How To Cut A Metal Profile
Features of making a roof from a profile
The roof structure must be pre-calculated for strength. To withstand climatic influences, the coating is securely attached to the crate, which is a metal profile. The types can be different, but the most common are galvanized steel hat laths.
Their price is higher than that of similar wooden structures. But they can be cheaper than a bar with the same technical characteristics. Mixed structures made of wood and metal are sometimes used. In this case, you should be aware that condensation on the metal can cause waterlogging and decay of the wood in contact with it. In addition, metal is a cold bridge, and the roof must be properly insulated.
Rafters with trusses are attached to the walls with anchor bolts and fixed temporarily in an upright position. Then a hat profile is laid across, and a covering is attached to it.
3. Accessories
All types of metal profiles for drywall are fixed using the following accessories.
- Two-level connector of profiles when they intersect with each other. It is shipped unwrapped and needs to be bent into a “U” shape prior to installation. Fixation is done with self-tapping screws, which are screwed into the perforation.
- One-level connector “crab” is intended for fastening profiles at their intersection crosswise. It snaps into place on the profiles and at high loads is still fixed with self-tapping screws.
- Direct suspension is used for fixing racks to walls, as well as when installing the ceiling.
- A profile extension is used when you need to build it up.
Plasterboard sheets are attached to the profiles with self-tapping screws for metal. Together with the press washer, they are suitable for all types of connections. Their tips are made by piercing or drilling. The frame is attached to the walls with self-tapping screws with plastic dowels, and the suspension is to the ceiling. Wedge anchor or ceiling dowel.
Product advantages
- Strength.
- Ease.
- Profitability.
- High installation speed.
- Long service life.
These properties of profiles make it possible to use them in the construction of buildings and in their decoration of various levels of complexity. In this case, a power calculation of supporting structures is required.
Types of deformation of metal profiles from loading. Elastic and plastic. The latter is irreversible and should not be allowed as it leads to structural failure.
Metal profile: types
Depending on the purpose, profiles come in different shapes and manufacturing methods. They are necessarily protected from corrosion using zinc and other coatings.
Plasterboard profiles
Profiles are used to create building and finishing structures indoors. They are distinguished by their cross-sectional shapes and sizes. They are used to make frames for partitions, suspended ceilings, and also used for wall cladding. Mostly use a metal profile for drywall, the types of which are as follows:
- Rack-mountable (PS);
- Guide (PN);
- Ceiling (PP);
- Angular (PU);
- Bent (PG).
PS. This is a strip bent from sheet metal in the form of a channel. It is easily deformed during the production of profiles and can be made by hand using simple machines. Longitudinal ribs are available for rigidity.
PS is intended for the manufacture of vertical posts, partitions or wall cladding. It is mounted in tandem with a suitable guide profile size. Their shapes provide for a tight fit with each other. The holes in the walls of the substation are intended for the installation of electrical wiring.
PN serves as horizontal guides with a U-shape, into which vertical posts are inserted. It also serves as a guide for matching PCBs.
PP is used for wall cladding and in the manufacture of suspended ceiling frames. It is attached to the base with suspensions. It is convenient to purchase profiles for a false ceiling complete with connectors. Then its installation is easy and quick.
The corner profile protects the outer corners of the plasterboard sheathing from damage. The sharp cross-sectional angle allows the profile to fit snugly against the cladding. It is made with perforations so that the putty penetrates through the holes and firmly holds the metal to the skin.
PG can be convex or concave and can have different radii of curvature. It serves to create arches and multi-level ceilings.
Benefits of metal structures
- Profiled steel. It is a durable and lightweight material.
- Fire safety.
- Lack of deformations inherent in wooden structures.
- Compatibility with roofing material: corrugated board and metal tiles.
- No waste during installation.
Profile mode for drywall at home
Today not a single repair is complete without drywall. This modern material has firmly established itself as a leader in the construction market. If you decide to do your own interior decoration of the room with drywall sheets, you should know that you will have to deal not only with this material, but also with metal profiles. The latter are used to create a frame, which is then sheathed with sheets of drywall.
