually, but without the use of significant physical effort, the cut line is neat, without jagged edges. Often this tool is used when working with corrugated sheets that have a small thickness. The disadvantages of the described tool include the inability to use it to make curved cuts in the material and the mandatory presence of a special table.
To cut out curved, varying degrees of complexity, profiled sheet contours, a tool such as a manual or electric jigsaw is used. It is clear that a jigsaw will significantly speed up and simplify the performance of this type of work, in contrast to the manual version.
When cutting, set the highest speed of the tool and use a metal file with small teeth. It is necessary to press the material firmly when working, especially when cutting crosswise. The wave height of the corrugated sheet should not be higher than 20 mm. When working with a jigsaw, you get a more gentle mode than when working with an angle grinder. The negative aspects of the tool can be considered certain inconveniences when cutting thin strips of corrugated sheets, when making cross cuts, as well as when the corrugation height is more than 25 mm. Creation of discomfort and strong squealing by the operation of the instrument.
The next tool used when cutting corrugated sheets can be considered metal scissors. They are manual or electric. The main condition for using such scissors is their high-quality professional sharpening. Using scissors, it is easy to cut a small strip of metal both along and across the wave. It is clear that electric metal shears can do the job much faster and with better quality. A noticeable disadvantage of any metal scissors is the production of an uneven cut edge, which in some cases is not of fundamental importance, for example, when it is covered with the next sheet during installation.
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Angle grinder, hand-held circular saw - additional tools for cutting corrugated sheets
In order to cut corrugated sheets, an angle grinder is often used - an angle grinder with a special disk. It is important that this disk is thin (up to 1.6 mm) and has carbide teeth. After cutting, be sure to paint over the cut area with paint to prevent corrosion. A very valuable quality of an angle grinder is the speed with which the work can be completed; otherwise, there are more disadvantages than advantages. In places where this tool cuts corrugated sheeting, which is a multilayer material, it heats up and destroys the plastic coating, zinc and all intermediate layers.
The edges of the material become jagged, partially burn, damaging its protective polymer layer, and sparks that arise during work easily burn through the paint of the corrugated sheet, which subsequently significantly reduces the life of this material. And, in addition, when working with this tool, a strong unpleasant noise interferes. In this regard, an angle grinder should be used only in cases of extreme necessity, and after its use, try to eliminate all the negative consequences of its operation.
In terms of the importance of tools for cutting corrugated sheets, one can also name a hand-held circular saw, always with a fine-toothed pobedit blade. This material can be cut well by this tool both lengthwise and crosswise. However, for this you need to first make some adaptations. To avoid damaging the paint of the corrugated sheet during work, you need to make a kind of conductor out of plywood. To do this, a cutting guide is cut in the center of the plywood - a special groove. Before starting work, cut points are marked on the profiled sheet, a plywood jig is applied, and cutting is performed. With proper preparation for work, the edge of the cut turns out smooth and neat.
Based on the fact that when cutting a corrugated sheet using any of the above tools, the integrity of the protective coating of the material at the cut sites is to a greater or lesser extent compromised, which subsequently leads to metal corrosion and a reduction in the service life of the product. Following some recommendations applied after cutting the material will eliminate this drawback. First of all, the cut areas should be treated with special moisture-resistant and anti-corrosion compounds, and then factory paint or any other paint should be applied to protect the metal working seams from climatic influences.
Thus, after all that has been said above, it becomes clear that when carrying out construction work, corrugated sheeting can be cut using various tools, each of which has its own disadvantages and advantages. When cutting large volumes of material, it is best to use electric tools; when cutting small volumes, you can use hand tools. The correct choice of tools for working with profiled sheets will determine their long service life, reduction of financial costs, speed and quality of work.
Profiled flooring is nothing more than sheets of metal coated with zinc and, in some cases, additionally painted with special compounds to protect against corrosion. Their feature is a special plane geometry in the form of alternating protrusions and U-shaped recesses with a width of 30 to 300 mm. Various depths. For the manufacture of corrugated sheets, steel with a thickness of 0.55 to 1.0 mm is used.
It is these characteristics that determine the cutting features when preparing parts of the size you need. There are three options for cutting corrugated sheets:
- Using power tools
- Manually
- On machine tools
Below we will consider each of the options separately with a description of how to cut corrugated sheets correctly, listing the pros and cons of each method known to the craftsmen.
