Stainless steel backsplash....

[chrisexv6]

Doing a semi-remodel on my kitchen, currently we have a formica backsplash. Was thinking about replacing it with a piece of sheet stainless steel.

Question is how can I cut the sheet? I dont do metalworking, so I dont have a plasma cutter :) Would an air nibbler work? Ive seen jigsaws recommended, and I have one I could use, but I was wondering if something like a nibbler might make it easier.

Thanks in advance.

-Chris

[rsanter]

you can buy these in ebay in most sizes you would need. otherwise you can buy the sheet and have a shop cut it on a shear.

bob

[bmwpower]

You gotta get it sheared by a shop. You'll never get a perfect edge otherwise.

[chrisexv6]

If a perfect edge wasnt a requirement (i.e. edges hidden behind cabinets), would it be a DIY-able project?

Im looking at a fairly long piece (about 8') but the height remains very static....the only "cut" that needs to be made is by a window in front of our sink. Otherwise it will be the same height across the panel.

I see that I can get 24"x8' pieces, the only portion that would need to be cut would be the window (and a couple receptacles). And again, the cut around the window would be covered as well (by window trim). Im not sure what I would give to a local metal co as a pattern (I wanted to avoid getting a kitchen company involved to keep costs down)

-Chris

[PAToyota]

Make the templates out of cardboard and take them to a sheetmetal shop - you'll be much more pleased with the results. Although possible to do a DIY job, chances are that you'll end up kinking/deforming the pieces if you don't have a shear and proper tools to work with it.

[MXRACER]

Have it laser cut, make a drawing find a fabrication shop with a laser and you will have a perfect piece.

[rsanter]

chris
if the perfect edge is not a concern then you can do it yourself.
a couple of tips. you can use the tin snips but you have to be carefull not to kink or twist the material. one trick it to take 2 cuts. mark your line you want to cut to and then cut the waste material away leaving about 3/8 to 1/2 in extra. take this material away in the second cut. as this scrap material will weigh very little you reduce the chance of damaging the prime material.
you can also use a cutoff wheel to make the cut, some people can make those very straight.
you can also borrow or rent a plasma cutter
do you know anyone at a local college or high school, they often have loads of great equipment there. sometimes you can sign up for an adult evening class to get at the tools
you can also shop around for a shop to cut it just to get an idea of the cost, might not be as bad as you think

if you were closer, I have the stuff in my garage

bob

[russlaferrera]

Cut the panel with a fiber saw blade. Looks like a chop saw blade . It fits in your electric saw. Costs about $5. and everyone carries it.It will not warp the metal, and will cut as straight as the line you make.

Make sure you use eye and hearing protection!!!

[danski0224]

How thick of a sheet?

An air nibbler will work, if the sheet thickness is within the cutting capacity. Stainless will quickly dull inferior cutting edges.

An electric grinder with a cutoff wheel will also work, but a slip can be a bad thing.

A jigsaw will work, but buy a lot of blades.

If you cut it with snips, make sure you use the Wiss Metalmaster brand and take two passes as mentioned above. Those are made for cutting stainless.

[jackmcmanus21]

i think it would be a DIY job if the edges are hidden

[Murfman]

If a perfect edge wasnt a requirement (i.e. edges hidden behind cabinets), would it be a DIY-able project?

Im looking at a fairly long piece (about 8') but the height remains very static....the only "cut" that needs to be made is by a window in front of our sink. Otherwise it will be the same height across the panel.

I see that I can get 24"x8' pieces, the only portion that would need to be cut would be the window (and a couple receptacles). And again, the cut around the window would be covered as well (by window trim). Im not sure what I would give to a local metal co as a pattern (I wanted to avoid getting a kitchen company involved to keep costs down)

-Chris

Jig saw, pull the trim around the window off, cut the stainless, and re-install the window trim, gives you a huge (By fabrication standards) fudge factor. Window trim is usually 1 1/2 " wide, so it can make up for alot of error. I will get some pics of my Kitchen up. I have a stainless backsplash on 2 walls I bought a sheet metal brake from Harbor freight to make the corner, It is 1 piece 22' long with a cut out for a window, 4 outlets and a wall switch. Measure twice, cut once. I drilled holes in the top and bottom edges of the stainless to use drywall screws into the studs to hang it, and 3 tubes of liquid nails. It is NEVER coming off the wall:shocking: I installed it before the countertop (granite) or the upper cabinets were installed, so besides the liquid nails, the counters and cabinets would have to come out first. The next owners of the house can deal with it:lol_hitti

To clean the edge after cutting, I used my 12" disc sander, but be careful, I was suprised how fast a 36 grit disc cuts through stainless. Leaces a nice finished edge too.