Metal carcass
Due to the fact that gypsum plasterboard sheets are used to assemble structures of various complexity, metal profiles must be cut, bent and joined. All these manipulations must be done correctly so as not to damage the material and create a solid structure.
In this article, we will consider everything related to the question of cutting profiles.
What you need to stock up on
There are several options for tools that can be used to cut a metal profile for drywall:
- Scissors;
- Jigsaw;
- Hacksaw;
- Angle Grinder;
- Cutting machine.
Each of these tools has advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, choose the one that seems most convenient to you. The main thing to remember after trimming the profile must remain in working order.
Slicing options
As mentioned somewhat above, you can cut a profile for drywall in different ways. They differ depending on which instrument is used.
Let’s consider each of the methods in more detail:
- Scissors for metal. Using scissors, you can easily, quickly and easily cut any metal element of the frame. over, they usually prefer to use scissors for such cutting. In addition, finding them in the house is much easier. Using scissors, you can cut the rail without unnecessary debris and dirt and even more noise. Therefore, such a tool remains the most popular in construction work related to drywall;
- A file for metal and a jigsaw. A noisier and dirtier way, as metal shavings will fall on the floor during the operation of the jigsaw. As a result, the cut will be smooth and even, in contrast to working with scissors, but the tool itself will cost much more than scissors;
- Hacksaw for metal. The most inconvenient method. Cutting plasterboard slats with such a tool is very inconvenient and long, since the metal, due to its thinness, will constantly stick;
- Angle Grinder. It can be replaced with a drill with the same mode. Working with an angle grinder will be very noisy and spectacular, as sparks will fly in all directions. The method is not recommended for use if wallpaper is glued in the room, since flying sparks can burn holes in them;
- Cutting machine. Working with such a machine is very similar to using an angle grinder. But working with the machine will be much easier. The disadvantage of this method is the very high cost of the tool. In addition, the machine is quite impressive in size and takes up a lot of space;
Instruments
As you can see, all tools for cutting profiles have certain advantages and disadvantages. The most commonly used from the above list are metal scissors. Just remember that using them can slightly change the cut, leading to its slight deformation. But on the other hand, you can cut the frame element into pieces of the required length without unnecessary dirt, noise and money.
After the scissors, the jigsaw received the palm. Of course, there is dirt and not very pleasant noise here. But the cut is perfectly smooth.
The rest of the tools have more disadvantages than advantages. Although they give a smooth cut, the noise and dirt that will accompany the entire process will cancel out any smooth cut.
Note! Whichever tool you are using, make sure that all measurements have been taken correctly before cutting the material.
Process features
Since the profile is a metal element of the frame, it is possible to cut it into pieces of the required size only using the appropriate tools.
They must meet the following requirements:
- Cut metal;
- Do not deform the profile surface;
- Be easy to use.
Not all tools that can be found in the closet fall under such requirements. Therefore, before starting work, make sure that you have at least one tool that meets these requirements in your house (we will talk about which tools below).
Only with its help can you cut the profile correctly.
Assortment of material
Guide profile
It would seem, what could be difficult in such a process? But as practice shows, even with such a seemingly simple matter, certain difficulties may arise.
A metal frame is almost always necessary for drywall. For its installation, you need to use a profile. It should be noted that the profile for drywall can be different. Today there are the following types of profiles:
- Guide;
- Rackmount.
There are two main types of wireframe elements. But profiles can also be of the following types:
- Arched;
- Ceiling;
Rack profile
- Beacon;
- Angular.
All of them have to be cut during the assembly of the frame, since you are unlikely to need to use the entire length of the rail. Usually the profile needs to be cut into several pieces in order to create a frame for the required structure.
Safety engineering
As an epilogue, a little about safety. When working with power tools (angle grinder, jigsaw, machine tool), you need to remember about safety measures. Before starting work, be sure to read the instructions for the device and put on protective glasses on your eyes and gloves on your hands. This way your work will be free from unnecessary risks.
So, we examined the main tools with which you can cut the frame elements and adjust them to the planned drywall structure. It remains only to arm yourself with one of them and boldly move towards the accomplishment of construction feats!
How can you cut metal tiles?