Hand tool for cutting corrugated sheets
In most cases, power tools are used, because... they are more convenient to operate and quick to use. The following power tools can be used for cutting:
- Bulgarian
- Jigsaw
- Electric scissors
- Hand circular saw
Tool for cutting corrugated sheets
– quite acceptable for cutting corrugated sheets. Let's see what professionals say regarding the use of each of the listed devices.
Is it possible to cut corrugated sheets with a grinder?
Grinder is the common popular name for manual angle grinders. The device is quite practical for cutting various metals, including profiled flooring.
The basic rule that must be followed when cutting corrugated sheets correctly is to use a cutting wheel that matches the type of material being cut.
For grinders, depending on their size:
- Small (circle diameter up to 135 mm)
- Medium (circle diameter up to 175 mm)
- Large (circle diameter up to 325 mm)
How to cut corrugated sheets with a grinder? It is necessary to select wheels that correspond in diameter to the nominal size of the tool. This is important to ensure ease of use.
In addition, the choice of size depends on the depth of the depressions in the profiled sheet.
When working with a small grinder with deep grooves on the corrugated sheet, you will not be able to immediately cut the sheet in the lower corners - to do this you will have to turn the sheet over to the reverse side. Therefore, immediately choose a grinder on which you can install a circle of maximum diameter.
The second feature of cutting corrugated sheets with a grinder is that the sheet should be placed on supports at some distance from the ground or the plane of the table on which you are making the cut. Otherwise, the circle will “catch” the ground and raise a cloud of dust or simply spoil your desktop or workbench.
Using a grinder to cut corrugated sheets in the hands of an experienced worker allows you to cut out parts of the desired geometric configuration, including along an arc with certain radii.
Jigsaw
A completely acceptable way to cut profiled sheets. But, again - only if you use:
- Professional tool
- Choose the right canvas
Household grade jigsaws, firstly, they are not powerful enough to perform such operations. Secondly, there are practically no blades for them, with the use of which you can cut sheets with a thickness of 0.75 mm or more.
Professional grade jigsaw It is quite possible to cut it to the buyers’ liking, but you will have certain inconveniences in your work. First, the sheet for cutting needs to be installed in a vertical position, and this is not very convenient, as you will need to support the already cut strips, for which you will need one, or better yet, two assistants.
Conclusion and opinion of professionals with experience - a jigsaw is not the best option for choosing a tool.
Electric shears - scissors for cutting corrugated sheets
Using such scissors is quite convenient - they cut quickly and are quite suitable for metal with a thickness of even 1.0 mm, with a certain dexterity of the worker.
They also allow you to make cuts of various complex geometries, but... After working with electric scissors, bending of the sheet occurs along the edge of the cut.
This will require you to perform additional operations after cutting - the edges will need to be trimmed by hand, using a mallet or hammer with wooden pads on the sheet, so as not to damage the metal coating.
Hand circular saw
A hand-held circular saw, like a grinder, is very convenient for cutting corrugated sheets if you have chosen a model with a large diameter cutting wheel and used a special cutting wheel for working “on metal”.
All work can be done in one turn on the tool.
In this case, it is also possible to make cuts along an arc with a certain radius of curvature.
So, what is the best way to cut corrugated sheets?
Summing up the use of this or that power tool for cutting profiled flooring, we can conclude that the most optimal and convenient are a grinder and a hand-held circular saw. Electric scissors and jigsaws are more suitable for a small number of operations.
Power tools are used in any field of construction. A special need for them arises when you are building a unique one. Especially if you plan to decorate the fence with forging elements. Uniqueness may lie in design. All possible types of fence designs made from corrugated sheets are listed, as well as ways to decorate them. Beautiful fences made of corrugated sheets are an opportunity to stand out, emphasizing your individuality.
Hand tool
Hand tools suitable for cutting corrugated sheets include:
- Hacksaw for metal
- Hand jigsaw
Here you need to immediately make a reservation - working with hand tools is practical only for very small volumes of operations performed.
Another case when a hand tool is needed is the creation of complex cutting geometry when finishing individual lines after working with a power tool.
In general, working with hand tools for cutting profiled sheets is very labor-intensive and takes a lot of effort and time. This allows us to conclude that cutting corrugated sheets using hand tools is ineffective and unprofitable.
Edge protection against corrosion
Protecting the edges of profiled sheets from corrosion significantly extends their service life. This activity is especially relevant after cutting sheets with a grinder or a hand-held circular saw.
When working with an angle grinder, due to the increased speed of friction of the disc on the sheet, part of the coating - zinc or special paint - literally burns out from the high temperature.
