I have cut my 22ga stainless out using a jigsaw, what's good for cleaning up the edges ? The edge cuts sandpaper like a razor blade so I've been using a hand file but there must be something better out there that's readily available. Hell I'm ready to try a sharpening stone for my knife, this is some hard stuff.
If you don't want to be at it for hours, do what I do... Clamp a piece angle iron along the straight edges, with just what you want to remove protruding. Hit it with a 4.5" 400 grit sanding disc (NOT a flapper wheel) until you just hit the angle, using the angle as your 'guide'. Grind 'into' the angle, not 'away' from it. I'll touch it with a file for any high spots or burrs before unclamping the angle. You'll have to free-hand any curved parts, I use a 2" roloc 360 grit sanding disc in a angle die grinder. One piece of angle should be enough to do your firewall. Eventually it gets curves/low spots no matter how careful you are...
I'd use a fine file on that and be done in 15 minutes. Maybe some sandpaper on the edge to soften it a bit after filing.
Hi. there is a cut edge cleaning tool avalible from most tool outlets that has a screw driver handle and the shaft spins free. At end of shave there is a V that is hardened cutting steel. Just put it on the cut edge and make 3 or 4 passes by hand and the sharp edge is gone. Used them for years as an industrial electrician when we fabricated panels. It is out in my tool box from work from back when I retired & if you need a photo I will go dig it out and post. Jimmie
I would sandwich it between a couple of pieces of sacrificial steel bar stock with just enough sticking out and hit it with a DA sander. 22 AWG... should make friends with a cat that has a nice shear.
I’d use my electric finger sander with the sheet material clamped down well Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Like this? It works good for the edge where the top surface meets the side but I think the OP is concerned with the side of the 22ga. thickness, not just the edge.
What jig saw blades did you use? How many did you go through to get the job done? I have some polished stainless to cut and have been pondering on what to use to do it with since it is all curves.
The deburring tool posted does work well on certain materials, Philip. There are various tip configurations available for differant applications. Do be careful, I have seen several experienced machinists lacerated
Honestly just one blade to cut the perimeter, but the teeth seemed to catch every once in a while yanking the metal edge up. Now of course that made me nervous of bending that shiny finish. I also had duct taped the bottom of the jig saw to prevent it from marking the finish but make sure you dont get a metal shaving hung up under it. When I cut out the center I bought some cheap harbor freight carbide grit blades, it didn't hang up like the regular blade but it did cut a little wider, again using only one blade.
The tips have a little ball at the top. I have ground them off for special cases and you have to be ultra careful with it.
the de-burring tool is great for de-burring conduit after the cut off, so you don't skin the wire when pulling it thru.
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