If you are installing metal tiles with your own hands, and not with the help of professionals, then most likely you will be faced with the need to cut the roofing material. It is not forbidden to use ordinary tools to cut metal tiles, but many difficulties will arise along with this. First of all, the metal sheet is very inconvenient to separate, because it has not a smooth, but a wavy surface. And it is a profiled sheet made of thin cold rolled metal.
In theory, cutting metal tiles is not very difficult. However, practice shows that not every self-taught roofer is able to properly cut a profile without damaging it.
It is best to turn to traditional metal tools. Their circle includes:
- Manual or nibbling electric metal shears;
- Hacksaw;
- Jigsaw;
- Circular circular saw;
- Disc for metal.
Hand carved scissors. Nibblers are one of the best tools for trimming roof tiles. First, they are small in size. Secondly, they are equipped with comfortable handles and a matrix holder. In this case, the cutting speed is almost the same as that of an angle grinder. It is known that a metal tile has a rather complex profile with a 90 degree turn. The high position of the matrix holder allows you to overcome even such turns without problems. The matrix holder can be rotated, which allows you to change the direction of the scissor handle and its angle of inclination. A good alternative to electric handheld roofing scissors.
Hacksaw. The disadvantage of a hacksaw is that it can only make straight cuts along a straight mowing line. Curved cutting of metal sheets is not possible. In addition, for this tool you will have to equip a special machine.
Electric shears for metal. There are 3 types of electric metal scissors in total:
- Cutting designed not only for cutting corrugated board and metal tiles, but even welded pipes. The process of the mechanism consists in the stroke of the punch, which cuts out small metal pieces step by step. Cutting can be started both from the middle and from the edge of the profile. The only caveat with the option from the middle is based on the need to drill a hole to start cutting;
- Knife equipped with two single-blade knives, one of which is movable, the other is fixed. A sheet of metal tile is placed in the space between the knives. After cutting, you will see that there is no waste left. There is also the disadvantage of not being able to make turns;
- Splined equally well suited for cutting colored and black sheets with various coatings. Almost perfect cuts are achieved thanks to the open-type cutting head, the metal tile does not deform and leaves behind hidden chips.
Drill bit for cutting metal is another tool that is suitable for working with metal tiles.
Electric drill attachment for metal tiles. A working drill makes the punch move, which allows it to cut the desired strips into the tiles. However, such a tool is not easy to use, so if you have not worked with it in advance, it is better to opt for a simpler mechanism.
Regardless of which cutting tool you used, you’d better paint over the cut with special paint to avoid further damage.
Cutting metal tiles than cutting?
Today, metal tiles are considered one of the most popular roofing materials. Worldwide recognition is not accidental. A reliable and durable metal product, as a rule, does not present any difficulties in installation. However, it is often necessary to cut standard sheets of metal tiles. Especially in cases with the arrangement of roofs with complex geometric shapes. In this article, we suggest that you familiarize yourself not with the characteristics of metal tiles, but with whether it is allowed to cut them using traditional tools, and are there any rules for this process? We will try to disclose this problem as accurately as possible.
Is it possible to cut metal tiles with an angle grinder?
There is an option to use a jigsaw or metal scissors. In the first case, you will surely face the fact that the structure of the sheets will be broken, in the second you will lose a lot of strength. It would be much more convenient to use an electromechanical angle grinder with an equipped abrasive disc or simply an angle grinder. With its help you quickly and easily cut any metal profile. However, in this case, you will have to say goodbye to the manufacturer’s warranty, because many of them categorically prohibit the use of an angle grinder for cutting metal tiles. This is easy to explain: during cutting, the angle grinder heats up the metal profile, which in turn destroys the polymer ball that cannot withstand high temperatures. Thus, after a few years, you will find rust in the places where the sander passed. Please note that in cutting metal tiles, it is forbidden to use not only an angle grinder, but also other tools that heat up approximate metal areas.
The process of cutting metal tiles must be consistent, go from one steel sheet to another. Also, make sure that no chips get onto the rest of the tile sheets. Remember that before proceeding with the installation of metal tiles, look at the instructions provided by the manufacturer. In it, you will definitely find information on how and with what to cut the material. The best option for cutting metal tiles is to contact the manufacturer for help. Professionals will indicate the exact dimensions according to the roof drawings and provide you with ready-made sheets.