Bare metal remains exposed to negative physical and chemical factors and very quickly deteriorates (rusts). To protect it, special paints and varnishes should be used. Their consumption for covering the cut ends of a profiled sheet is minimal, it takes little time and is easily done by hand.
Such small costs of additional material and working time will extend the service life of the corrugated sheet much longer and will fully justify themselves. Professionals definitely do not advise neglecting such a seemingly trifle if you want the material to serve you for a long time.
Video about the tools that are used when cutting corrugated sheets
We also recommend watching a video on how to cut corrugated sheets, which clearly shows cutting the material with various tools with minimal losses. The attached videos below show cutting corrugated sheets using tools such as: grinder, circular saw, jigsaw, electric scissors, hand scissors.
When selecting corrugated sheeting, special attention is paid to its length - in order to avoid transverse joints, it must exceed the dimensions of the roof slope. Due to this, it is possible to improve the roofing protection against moisture penetration, as well as simplify the installation procedure. If it is exceeded, the material is adjusted - trimmed in accordance with the required parameters.
It is better to place short sheets of corrugated sheets horizontally in rows, starting from the bottom and up to the ridge. Regardless of the choice of direction (from right to left or vice versa), subsequent sheets are placed on top of the previous ones and attached to the sheathing.
Where sheets are joined along slopes, the overlap level should be at least 200 mm, and bitumen sealant should be applied over the joints.
Those who install the roofing material themselves must take into account that there must be a small gap (20-40 mm) between the corrugated sheeting and the thermal insulation layer for ventilation of the under-roofing pie. Next to the ridge and at the nearest 1.5 meters from it, the sheets should be fastened with double fasteners, that is, not only to the sheathing, but also to the purlins.
When repairing a roof of any structure, the sheets should be placed parallel to the eaves with an allowance of 40 mm, that is, the sheet should still hang slightly from it.
Adjacent nearby sheets are fastened with one self-tapping screw. When laying the roofing covering, as well as when adjusting the material to the required parameters, you need to be extremely careful not to damage the protective layer of the sheets. If, upon completion of installation work, large overhangs are noticeable, then the metal profile is cut to remove excess material.
How to properly attach corrugated sheets?
When laying the material on a wooden sheathing, it is fastened with self-tapping screws at the rate of 6-8 fasteners per 1 square meter. m.
You should also adhere to some well-known rules:
It is not recommended to screw in screws “for profit”, so the hole is drilled with a drill with an increase in diameter by 0.5 mm from the size of the self-tapping screw. Fastening must be done strictly at right angles with the sheets tightly pressed to the sheathing. If some changes are necessary, you should decide in advance how to bend the corrugated sheet, because if at this stage the structure is displaced or the seal is skewed, then when attaching the self-tapping screw, a through hole will be formed.
For convenience, you can tighten the screws with a screwdriver or drill. The screws are made of a special material, so they are easily attached to metal sheathing.
It is forbidden to nail the corrugated sheet with nails, since they can easily come off during strong gusts of wind. If you need to shorten the length of the sheet, you can use a grinder into which a special disk is inserted for cutting corrugated sheets, and avoid gas cutting and welding of the material.
Features of fastening the material in hard-to-reach areas:
- Where corrugated sheeting is laid near vertical surfaces (pipes, walls), joint strips are installed.
- The structure of the ridge element must also be securely fastened using a sealant.
- When laying a coating up to 0.7 mm thick, in order to avoid accidental damage to the roof, you will need wooden scaffolding and special shoes; a cutter for metal profiles, which is offered on the market along with other components, will not be superfluous.
- At the final stage, the corrugated board is cleared of debris, shavings, scratches and cut points are painted.
- After 3-4 months, you should check the quality of fastening of the screws and, if necessary, tighten them.
Corrugated sheet cutting technology
The structure of corrugated sheet metal is similar to sheet metal, but it has some peculiarities in installation techniques, in particular, this concerns questions about how to bend a metal profile and cut it correctly.
Since the material consists of a metal base and a special protective coating against corrosive effects, when cutting it, it is necessary to ensure the integrity of this layer.
When choosing a method for sawing a coating, its resistance only to low temperatures is taken into account, that is, a cold cutting method will be needed here. As a rule, these can be scissors for cutting corrugated sheets and other tools that will be convenient for the developer and will be able to meet the requirements.
Naturally, cutting with plasma, autogen and other similar tools is not suitable due to the high operating temperature. The same applies to abrasive methods, which destroy and char the material in the cuts.
