Cut galvanized flashing.

J. Hoffman

J. Hoffman

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jan 1, 2011
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I'm trying to cut 10x10 pieces of galvanized flashing for one of my wife's craft projects. The sides need to be square and cut straight. I have a tin snips, but that doesn't leave a nice edge on the finished piece. Any suggestions? We tried using an old paper slicer with the big metal arm, and that didn't work to well. Any other suggestions?
Thanks in advance!
Jess
 
Doesn't matter the blade will be going in the opposite direction of what its mentioned to. Always used an old dull one
 
clamp a straight edge over where the cut will be and scribe it about 10 times with a razor knife. Should be able to fold and break it fairly easily.
 
The above is a good way. Remember to sand the edges rounded after cutting.

Another is to have your wife put on her best smile and go to a small machine/metal shop. She should draw the lines she wants cut on the sheet, and ask the guy there to cut the sheet with his brake. Tight jeans can help, but brownies always work better.

I think some magazine has run a craft article about this, because two customers have asked where to buy sheet metal and how to cut it. They are both making a fabric covered piece of sheet metal that fits in a photo frame. Magnets are put on cosmetics and other girl things and they stick to the fabric covered steel. The frame hangs on the bathroom wall. I told both to find the frame they like and drop it off at the store for me to cut the steel.
 
bladsmth said:
The above is a good way. Remember to sand the edges rounded after cutting.

Another is to have your wife put on her best smile and go to a small machine/metal shop. She should draw the lines she wants cut on the sheet, and ask the guy there to cut the sheet with his brake. Tight jeans can help, but brownies always work better.

I think some magazine has run a craft article about this, because two customers have asked where to buy sheet metal and how to cut it. They are both making a fabric covered piece of sheet metal that fits in a photo frame. Magnets are put on cosmetics and other girl things and they stick to the fabric covered steel. The frame hangs on the bathroom wall. I told both to find the frame they like and drop it off at the store for me to cut the steel.
Click to expand...


AAAHHH Yep.......that's the exact project.
 
That works great if it is flat but you may have to go for an air nibbler. Cuts 1/4 chunks out at a time.
 
I think you should look in for the various instruments available online to help you get the best results in the long run and thereby help you to get the work done with ease. Even if you would like to know the various uses of galvanized sheets then you can look for them online.
 
Sounds to me like a good excuse to buy new tools "for her" Just remember it may take a couple of tries to find the "right" tool for the job. :)
 
Take the material to a machinist. For a few bucks a machinist can do a far better job, faster, and cheaper, than any of the methods described.
 
Is the metal too thin to try double cuts? I'm not a sheetmetal guy, but even I can make a clean looking cut with the right set of double cuts...
 
electric metal shears can be had pretty cheap at HF.. and that's what you want more then anything for the job.....

or clamp down a framing square to use as a guide with a jig saw...

die grinder may be a little extreme :D

I'm interested to see what this project/craft is that you mentioned Stacy, your vast knowledge of things amazes me..
 
They were 8X10 photo frames with a sheet of galvanized metal cut to fit. The glass is not used. I used 28 gauge sheet metal, and cut it to size with my $15 HF power shears.
The metal was sprayed with contact adhesive and placed on a piece of fabric. The fabric was trimmed to the metal edges, and the metal placed in the frame.
The cardboard backing piece was put in and the brads folded over.
Cosmetic items had small rare earth magnets glued to them and could be placed on the fabric covered metal.
The frame was also decorated by gluing dried flowers around the frame.
A small watering can , about 3" tall, was glued in one corner to hold eye makeup items.
The assembly is hung on the wall by the mirror to hold all the small "girl stuff" that normally covers the sink area.
 
bladsmth said:
They were 8X10 photo frames with a sheet of galvanized metal cut to fit. The glass is not used. I used 28 gauge sheet metal, and cut it to size with my $15 HF power shears.
The metal was sprayed with contact adhesive and placed on a piece of fabric. The fabric was trimmed to the metal edges, and the metal placed in the frame.
The cardboard backing piece was put in and the brads folded over.
Cosmetic items had small rare earth magnets glued to them and could be placed on the fabric covered metal.
The frame was also decorated by gluing dried flowers around the frame.
A small watering can , about 3" tall, was glued in one corner to hold eye makeup items.
The assembly is hung on the wall by the mirror to hold all the small "girl stuff" that normally covers the sink area.
Click to expand...

I have a funny feeling the missus will be quite interested in this, and yes her girl stuff is covering her counter top, fortunately for me we have separate sinks :)
 
i would go with the circular saw blade mounted in backwards. i have cut lots of sheet metal roofing the same way and it works great. just put a straight edge on the metal to guide the saw. a fine blade does work the best.
 
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