How to cut a metal profile
Let’s highlight possible options, how and how to cut a metal profile: use
- Power tool,
- Hand tool,
- Machine tools.
The safest cutting option, which preserves the integrity of the decorative and protective layer, is the use of a conventional hacksaw for metal due to the absence of thermal effects in this case. In addition, working with a hacksaw does not take much time, since corrugated sheets do not offer much resistance to cutting, and cutting does not require significant efforts.
The main disadvantage of this method is the impossibility of using it when cutting complex shapes. A hacksaw is not suitable for processing sheets with a wave height exceeding 25 mm. over, deep cuts cannot be made with this tool. Working with it requires a special table or supporting surface.
Can I use an angle grinder
Manufacturers strictly do not recommend processing profiled sheets with a grinder, better known in everyday life as an angle grinder. However, in practice, cutting with this tool is quite possible. Following certain rules, you can fully appreciate the obvious advantages of this method.
It is important to understand that problems with this tool arise when using abrasive (diamond) discs and at high cutting speeds. Therefore, the negative consequences of material processing can be avoided if you work when cutting corrugated board with special disks with hard alloy teeth, which are located along the edge of the circle, and choose the right speed. These discs are quite thin, their thickness ranges from 1 mm to 1.6.
The use of a grinding machine can significantly increase the installation speed, especially since the sheets can be cut at once in 10 pieces. True, some skills are required to cut a bundle. This cutting method allows you to obtain the desired geometric configuration, including an arc with a certain radius.
Let’s note some features of working with an angle grinder:
- When cutting, the sheet is placed on pads, placing them at a certain distance from the surface of the earth or the table where the cut is made. Otherwise, the disk will cling to it and either a cloud of dust will rise or the desktop will deteriorate,
- If a small angle grinder is used to cut corrugated board with deep grooves, then it will not work to cut the sheet to the end; it will have to be turned over to the other side. Therefore, when choosing an angle grinder, you should take into account what the maximum diameter of the disc should be in order to complete the cutting of a sheet installed on shims in one pass.
Shears for corrugated board
If you are looking for how to cut corrugated board, if you need to cut thin strips, then you need special scissors. The tool edges are perfectly sharpened, which allows cutting the sheet across the wave.
Shears for cutting corrugated board make it easy to cut the material without damaging the protective coating. When using them, an uneven cut may remain, which, when installing the roof, will block the adjacent profiled sheet.
They are used when curly cutting of a profiled sheet is necessary or the amount of work to be done is small. This tool, which is also inexpensive, allows the formation of complex roofing elements. Manual scissors of different models differ in such parameters as
- Length of cutting edges,
- Blade configuration it can be straight or beveled,
- Design, say, the presence of a locking mechanism and more.
During cutting, the material is placed on a platform that is collected from the bars. Their number should ensure the distance from the floor (ground) surface to the platform should be sufficient so as not to interfere with the movement of the scissors.
To begin with, perform a basting cut and check how deformed the edges of the sheet are.
Only after that do they begin the final processing of the corrugated board.
For greater cutting accuracy, a nibbler is used. They work like an office punch, punching pin holes with a small diameter. In the process of working with this tool, the metal profile is kept suspended. The working head of the tool is inserted into the hole, it is pre-formed using a drill. The metal is punched through with a punch. To set it in motion, a simple push on the handle is enough. After the formation of each hole, the working part of the scissors continues to move progressively in the direction of the cut.
For the processing of roofing corrugated board, a saw is often used, on which a fine-toothed disk is installed, equipped with victorious solders. To exclude overheating of the material, the speed of rotation of the disk should be minimal.
Slicing options
As mentioned somewhat above, you can cut a profile for drywall in different ways. They differ depending on which instrument is used.