So, what is optimal for cutting corrugated sheets:
- A hacksaw is the safest tool for working with corrugated sheets. Despite the fact that the entire procedure will be performed manually, it does not take much time, since the material can be easily cut, while the protective coating remains intact. The only disadvantages of this technology include the inconvenience of working with complex shapes, which requires a special table.
- If you need to get more complex curved shapes, then you can’t find anything better than a jigsaw. The tool can be either electric or manual. A jigsaw not only simplifies the process, but also quickly cuts sheets of the required sizes, taking into account the initial ones.
- The building materials market offers manual and electric shears for corrugated sheets, which, although not in great demand among professional craftsmen, will do an excellent job when cutting metal sheets. Since everything depends on experience, beginners may be disappointed with this tool due to the formation of uneven edges of the material. You can correct the situation by covering such an edge with the next sheet.
- An undeniable advantage of all the listed methods of processing the material is cutting using a grinder, but not with an abrasive disc, as mentioned earlier, but with a special disc for corrugated sheets. It will also help in cases where you don’t know how to make an arch from a metal profile or what tool to use.
The disc provides thin and delicate cutting, which is achieved through the use of a strong alloy for its production. Durable teeth do not break or bend even during prolonged work with metal.
As soon as the tool is selected, you can proceed to the description of the process of cutting corrugated sheets. It should be noted that even professional builders cannot maintain the integrity of the protective layer, which is why the service life of the material is significantly reduced.
The equipment described above only helps to reduce the destroyed area. The material cannot be restored, especially if bent corrugated sheeting is used, but to reduce the adverse effects, you can coat the cut area with an anti-corrosion and moisture-resistant compound.
How to cut corrugated sheets with a grinder, watch the video:
After cutting and processing the roofing sheet is completed, it is painted with factory paint, which is usually included with the material. If none was found, then you can purchase paint in a can in accordance with the texture of the roofing. This method of protecting seams from negative factors is even simpler and more convenient than traditional staining.
By following the basic rules for working with corrugated sheets, including laying and fastening, as well as cutting and processing sheets, you can achieve a good result in the form of a high-quality and reliable roof covering (read: "").
The need to cut corrugated sheeting may arise when constructing a roof of complex shape or arranging junctions. The quality of metal processing will depend on the selected tool. It is important to maintain the original geometry of the sheet and not damage the protective layer.
When choosing a tool for cutting corrugated sheets, you need to take into account the planned volume of work and the availability of electricity at the site. A hand tool will be the best choice for a small amount of work.
1. Hand scissors for metal
They are used for shaped cutting of corrugated sheets or performing a small amount of work. The advantage of this tool is its low cost and the ability to form complex roofing elements. It is best to use metal scissors to cut across the wave of corrugated sheeting.
- Right or left;
- Length of cutting edges;
- Type of cut – straight or beveled;
- Availability of a locking mechanism.
For processing, the material must be installed on a platform of several bars. The distance to the floor (ground) should be greater than the stroke of the scissors. First, a basting cut is made, its direction is checked and the absence of severe deformation of the sheet along the edges is checked. Then the final processing of the corrugated sheet is carried out.
The average cost of metal scissors varies from 1800 to 4500 rubles. The price depends on the design, blade configuration and manufacturer brand.
2. Nibblers
A more precise cut can be made using nibblers. Their operating principle is based on a point breakdown of holes of small diameter. The closest analogue is an office hole punch.
To work with nibblers, the corrugated sheet must be suspended. Using a drill, a hole is formed into which the working head of the scissors is inserted. Pressing the handle sets the punch in motion, which pierces the metal. After the hole is formed, the working part moves in the direction of the cut.
Characteristics of nibblers:
- Punch dimensions;
- Maximum and minimum permissible thickness of cutting material;
- Handle configuration.
The average cost of nibblers for cutting corrugated sheets ranges from 3,500 to 6,000 rubles.
3. Circular saw
Small hand-held circular saws are suitable for straight cuts and large volumes of work. There are models of varying power on the market, powered from the mains and from a battery.
To cut roofing corrugated sheets, you will need a fine-toothed disk with pobedite tips. The rotation speed is set to the minimum to avoid overheating of the surface.
When choosing an electric circular saw, consider:
- Electric motor power;
- Dimensions of installed disks;
- Elements for fixing the tool relative to the sheet;
- Presence of speed controller (not available on all models).
The price of hand-held circular saws ranges from 4,000 to 40,000 rubles.
