Cutting sheet metal

[jstinem]

I need to cut a shape out of some heavy sheet metal. The metal is 16 ga., I think, (0.072 thick). It's way to thick for hand snips. I tried using my 4 x 6 bandsaw and it didn't sound happy. I know that the blade is to course for stock so thin. Is there trick that I can use to cut this without ruining the blade or buying a fine tooth wave set blade?
Thanks
Joe

[lynnl]

Would it be possible to sandwich your stock between two layers of thicker sacrificial material for cutting?

[Paul Alciatore]

Depending on how much you have to cut, you might try a nibbling tool.

[Thrud]

jstinem:
The easiest way to cut it out would be a gas plasma cutting torch. A jigsaw, jewellers saw, sawzall, etc. - use a blade with minimum 32 teeth per inch. A CNC Turret punch can cut out nearly anything but you have to have access to one first - that is the hard one.

Post scriptum: 16Ga. is not heavy gauge - 1/2" stainless is heavy gauge!

[This message has been edited by Thrud (edited 07-26-2002).]

[spkrman15]

I have a nibling tool. Great for cutting out different shapes and sizes however it is limited to about 20 gauge. Well at least mine is..

Spkrman15

[tinker]

jstinem:

How large is the shape? The jig saw is probably the best choise. Slow it down a bit and keep extra blades around. (We use the jigsaw for notching 16ga galvanized and stainless)