Metal Roof Cutting Options

Tonkadad

What are my options regarding cutting metal sheet roofing (24 gauge steel).

The particular type is called J-rib. I was hoping for some type of solution other than a circular saw. Is there any type of power shears, nibblers or "whatchamacallits" that follow the corrugations without making you feel like you are hanging on to a bucking horse?

thanks

joasis

We use Kett shears exclusively for straightline cuts and to cut across the material, a nibbler is the tool of choice. If you have a lot to do, buy a Hitachi nibbler, simply because the punch and dies will not break you...like $30 a set...my Miwaukee nibbler is about $116 a set for replacement dies, and the Hitachi cuts as fast.

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Tonkadad

How fast do they cut metal?

thanks

joasis

It takes a nibbler maybe 15 seconds to cut 90 degrees across a sheet....technique has a lot to do with it. If you have only 90 degree cuts, or cutting for length, a field shear is the choice, we have one as well, but rarely use it since I order metal cut to length...we have to cut hips and valleys on angles, and shears are not practical, plus, you have to have a different one for every profile of metal. Check the pawn shops, you might find a nibbler cheap, or of you are not doing a lot, buy a cheap air operated one...should last for 10 or 15 cuts......a set of dies will last us about 250 feet os cutting 26 gauge...24 usually isn't any differnt as to life of the dies.

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AaronB.

If youre doing a lot of metal and would like sharp, clean cuts, look at
http://www.kleenkutter.com/

It is easily worth the price if youre doing a lot of metal.

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