4. Electric nibblers
Making many shaped and non-standard cuts on a sheet of corrugated sheeting is best done with electric nibblers. Their operating principle is similar to the manual nibblers described above. The difference lies in the way the cutting part of the punch moves. Translational movements are transmitted from the flywheel of the electric motor.
The work can be done either suspended or on a fixed sheet. A hole is pre-formed for installing the cutting unit. Then the tool is installed and turned on.
When choosing, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:
- Rated power;
- Cutting head stroke frequency;
- Power type – battery or mains.
The main advantage of using electric nibblers is high productivity and accurate cutting.
The average price is from 6,000 to 58,000 rubles.
5. Drill attachment
To optimize costs, instead of electric nibblers, you can purchase a special attachment - “Cricket”. With its help, you can form a cut with a complex shape.
Installation is carried out directly on the electric drill chuck. The procedure for performing the work is similar to the die-cutting tool described above. The “Steel Beaver” attachment has similar functions.
The average cost of these devices is 1,400 rubles.
Why corrugated sheeting cannot be cut with a grinder
According to the manufacturers' recommendations, it is impossible to process corrugated sheets with an angle grinder (grinder). But this applies only to those cases when abrasive or diamond discs are used and the cut is performed at high speed.
The profiled sheet consists of a metal base and a multi-layer protective coating that burns out under high temperature. Because of this, the following defects may appear:
- Destruction of the protective layer– subsequently the metal base will begin to rust;
- Loss of appearance– sparks can burn through the polymer or paint coating;
- Warranty cancellation from the manufacturer.
In practice, cutting corrugated sheets can be done using a grinder. But this requires a special toothed disk and a correctly selected number of revolutions. The rotation of the saw blade should remove material from the cutting area mechanically, not thermally.
The best way to cut corrugated sheets: top 5 tools
A popular hand tool for quickly cutting corrugated sheets without damaging the protective coating.
How to cut corrugated sheets: tools for cutting profile sheets
Corrugated sheeting is a sheet of galvanized steel with a profile and a polymer coating. In appearance it is similar to corrugated tin, but due to the polymer coating, the cutting methods for the roofing material in question and the tin are not the same. In order to figure out how to cut corrugated sheets and which method to choose for this, you need to familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of tools designed for cutting the material.
Tools for cutting corrugated sheets
The most common tools used for cutting corrugated sheets are:
- grinder (angle grinder);
- hacksaw for metal;
- electric hacksaw;
- manual and electric jigsaw;
- metal scissors;
- electric scissors;
- hand circular saw.
Grinder or angle grinder (angle grinder)
Manufacturers of this roofing material do not recommend using a grinder for cutting it due to the thermal effect on the polymer coating. However, even some sellers of corrugated sheets use it as the most convenient cutting tool.
When using an angle grinder, certain rules must be observed:
- To work with profile sheets, you need to use a disk with carbide teeth instead of an abrasive wheel. Such discs are called discs for cutting corrugated sheets.
- The thickness of the disc should be from 1 mm to 1.6 mm.
- To avoid corrosion, the cut area is coated with high-quality paint of the appropriate color.
When using a special blade, the cutting edges are very thin and neat.
Some craftsmen, using a diamond-coated disk, cut a whole pack (10 sheets each).
Using an angle grinder has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of using this tool is the cutting speed and convenience. Its main disadvantage is thermal damage to the polymer and zinc coating, burning of the edges and burning of sheets by sparks flying from the angle grinder. In addition, hot metal particles adhering to the surface contribute to the formation of corrosion. Torn edges of sheets after cutting with a grinder require a lot of time to remove burrs. During operation, the tool creates a lot of noise. The use of a special disc designed for cutting corrugated sheets eliminates many of the negative aspects of using an angle grinder.
Pros and cons of hacksaws for metal
When using this tool, the coating of the profile sheet is subject to the least destruction. Corrugated sheeting does not offer much resistance when cutting, so even manual work will not take much effort and time, and the absence of thermal effects helps preserve the coating of the material.
Advantages of cutting corrugated sheets with a hacksaw:
- speed;
- accuracy;
- no significant effort required.
Disadvantages of cutting sheets with a hacksaw:
- when working with a hacksaw, straight cuts are easily made, but cutting out curved shapes is impossible;
- When using a hacksaw for metal, you will need a special cutting table.
