I need to cut several sheets of galvanized metal roofing. I need to cut 12' x 2' sheets in half or 6' x 2'. I have a skill saw, recipricating saw, and a grinder available. Any help appreciated.

P.S. I would like to keep all of my fingers.

 

Install your skill saw blade on backwards and have at it, watch for hot metal..

 

X2, and wear long sleeves, gloves, and most importantly, safety glasses.
Use a cheap or wore out skill saw blade. The metl will tend to break carbide teeth off, so just use a cheapy

 

i like a blade like this in a skill saw.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

i have used a blade like this for sheet metal and for cutting 2" angle iron, worked great.


definently safety glasses, long pants. i am not a big fan on drills, circular saws, lathes or belt sanders while wearing gloves.
i have done the backwards plywood blade, works good on aluminum with lots of wd-40, on steel it was a mess, maybe i did it wrong?

 

x3

 

since you are only cutting a few sheets, i would recomend this. if you ever cut more than that though i would recomend a metal cutting blade for your skil saw, they cut way cleaner than the regular wood cutting blade turned backwards. another tip is stack all your sheets together once they are cut, and drill holes through all the sheets where your screws will be, that way you dont have to put more effort into screwing through the metal when your standing on the roof (you will love this if the roof is steep). btw i have done quite a few steel roofs so let me know if you have any more questions

 

and also wear some hearing protectors cause the blades squeal quite a bit and will leave your ears ringing

 

For what it would cost, just buy the right blade for your skill saw. Cleaner cuts and you'll have it for next time.

 

Use a cordless 18v saw with the smaller blades and simply toss the blade when done, metal cutting blades just wear right out after a few cuts. I used a royobi 18v and it works great with a plywood blade on it.

 

Or you could go to a rental store and see if they have a nibbler you can rent. About the size of a hand grinder and makes it really easy to cut sheet metal fast.



Ear plugs, safety glasses, and gloves and you're set.

 

LOL, a saw? Really? Come on!

I used metal shears on an air compressor when I built my pole barn...

I got a nice set of Ingersol-Rand shears... cuts that stuff like a scissor with ease!

 

Is that one a stickshift model???

 

The skill saw is messier, and noisier. But you already have it, more than likely

 

and it works just as well as anything else!!!!

 

I have an electric version. Cuts much faster than a nibbler.