how to cut corrugated metal

[jonny02r6]

Hey guys, I'm in the process of putting corrugated metal on my ceiling and on a wall on my loft. I need to cut about 2 ft off of about 16 sheets. I read somewhere the best way is to stack them together clamp 2 x 4s and cut multiple sheets at once with a circular saw. The question I have is, what kind of blade should I use to do this and ensure a clean cut? Thanks! I'll post some pics when I get everything done.

 

[Boyd]

An abrasive/resin blade.

See link.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_77603-70-DW...urrentURL=?Ntt=steel+cutting+blade&facetInfo=

 

[katotter]

I cannot see how a circular saw can do a better job than a abrasive disc and a angle grinder.

 

[KANSASBOY]

We have a sears saw like this on the farm
that we use cut roof metal with works great.

 

[MN4x4]

If you need to do it quick and cheap, just use a circular saw with a regular blade but put the blade in BACKWARDS. This prevents the teeth from grabbing the metal, but still cuts amazingly well. Edge is relatively clean, i.e. it doesn't look like it was chewed by beavers.

Used this trick years ago to cut corrugated for skirting to go around a 14 x 70 mobile home. Worked like a charm.

 

[bad67bug]

I put some corrugated metal on a wall a few months ago and read somewhere on here to cut it with a circular saw with the blade flipped backwards. Tried it and it worked okay for the few pieces I had to cut.

 

[Richard D]

I don't even bother flipping the blade, still works fine.

 

[Justanoldguy]

I don't even bother flipping the blade, still works fine.

More luck than sense I imagine.
Turn it backward or use a fibre blade.

 

[RivennHewn]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=220461

 

[Justanoldguy]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=220461

OK for flat panel steel.
What about corrugated though.
Different kettle of fish there.

 

[KANSASBOY]

 

[APEowner]

Any good hardware store will have a blade made for this exact application.

 

[dadsEH]

Just bolt a big *** abrasive cut off wheel in yer circ saw.....oh, and dont forget to get a buddy to get a vid of your effort on his phone for later utube upload for us here at GJ...lol.

 

[seagullplayer]

If you need to do it quick and cheap, just use a circular saw with a regular blade but put the blade in BACKWARDS. This prevents the teeth from grabbing the metal, but still cuts amazingly well. Edge is relatively clean, i.e. it doesn't look like it was chewed by beavers.

Used this trick years ago to cut corrugated for skirting to go around a 14 x 70 mobile home. Worked like a charm.

That's what we do.

Everything for my garage was ordered to length, that is even better.
But work with what you got.

 

[Doug Arthurs]

I used the blade in backwards or for just one sheet here or there an angle grinder with a zip cut blade. If you have to do any cuts that aren't straight across like for outlets then the grinder is the way to go.

 

[Always_Thinkin]

X2 for the circular saw backwards. My father and I did this when we needed to put a corrugated roof on his out building. Make sure to use ear protection and safety glasses. It is very noisy.

 

[Ign]

I clamped them all together (clamp well and in many places) and used my Milwaukee metal cutting circular. Worked well. Have a helper hold the drop or support it all very well so it doesn't fall away and doesn't fall in to pinch your blade.

A circular saw is superior to an angle grinder here because just like ripping a sheet of OSB you can set up a fence and zip right across the entire width/length.

 

[nehog]

I cannot see how a circular saw can do a better job than a abrasive disc and a angle grinder.

Better? Well, certainly a circular saw will be much easier!

Suggestion: don't use one of those cheap saws with the plastic blade shield...

 

[Highbeam]

Circular saw with wood cutting blade backwards is what I used for many many cuts. All the carbide tips will come off but it will still cut so use a cheap blade.

You don't want to use an abrasive blade because you will make heat and sparks. Heat will ruin the coating near the cut and sparks will stick to the paint in other places and then rust, run, and stain your panel.

I've also used air nibbler for long cuts parallel to the ribs which worked pretty well. Hard to beat the precision and clean cut available from a circular saw. Ear muffs and safety glasses for sure.

 

[Chaz]

The abrasive blades heat the metal and screw up the galvinized coating.

 

[zkdiesel]

Twin blade powered sheer

 

[aubrey601]

Edit

 

[csp]

More luck than sense I imagine.
Turn it backward or use a fibre blade.

Have you ever tried it? I suspect not. I use my worm drive Skil 77 with a carbide tipped blade every time I have to cut corrugated or other steel panels. No black dust, no tearout to clean up, and no damage to the blade. I've used this method on two pole barns and one loafing shed and the same blade still cuts plywood like butter.

 

[coldh2o]

I used a circular saw with a metal cutting (abrasive) blade to start on this on the weekend. Worked very well, didn't seem to burn the Galvalume as long as I kept moving. Lots of noise and sparks!