Jigsaw manual and electric
A jigsaw is a tool that, unlike a hacksaw, allows for curved cutting of corrugated sheets. There is no significant difference between a conventional and electric tool, but with the help of a jigsaw the work gets done faster.
Manual and electric jigsaws are used for cutting short-length sheets of corrugated sheets of well-known brands, the corrugation height of which is no more than 25 mm. Sheets can be cut lengthwise and crosswise, but the sheet must be pressed so that it does not vibrate. Cutting corrugated sheets is carried out at high speeds using the finest-toothed metal saw.
This is important to know:
To increase the cutting speed, it is not enough just the reciprocating mode; it is necessary that the tilt of the file be longitudinal.
Disadvantages of using a jigsaw:
- the tool is not very convenient for cross-cutting sheets with a profile height of more than 25 mm;
- not convenient for cutting thin strips;
- the cutting speed is inferior to the grinder;
- when working with an electric jigsaw, the edges burn, but not as much as when using an angle grinder;
- unpleasant noise.
Features of using metal scissors
Advantages of cutting profile sheets with metal scissors:
- This is an indispensable tool for cutting thin strips.
- Provided they are sharpened well, they do an excellent job of cutting across the wave.
Disadvantages of using the tool:
- Metal shears do not cut corrugated sheets lengthwise well, since the sheets have little flexibility in this direction.
- The main disadvantage of cutting with such scissors is the not very smooth edges of the cut.
Electric scissors: effective and convenient
Hand circular saw
Sheets of corrugated sheets can also be cut well with a hand-held circular saw, on which a fine-toothed disk with pobedit teeth is installed. For convenience and quick work using a circular saw, you will need an assistant. The cutting feed should be minimal.
To avoid scratching the paint on the profiled sheets, a conductor is made from a strip of plywood about 1.5 m long and 300 mm wide. A groove is cut in its center along the entire strip, not reaching the ends, which will serve as a guide for cutting. Two points are marked on the sheet along the cut line, and a jig is placed on them. The groove should coincide with the marked points. After this, the sheet is pressed well and cutting is performed.
This is important to know:
Cutting profiled flooring, which, unlike steel sheets, has a profile and an anti-corrosion coating, requires taking into account these characteristics of the material. Due to the sensitivity of the coating to high temperatures, cold cutting methods are preferred. These conditions and limitations must be taken into account when selecting a tool. For example, the use of plasma cutting, welding, autogen and other similar tools does not meet the requirements for cutting corrugated sheets, as it is associated with exposure to high temperatures. The use of abrasive tools that tear off and char the protective coating is also not recommended.
Profiled flooring is an aesthetic and durable material that justifies its purpose provided that it is installed correctly and the tool for cutting it is selected in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements.
How to cut corrugated sheets - the pros and cons of tools for cutting corrugated sheets
How to cut corrugated sheets: choosing tools. Pros and cons of using a grinder, a hacksaw, a manual and electric jigsaw, metal scissors and
Cutting corrugated sheets - how to cut corrugated sheets so as not to spoil the material
No one will argue that corrugated sheeting today is an extremely popular (and often simply irreplaceable) material for construction and finishing. In this regard, for many beginning builders, the question of how to cut corrugated sheets becomes very important, because, despite the reasonable cost of its sheets, damage to the corrugated sheet coating can negate all the advantages of using this material and significantly slow down construction.
How to properly cut corrugated sheets, what tools are used for this and how to process the cut to avoid corrosion is described in this article.
What is the difficulty of cutting corrugated sheets?
Corrugated sheet is a rather thin product that is easily damaged during the cutting process. The second feature of corrugated sheets is that it is coated with a layer of galvanization and polymer, making it impossible to use conventional methods of cutting sheet metal.
High-temperature metal processing methods are also not suitable in this case, because the corrugated sheet coating, no matter how durable and resistant to adverse natural factors it may be, easily burns under the influence of high temperatures. You cannot cut corrugated sheets with abrasive wheels, as they greatly damage the coating, which leads to the formation of corrosion. So, what can and should be used to cut corrugated sheets?
Method 1. Cutting corrugated sheets with a grinder
Since a grinder with an abrasive wheel, as already mentioned, is not suitable for corrugated sheets due to severe damage to the coating, this tool can only be used in conjunction with special discs for cutting corrugated sheets, which are thin cutting wheels 1-1.6 mm thick with teeth made of carbide materials.
To avoid corrosion, after cutting the corrugated sheet with a grinder, you must immediately treat the edges with special paints.
The advantages of cutting corrugated sheets with a grinder are the speed of performing all operations and the relative ease of cutting corrugated sheets.