Let’s consider each of the methods in more detail:
- Scissors for metal. Using scissors, you can easily, quickly and easily cut any metal element of the frame. over, they usually prefer to use scissors for such cutting. In addition, finding them in the house is much easier. Using scissors, you can cut the rail without unnecessary debris and dirt and even more noise. Therefore, such a tool remains the most popular in construction work related to drywall.,
Note! You should not specially buy expensive modern scissors. You can cut without problems using old Soviet models.
- A file for metal and a jigsaw. A noisier and dirtier way, as metal shavings will fall on the floor during the operation of the jigsaw. The result will be a smooth and even cut, unlike working with scissors, but the tool itself will cost much more than scissors,
- Hacksaw for metal. The most inconvenient method. Cutting plasterboard slats with such a tool is very inconvenient and long, since the metal, due to its thinness, will constantly stick,
- Angle Grinder. It can be replaced with a drill with the same mode. Working with an angle grinder will be very noisy and spectacular, as sparks will fly in all directions. The method is not recommended for use if wallpaper is glued in the room, since flying sparks can burn holes in them,
Note! When working with an angle grinder, you must observe safety precautions. Always wear safety glasses over your eyes.
- Cutting machine. Working with such a machine is very similar to using an angle grinder. But working with the machine will be much easier. The disadvantage of this method is the very high cost of the tool. In addition, the machine is quite impressive in size and takes up a lot of space.,
As you can see, all tools for cutting profiles have certain advantages and disadvantages. The most commonly used from the above list are metal scissors. Just remember that using them can slightly change the cut, leading to its slight deformation. But on the other hand, you can cut the frame element into pieces of the required length without unnecessary dirt, noise and money.
After the scissors, the jigsaw received the palm. Of course, there is dirt and not very pleasant noise here. But the cut is perfectly smooth.
The rest of the tools have more disadvantages than advantages. Although they give a smooth cut, the noise and dirt that will accompany the entire process will cancel out any smooth cut.
Note! Whichever tool you are using, make sure that all measurements have been taken correctly before cutting the material.
Hand tool application
You can use a hand-held cutting tool to cut profile decking:
Using them, it is impossible to burn through the metal and the covering of the profiled sheet. Nevertheless, labor productivity when using hand tools is significantly reduced. It is better to work with them, cutting out small fragments in the metal profile.
It is convenient to cut profiled sheets with scissors for metal across the wave. It will be difficult to cut the corrugated board along it, and bending the sheet will lead to its deformation. Before cutting the metal profile with scissors, you need to take into account that they leave behind serrated edges.
Smooth edges on the sheet remain after cutting with a hand jigsaw or a hacksaw for metal, but these tools are suitable for cutting corrugated board with a wave height of no more than 25 mm. In addition, the design of the hacksaw and jigsaw does not allow them to make deep cuts in the profiled sheet.
How to cut corrugated board to speed up the work without deteriorating its quality? An alternative to manual labor is the use of specialized electrical tools. Cutting the corrugated board by them by an order of magnitude, in comparison with the work with a hand tool, reduces the complexity of the process. Plus, like metal scissors or a jigsaw, power tools won’t damage the edges of the workpiece.
Electric shears for metal
There are both nibbling and slotting scissors for metal. How to cut the profiled sheet, you need to decide in advance. After cutting the profile with both types of electric shears, smooth edges remain. When cutting the corrugated board with both tools, the anti-corrosion coating of the metal is not destroyed, however, nibblers are more suitable for working with the corrugated sheet. They can cut material in any direction. With the nibbler, you can cut any sheet configuration.
The slotting shears are effective for cutting flat sheets. They can be used to cut corrugated board along the waves. It is inconvenient to use a slotted tool in cross-cutting.
Electric scissors are used by professionals, but such a power tool has a significant drawback, a high price. It is unacceptable for many amateur roofers.
How to cut a profiled sheet if buying an expensive tool is impractical? You can purchase a drill attachment that functions as a nibbler. To get started, you need to fix the device in the chuck and turn on the electric drill. The corrugated board is cut by holding the nozzle by the special handle.
Another tool used for cutting metal profile sheets is a jigsaw. They do not work as productively as with an electric shears or a grinder, however, cutting profiled sheets with a jigsaw is much more convenient than with a hand tool.
