Best way to cut sheet metal for building?

I am working on the Dust Bowl World Headquarters (TM) and I am really dreading cutting the sheet metal for the end wall that separates the house from the shop. I have tried everything over the years, but they are usually loud and messy. It’s 26 Gauge Ag panel, Galvalume.

Im sure yall know something better……you always do.

Thanks,

Root

 

6 inch cut off wheel in a four inch grinder. Wear leather gloves and ears.

 

I usually do that or use the circular saw with a metal blade.

 

I have the Diablo blade coming in a day or two. I need to order a good set of muffs. Mine are shot.

 

I put a new roof on the shed, and needed to trim some of the sheets. I used a nibbler - a lot quieter than a circular saw, less likely to amputate my vitals, cuts circles/curves easily. I was only doing a single car shed, so bought the el-cheapo version that runs on a drill. There are upmarket versions of the tool though,

Craftright Sheet Metal Nibbler Cutter - Bunnings Australia

Cheers,
Harv

 

Upside down Plywood blade (so teeth point the wrong way). Seriously,works pretty good. Cheap,but loud as hell.

 

^^^
& a fine-tooth at that. I was surprised it worked well. & yes - excessively loud...
Marcus...

 

I have a. Set of nibblers, but I’ll be danged if I can find them. Everything from the shop is boxed up. I looked for about an hour, finally gave up and bought the blade.

 

Stack up all the same sizes and cut em with a circular saw.

lay out the holes and drill several sheets at one time

 

Like my crap is that accurate.....

 

Yep.
How my roofer does it.
Cuts all the same size at one time.
Lays out holes and drills em.
All the screws in my roof line up. Looks great

 

Yeah, but I didn't build your house.....

 

Yes that's how I did the new roof on my house. Cut 4 sheets at a time with a carbide fine tooth in a skill-saw...and then pre-drilled them, all 4 at the same time.
Looks like just a boring little house...


But the "money shot" is out back.

The Chenango River

 

Beautiful home , peaceful surrounds are priceless .
I have a huge home , not bragging , just sharing its lots of wasted space to heat and cool .Lots of fun when grand children stay over and holidays , other than that its a full time job to maintain . Everything I do I have to have another piece of equipment to maintain it . I’m not a hunter but allow hunting to friends and neighbors . 3 years ago the near state record Buck was taken on my property . I would be pleased with smaller home , flat ground , larger garage to tinker in .

 

I'm late to the party but here's an idea. I have bought metal siding and roofing directly from the businesses that make it, cut to my dimensions. There are 3 such places in the small city where I live. It sure saves money and aggravation with the extra advantage of having more colors than the big box stores. You're close enough to BBM Steel Buildings in OKC and they cut to your dimensions and they aren't the only ones. Their prices per foot are slightly more than buying from Home Depot or Lowes, but if you give them the correct lengths you need, there's no waste or noise.

 

That’s who I bought from. They cut my pieces to get them close, but they won’t cut an angle for you. Only straight cuts, which I understand using a shear.

 

Sorry, I didn't realize what you were doing, buy big earmuffs.

 

No worries. I did ask them, they said straight cuts only.

 

Sounds like a good opportunity to get a new tool!

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...-3-in-Cut-Off-Saw-Tool-Only-2522-20/305663849

That would work if you have Milwaukee batteries. The M18 charger has an M12 on it also, but you need the M12 battery. This is the best for cutting sheet as it lays flat on the material. I have used a cutoff wheel in the past, but these work better for me.

 

I started trimming them last night with my electric shears. Works ok, until the ribs, then we struggle a bit. I'll post pics when I have some verifiable proof that I am actually back to working on it.