The disadvantages of cutting corrugated sheets with a grinder are torn edges and a strong, very unpleasant sound. Even if you use a special disk for cutting corrugated sheets, the grinder, in any case, is an abrasive tool, because hot metal particles formed during the cutting process fall on the polymer coating and burn through it, creating the preconditions for the appearance of pockets of corrosion.
In addition, torn edges of corrugated sheets after cutting require additional work to remove burrs. All this makes the grinder far from the best tool for cutting corrugated sheets.
Method 2. Cutting corrugated sheets with a hacksaw
A fairly economical, convenient and popular way to process corrugated sheets is a hacksaw.
The advantages of cutting corrugated sheets with a hacksaw are accurate and fast cutting, the absence of nicks and burrs, and the ability to work independently without much physical effort. Usually, to work with fences, gates, small roofs and other structures that require a small thickness of corrugated sheeting, builders use a hacksaw.
The disadvantages of cutting corrugated sheets with a hacksaw are the impossibility of making curved cuts and the need for a special cutting table to secure the material. Thus, in the case of complex cutting work, in addition to a hacksaw, the use of another tool should be considered. However, all the disadvantages of a hacksaw for metal are successfully offset by the advantages of this method.
Method 3. Cutting corrugated sheets with an electric jigsaw
A jigsaw is used for corrugated sheeting, the corrugation height of which starts from 25 mm and is combined with a short length. Cutting with an electric jigsaw is done across or along the sheet, however, it is necessary to firmly press the profiled sheet so that it does not rattle.
Cutting should be done at high speed using a fine-toothed saw blade designed specifically for metal. In case of high speed, a reciprocating mode of operation with a longitudinal inclination of the saw is recommended.
The advantages of cutting corrugated sheets with a jigsaw are the low cost of work.
The disadvantages of cutting corrugated sheets with a jigsaw are the inconvenience of cross-cutting corrugated sheets with corrugations of 25 mm or more, the practical impossibility of cutting thin strips, severe burning of the edges of the metal sheet and protective polymer coating, and loud noise during operation.
Method 4. Cutting corrugated sheets with scissors (regular and electric)
Simple shears for corrugated sheets are used when it is necessary to carry out small work related to the installation of decking, the construction of garages, gates and fences. Electric scissors are used for a wider range of tasks, however, when a smooth cutting edge does not matter at all.
How to cut corrugated sheets with metal scissors, see the following video:
The advantages of both simple and electric scissors for cutting corrugated sheets are fast, easy and high-quality cutting of thin and even strips, as well as cutting across the wave without damage.
The disadvantages of scissors for cutting corrugated sheets are uneven and rough cut edges. In addition, low flexibility in the longitudinal direction greatly complicates cutting corrugated sheets lengthwise.
How to bend corrugated sheets?
In addition to cutting, corrugated sheeting can be bent, which can significantly expand the possibilities of creating bent products for decorating wall corners, eaves and roof ridges.
To obtain a transversely bent profile, the corrugated sheet must be bent at right angles to the profile direction, and if, when organizing mass production, a bending industrial unit is used for this, then for a small-scale production process it will be enough to purchase a simple manual sheet bender.
The most common design of this tool is considered to be a rotary one with a bending beam, and if desired, this device can be equipped with any additional functions that allow not only bending the corrugated sheet, but also, for example, cutting it.
Cutting corrugated sheets - how to cut corrugated sheets so as not to spoil the material - Useful tips
How to properly cut corrugated sheets, what tools are used for this and how to process the cut to avoid corrosion is described in this article. – Useful tips
The profiled sheet is covered with several protective layers - galvanized, anti-corrosion, primer, decorative polymer. Violation of their integrity will lead to oxidation and rapid destruction. The greatest damage is caused by sparks and heating to high temperatures, causing melting of the polymer layer and steel.
List of tools suitable for cutting
You can cut profiled sheets with the following devices:
- electric circular saw with saw blade for steel;
- hand saw;
- jigsaw;
- hand scissors for metal;
- hand nibblers;
- electric scissors - nibbling, knife, slotting;
- drill attachment “Cricket” - an analogue of electric nibblers.
All of the listed types do not generate sparks during operation and operate on the principle of cold cutting. Electrical devices are available in two versions according to the type of power supply: wired and battery-powered.