An electric jigsaw is recommended for cutting profiles with a wavelength of no more than 25 mm. It is advisable to use it for longitudinal cutting of corrugated board, although the power tool also copes with cross-cutting.
Before cutting the corrugated board, you need to install a metal file on the jigsaw. Sheets must be cut at high speed. It should be remembered that an unreliably fixed corrugated board will vibrate during cutting, which will affect the condition of the edges left by the saw.
When sawing the profiled sheet, the jigsaw is pressed against its surface, so the base plate of the tool can scratch the zinc or polymer coating. You can protect it by sticking tape on the profile. After cutting with a jigsaw, the edges are treated with an anti-corrosion compound.
Safety engineering
Before cutting a profile for drywall, you need to observe safety measures:
- When working with a power tool, read the instructions for use.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves.
- Put on headphones (for some ways)
Working with drywall is quite simple even for a beginner, but it is important to know how to cut a profile for drywall.
How to cut a metal profile! Overview of the tool for cutting aluminum profiles
How to cut a metal profile? A fairly common question for people who first work with an aluminum profile. It is to him that we will try to answer. precisely, consider the main tool for cutting an aluminum profile, which is available from most home craftsmen
Before starting to work with an aluminum profile, you should know how to cut a metal profile. Or, at least, determine for yourself the tool with which such an important operation will be performed.
- How to cut a metal profile! Overview of the tool for cutting aluminum profiles
- How to properly cut a drywall profile
- Profile Cutting Tools
- Safety engineering
But let’s start with the markup. Accuracy and dimensional accuracy play a significant role in construction or renovation. A small defect in the marking can significantly complicate the whole process, which, of course, has only a negative effect.
The cutting line is marked with a tape measure, ruler or other solid and even object, as well as a felt-tip pen. It makes no sense to explain how to do this, therefore, just a few illustrations are presented, which reflect the main essence of this process.
After the line for cutting the profile is outlined, you can proceed directly to cutting the material itself. And, answering the question How to cut an aluminum profile ?, you can offer the following tool:
- Jigsaw,
- Angle Grinder,
- Hacksaw for metal,
- Scissors for metal.
We will talk in more detail about the process of performing work by each of them, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
Cutting an aluminum profile with a jigsaw
First of all, you should make sure that a metal file is installed. If instead of it there is a file for wood, then, of course, it will be possible to cut the aluminum profile, but the result will be far from high-quality.
It is worth starting cutting from one of the edges of the profile, sawing first the back part, and then alternately the side edges.
As you can see in the photo below, the cut quality is very high. There are no burrs, no bevels or other clearly visible defects. In general, an almost perfect result is obtained.
Profile Cutting Aluminum Angle Grinder
The next tool for cutting aluminum profiles is an angle grinder. Or simply an angle grinder. A very good helper when you need to cut something. As for the metal profile, in this case, the angle grinder is an excellent solution for quickly and efficiently performing such work. Cutting a profile with this tool is faster than using a jigsaw.
The advantages are the same as with a jigsaw, if you have the skill of working with an angle grinder. Otherwise, it is easy to get off the line mowing line and get a curved cut. Also, do not forget about the mandatory observance of safety measures when working with the tool.
Cutting an aluminum profile with a hacksaw for metal
It is also worth starting cutting from the edge, and then sequentially the back of the profile and the side edges.
The main difficulty of this method is the deformation of the profile under mechanical stress. Those. Holding the profile itself and working with a hacksaw, a strong mechanical effect is exerted on the aluminum material, as a result of which it bends. And this leads to a complicated course of the hacksaw blade and possible departure from the mowing line of the marking. This situation can be avoided by inserting an ordinary wooden block into the profile. It will act as a kind of stiffener, preventing the profile itself from deforming.
The end result is the same as when using a jigsaw! But at the same time, more time and effort is spent when performing a cut.
Cutting aluminum profile with metal shears
Everything is simple here! Cut the profile with scissors along the mowing line marking.
If you use a quality tool, you can get a pretty good result. Usually the most difficult is the passage of the ribs of the metal profile. It is in these places that the line leaving the mowing line occurs. Therefore, before you start cutting the base material, it would be better to first practice to get a feel for working with the tool.
