SteveG Posted April 21, 2007 Share Posted April 21, 2007 Need to cut a 48mm by 77mm cutout in a 3mm ally panel and wondered what was best tool for this. I have a hacksaw but frame is not big enough for panel. I have an open ended hacksaw but blade is too large to be of use. Had a quick look and a coping saw seems just right, but blades seem to wood/plastic only. Thanks in advance Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted April 21, 2007 Share Posted April 21, 2007 I would probably go with a jigsaw with a new metal cutting blade for that. Cut it a bit undersize and clean it up with a file... Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Attryde Posted April 21, 2007 Share Posted April 21, 2007 I would go along with Mark and use a jigsaw, however if you want to cut by hand you could use an abrafile (sp) is similar to a coping saw. has a round file type blade but not the easiest thing to cut a straight line with. HTH Pete. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smo Posted April 21, 2007 Share Posted April 21, 2007 Many options, jigsaw, reciprocating air saw (like a jigsaw really), air powered cutter (angle grinder style) or a nibbler again either air tool or drill attached....the ultimate however is a plasma cutter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveG Posted April 21, 2007 Author Share Posted April 21, 2007 Thanks for the suggestions guys. As it was a small hole and I wanted control with a small plate I went and bought a 6" coping saw for 2.99. Unlike what the websites say it seems they do come with metal cutting blades. Thanks Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ciderman Posted April 21, 2007 Share Posted April 21, 2007 Just a tip if your going to use a jigsaw with a metal cutting blade run a line of oil along the score or mark line , this will help stop the blade clogging up when getting hot . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orgasmic Farmer Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 Good tip jase. You could also cut the 4 corners out with a hole saw on a drill and joint them up with a fine grinder blade or dremel! Clamp a bit of steel along the outside edge as a guide so you cannot slip into the goo metal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiall Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 I'd personally use my reciprocating air saw but id clamp the pieace down to the desk firmly so their isnt any rattle which will only cost u more time squaring the edge up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 If you're careful (and practice first) a nibbler is very handy: I have one of these and it goes through ali like a knife through butter. You need to do a few test runs fist 'cos it can go a bit quick if you spin your drill too fast, and you don't want that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waveydave Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 I have one of those niblers. I find its fab basicly. Can often out do the bigger more expensive niblers on the market in tight spaces and round tight turns. Not scarey expensive either http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/...l-cutternibbler Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LandyManLuke Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 Nibblers are good, I have an air powered one, but they won't do 3mm, which is what Steve is talking about. I'd go for a jigsaw, and plenty of oil on the blade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRB60 Posted April 22, 2007 Share Posted April 22, 2007 Another tip when using a jig saw to cut ally is to use an aluminium specific blade. The aluminuim blade is quite course and the teeth do not clog up like the metal blades. I use these for fitting side windows and find it the best option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonk Posted April 23, 2007 Share Posted April 23, 2007 Steve, is it a flat panel? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonr Posted May 9, 2007 Share Posted May 9, 2007 I too have one of these nibblers. I expected it to be carp - but it's just brilliant! Bought it at billing from a chap demonstrating them. Usually when you buy a 'miraculous' new tool from one of those chaps (magic glass cutting things spring to mind, or drills that will drill through anything), you discover you've been conned when yo get home. When I set about making my wings, I bought a Bosch nibbler - and burned the motor on the first day. Remembered I had this and completed the job using it in combination with a battery drill. It will chomp through 2.5mm Al, 1.2mm Steel pretty easily and makes a much nicer job than a jig saw. Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V8 Freak Posted May 9, 2007 Share Posted May 9, 2007 Steve I have a nibbler here too.. Runs off a electric drill if you want to borrow it for a trial run etc.... Neil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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