It is theoretically possible to cut corrugated sheets with a grinder, but experts do not recommend using this tool. Galvanized steel, which is the basis of the material, and the protective coating on both sides melt at a distance of up to 5 mm from its impact. This causes edge corrosion. The second risk factor is sparks. Once on the surface, they damage the polymer coating.
1. Hand scissors for metal.
The simplest tool for sheets up to 1.5 mm thick at home is scissors with high-speed steel blades. They are suitable for those who have to deal with small amounts of material from time to time. There are two types:
- roller - blades and handles are connected with a screw;
- lever - the cutting part with the handles is connected by a hinge, this is a more convenient design that makes work easier and requires less effort.
Based on the location of the cutting edge, there are three types of scissors: left-handed, right-handed and combined. If you need to cut from left to right, then use a right-handed device and vice versa. For curved cuts, there are options with curved blades. When choosing, be sure to pay attention to cutting ability: not everyone can easily handle thick sheets.
2. Hand hacksaw for metal.
Use replaceable fine-toothed files. She has relatively high accuracy and speed of work. Consists of a C-shaped frame and a cutting blade. Disadvantages: cutting can only be done on a workbench, only in a straight line, requiring significant hand force. You should choose a hacksaw with a blade of at least 300 mm. For hard-to-reach places or complex cuts, there are options without a bulky frame, with a side handle.
3. Manual nibblers (notching, perforating) scissors.
This is the optimal solution for small volumes. The main element is a cutting head with an open die for easy entry and a device for cutting off chips. An additional detail is a transparent plastic protective shield for sawdust ejection. It guides the chips forward, making the process safer. The minimum cutting radius with cutting shears is 25 mm. To start cutting, you need to drill a hole with a diameter of 8.5 mm in the material. The advantages of this tool, when compared with conventional scissors, are greater maneuverability and ease of arranging curved cuts.
4. Nibblers (notching) electric shears.
One of the best options for carefully cutting corrugated sheets yourself quickly and in large quantities, from the edges and from the inside. They are easy to use and work on the principle of a hole punch. The main elements are a movable punch and a fixed matrix with a hole of the same shape. The tool does not heat the metal, does not damage the polymer coating, makes turns at any angle, and cuts holes in hard-to-reach places, including complex configurations. There are no burrs on cuts made with electric nibblers, so there is no need to further process them.
5. Drill attachment “Cricket”.
It can cut vertically and horizontally, and makes round or shaped holes. The cut is very neat, the material is not deformed, but for this you need to select the correct drill speed, otherwise the punch will bend the edges. Disadvantage - suitable only for small volumes.
6. Electric scissors.
In professional construction, for work related to cutting smooth and profiled sheets, two more types of electric shears are used:
- Knife. It is convenient to cut in a straight line, but it is difficult to turn at an angle. The main element consists of two blades, one of which is movable and the other is not. The chips are diverted to the side, which prevents the appearance of defects on the protective polymer coating.
- Splined. Their main part is the open type cutting head. Slotted electric shears are suitable for straight and curved cuts.
Both types have a powerful engine and are easy to use. The cut is perfectly smooth and clean, especially high quality for slotted ones.
7. Jigsaw.
Special replaceable knife files are used. They allow you to make a very even, thin cut. With a jigsaw it is easy not only to cut a sheet in a straight line, but also to make curved cuts. It is impossible to place corrugated sheets suspended, since the metal is thin and easily deformed.
Advantages:
- you can work directly on the construction site;
- high speed compared to manual mechanical tools;
- Ease of Management;
- low cost of consumables (files).
Disadvantages of using a jigsaw:
- files wear out quickly and often break;
- high noise level;
- impossibility of cutting sheets with a profile height of less than 20 mm;
- cutting with a jigsaw can only be done in a vertical position, that is, two people are needed to complete the work;
- does not burn the protective coating, but tears the metal; the edges require primer treatment.
It is permissible to choose a jigsaw only if it is not possible to use other tools.
8. Electric circular (circular) saw.
Builders recommend using special carbide disks with fine pitch and reverse angle (curved teeth) or universal Pobedit disks. To cut corrugated sheets evenly, you need a plywood jig. A guide groove is cut in the center of the plywood. Marks are made on both sides of the sheet, then placed on a plywood jig and pressed tightly. The metal does not melt, but falls into small sawdust and does not spoil the polymer coating. This is the optimal solution for large items.
Advantages: smooth cut, minimal heating, no sparks. Disadvantages - the tool is not suitable for curved cuts, an incorrectly selected disc can tear the metal, the risk of injury is relatively high, the edges require primer treatment.