Combined cutting of an aluminum profile with a hand tool
Another option than cutting an aluminum profile is the joint use of a hacksaw and metal scissors. We start to cut from the edge with a hacksaw and, approaching the edges of the metal profile (when the sawing process becomes difficult), we finish cutting by cutting with scissors. In this case, it is a little easier than just a hacksaw and of better quality than just scissors for metal.
That’s all that I wanted to tell on the topic How to cut a metal profile.
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What you need to stock up on
There are several options for tools that can be used to cut a metal profile for drywall:
- Scissors,
- Jigsaw,
- Hacksaw,
- Angle Grinder,
- Cutting machine.
Each of these tools has advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, choose the one that seems most convenient to you. The main thing to remember after trimming the profile must remain in working order.
How to cut a metal profile! Overview of the tool for cutting aluminum profiles
How to cut a metal profile? A fairly common question for people who first work with an aluminum profile. It is to him that we will try to answer. precisely, consider the main tool for cutting an aluminum profile, which is available from most home craftsmen
Before starting to work with an aluminum profile, you should know how to cut a metal profile. Or, at least, determine for yourself the tool with which such an important operation will be performed.
But let’s start with the markup. Accuracy and dimensional accuracy play a significant role in construction or renovation. A small defect in the marking can significantly complicate the whole process, which, of course, has only a negative effect.
The cutting line is marked with a tape measure, ruler or other solid and even object, as well as a felt-tip pen. It makes no sense to explain how to do this, therefore, just a few illustrations are presented, which reflect the main essence of this process.
After the line for cutting the profile is outlined, you can proceed directly to cutting the material itself. And, answering the question How to cut an aluminum profile ?, you can offer the following tool:
- Jigsaw;
- Angle Grinder;
- Hacksaw for metal;
- Scissors for metal.
We will talk in more detail about the process of performing work by each of them, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
Cutting an aluminum profile with a jigsaw
First of all, you should make sure that a metal file is installed. If instead of it there is a file for wood, then, of course, it will be possible to cut the aluminum profile, but the result will be far from high-quality.
It is worth starting cutting from one of the edges of the profile, sawing first the back part, and then alternately the side edges.
As you can see in the photo below, the cut quality is very high. There are no burrs, no bevels or other clearly visible defects. In general, an almost perfect result is obtained.
Profile Cutting Aluminum Angle Grinder
The next tool for cutting aluminum profiles is an angle grinder. Or simply an angle grinder. A very good helper when you need to cut something. As for the metal profile, in this case, the angle grinder is an excellent solution for quickly and efficiently performing such work. Cutting a profile with this tool is faster than using a jigsaw.
The advantages are the same as with a jigsaw, if you have the skill of working with an angle grinder. Otherwise, it is easy to get off the line mowing line and get a curved cut. Also, do not forget about the mandatory observance of safety measures when working with the tool.
Cutting an aluminum profile with a hacksaw for metal
It is also worth starting cutting from the edge, and then sequentially the back of the profile and the side edges.
The main difficulty of this method is the deformation of the profile under mechanical stress. Those. Holding the profile itself and working with a hacksaw, a strong mechanical effect is exerted on the aluminum material, as a result of which it bends. And this leads to a complicated course of the hacksaw blade and possible departure from the mowing line of the marking. This situation can be avoided by inserting an ordinary wooden block into the profile. It will act as a kind of stiffener, preventing the profile itself from deforming.
The end result is the same as when using a jigsaw! But at the same time, more time and effort is spent when performing a cut.
Cutting aluminum profile with metal shears
Everything is simple here! Cut the profile with scissors along the mowing line marking.
If you use a quality tool, you can get a pretty good result. Usually the most difficult is the passage of the ribs of the metal profile. It is in these places that the line leaving the mowing line occurs. Therefore, before you start cutting the base material, it would be better to first practice to get a feel for working with the tool.
Combined cutting of an aluminum profile with a hand tool
Another option than cutting an aluminum profile is the joint use of a hacksaw and metal scissors. We start to cut from the edge with a hacksaw and, approaching the edges of the metal profile (when the sawing process becomes difficult), we finish cutting by cutting with scissors. In this case, it is a little easier than just a hacksaw and of better quality than just scissors for metal.
