Best Way To Cut Copper Sheets

Cut the copper sheet.

Best way to cut copper sheets.

I usually use a pair of snips to cut 10 mil. Debur the ends to make them smooth. To cut straight lines use an electric saw. For thicker copper sheet you would want to use a jewelry saw it s a bit slower but gives you a nicer finished cutting edge.

Cutting the copper sheet. Start by taping both sides of the sheet metal directly over the line you want to cut and clamp the metal to a work station so it doesn t move. They look like big scissors and work the same way. Before joining the pipe sections together the pipes are cut to length.

Here are photos of some of my work using 10 mil copper sheets. Depending on the tool you re using the process will differ a bit. Cutting your own copper sheets is a simple way to add a personal touch to any project to allow for custom dimensions possibly unavailable commercially and to save the additional costs of custom cutting which can quickly impact the total costs of your project. The method you choose to cut sheet metal depends on the thickness of the metal and the type of cut you plan to make.

This is achieved through the use of a metal cutting blade on either a circular saw or angle grinder a hacksaw or a tubing cutter. Using a metal cutting sheer begin to make the cuts along your marks. For higher gauges meaning thinner copper you can easily do it with standard hardware store metal snips. Cutting your own copper shapes can be easier than you think.

Do this for all of your cuts until you have freed your pattern from the copper sheet. Perhaps the easiest way to cut copper sheet metal shears or tin snips are ideal for making straight cuts in high and medium gauge sheet metal. I have created metal atcs and metal collage cards with 10 mil copper sheet. If working with thin copper sheets they are best cut to size using metal cutting sheers.

Cut slowly and make straight lines in as continuous a motion as you can.