We all need some means of cutting metal for our daily projects. However, choosing the best tool for your cutting needs is of great importance. Using the wrong tool to cut metal is as messy as using a chainsaw to cut a tomato.
To get the help, you settle for the ideal tools for slicing through your metal parts. We have researched and compiled a list of the most suitable tools to use to cut metal pieces.
Best Tool For Cutting Metal
Sheetmetal Snips
Purchasing sheet metal snips in sets of three can be of great importance when it comes to cutting metal sheets. The set encompasses a pair of snips for left turns, straight cuts, and right turns.
The snips are mainly made for ductwork on thin material like flat sheets that are in an attic. The snips work cut by pushing down the sheet on one side of the cut line and up on the other side. The two blades slide against each other and the sheet hence cutting the sheet of metal.
Jig Saw
Though initially made to cut wood, a jigsaw nowadays can be utilized to cut metal pieces of any shape. You only need the right bi-metals blades to have your work done.
A jigsaw is ideal for slicing through different forms of aluminum and thin flat sheets of steel. Because the teeth of a jigsaw point upward, its blade cuts on the upstroke.
In case you need tidy cuts, turn your metal over so that you cut from the rear side of the workpiece. This is meant to avoid splintering on the front side. During operation, the base of the jigsaw is placed against the material you are cutting.
Circular Saw
A good number of DIYers own a circular saw. Circular saws are cheap but extremely common. When abrasive wheels are mounted to a circular saw, cutting solid metal bars, and tubes is never a big deal.
If, for instance, you want to cut aluminum, there are specific circular saw blades designed to cut aluminum. When using a circular saw, it's important to wear eye protection and select the appropriate blade for your job.
Reciprocating Saw
A reciprocating saw is another useful tool for cutting metal. It is not suitable for precision cutting or trimming because of its high strength.
It is best when working in reinforced areas, mainly where many sheets of metal bodies are spot-welded together. There are various blades available, so make sure you select a blade that best suits the task you want to do.
Air Saw
There is no excellent tool for general metal body chopping and fender chopping than an air saw. Air saws are very maneuverable, small, and lightweight. There are various blades available; it is up to you to choose one that best meets your needs.
Sometimes you can cut around 3-4 inches of a hacksaw and mount it to an air saw. This is inexpensive when compared to purchasing brand new air saw blades.
If you are slicing through a painted metal during cutting, make sure the area is masked with some layers of a masking tape to avoid splintering the paint.
Cut off Tool
Basically, cut off tools are most ideal for trimming and precision cutting. These tools are the most preferred when working in a tight area and are great for thinner materials and smaller tasks.
Cut off tools are most handy when cutting rusty bolts or removing tack welds. However, these tools are not ideal for chopping painted metals because you may burn the paint. These tools can also be successfully used as a type of mini grinder, especially when working in tight areas.
These tools require a lot of air. In case you are planning to use them regularly, make sure you check the tool's cfm requirement so that you match the compressor output to the tank size.
Conclusion
The above are some of the tools that can significantly help you with slicing through metal parts. Make sure you select the tool according to the type of cut and job you want to do. Some tools have various blades.
Before you embark on cutting, be sure that the blade you have matches the type of task you want to perform.