That’s all that I wanted to tell on the topic How to cut a metal profile.
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Can I use an angle grinder
Manufacturers strictly do not recommend processing profiled sheets with a grinder, better known in everyday life as an angle grinder. However, in practice, cutting with this tool is quite possible. Following certain rules, you can fully appreciate the obvious advantages of this method.
It is important to understand that problems with this tool arise when using abrasive (diamond) discs and at high cutting speeds. Therefore, the negative consequences of material processing can be avoided if you work when cutting corrugated board with special disks with hard alloy teeth, which are located along the edge of the circle, and choose the right speed. These discs are quite thin, their thickness ranges from 1 mm to 1.6.
The use of a grinding machine can significantly increase the installation speed, especially since the sheets can be cut at once in 10 pieces. True, some skills are required to cut a bundle. This cutting method allows you to obtain the desired geometric configuration, including an arc with a certain radius.
Let’s note some features of working with an angle grinder:
- When cutting, the sheet is placed on pads, placing them at a certain distance from the surface of the earth or the table where the cut is made. Otherwise, the disc will cling to it and either a cloud of dust will rise or the desktop will deteriorate; if a small angle grinder is used to cut corrugated board with deep grooves, then it will not work to cut the sheet to the end; it will have to be turned over to the other side. Therefore, when choosing an angle grinder, you should take into account what the maximum diameter of the disc should be in order to complete the cutting of a sheet installed on shims in one pass.
Hacksaw
The safest cutting option, which preserves the integrity of the decorative and protective layer, is the use of a conventional hacksaw for metal due to the absence of thermal effects in this case. In addition, working with a hacksaw does not take much time, since corrugated sheets do not offer much resistance to cutting, and cutting does not require significant efforts.
The main disadvantage of this method is the impossibility of using it when cutting complex shapes. A hacksaw is not suitable for processing sheets with a wave height exceeding 25 mm. over, deep cuts cannot be made with this tool. Working with it requires a special table or supporting surface.
Shears for corrugated board
If you are looking for how to cut corrugated board, if you need to cut thin strips, then you need special scissors. The tool edges are perfectly sharpened, which allows cutting the sheet across the wave.
Shears for cutting corrugated board make it easy to cut the material without damaging the protective coating. When using them, an uneven cut may remain, which, when installing the roof, will block the adjacent profiled sheet.
Hand scissors
They are used when curly cutting of a profiled sheet is necessary or the amount of work to be done is small. This tool, which is also inexpensive, allows the formation of complex roofing elements. Manual scissors of different models differ in such parameters as
- Length of cutting edges; blade configuration, it can be straight or beveled; design, say, the presence of a locking mechanism and more.
During cutting, the material is placed on a platform that is collected from the bars. Their number should ensure the distance from the floor (ground) surface to the platform should be sufficient so as not to interfere with the movement of the scissors.
To begin with, perform a basting cut and check how deformed the edges of the sheet are.
Only after that do they begin the final processing of the corrugated board.
Nibblers
For greater cutting accuracy, a nibbler is used. They work like an office punch, punching pin holes with a small diameter. In the process of working with this tool, the metal profile is kept suspended. The working head of the tool is inserted into the hole, it is pre-formed using a drill. The metal is punched through with a punch. To set it in motion, a simple push on the handle is enough. After the formation of each hole, the working part of the scissors continues to move progressively in the direction of the cut.
Features of cutting steel profiled decking
In fact, a metal profile is nothing more than a galvanized metal sheet, most often with a special coating and having a special profile. The difficulty of choosing how to cut the profile is due precisely to the presence of a protective layer, which must remain intact when cutting the profiled sheet with your own hands.
The polymer layer is not heat-resistant and therefore subject to thermal effects. Therefore, when choosing a cutting option, preference should be given to cold methods.
In addition, it will be necessary to treat the cut points with compositions that will ensure their moisture resistance and resistance to corrosion. Usually, a special factory dye is supplied with the material, which is used to paint over the edges left after cutting.