Copper sheeting can be used in many ways and adds a beautiful finishing touch to many projects at home.
But, working with sheet metal can be intimidating, especially if its not something youre familiar with. Fortunately, our guide will show you how to cut copper sheet like a seasoned pro, and by the time youre finished reading, you should be confident in your ability to get the job done right.
What Youll Need
Copper sheet is easy to work with and doesn’t require many tools.
Regardless of the tool you use for the job, youll need the following:
- A table, workbench or other workspace
- A pair of gloves
- Eye protection
- Copper sheet
- Clamp
- Shop file or deburrer
As for the cutting, these tools are all built specifically for cutting sheet metal. These tools are well worth the investment if you plan to work with sheet metal frequently.
- Metal Shears
- Nibbler
- You may also have some old tools that you can use to quickly work with copper sheet.
- Hacksaw
- Dremel
Step I: Preparing For The Job
Preparing your workspace and copper sheet is the first order of business.
Before you start cutting, measure and mark the copper sheet.
Before you lay down your copper sheet, make sure the surface youll be laying it down on is clean and free of debris that may scratch the finish.
Next, lay down the sheet on your work surface, and clamp it down to keep it in place.
To reduce the risk of getting a splinter or cut, I prefer to use gloves and long sleeves when working with metal. You should also wear eye protection when cutting any material.
Step II: Cutting The Copper Sheet
Now were ready to answer the question of how to cut copper sheet. The process may vary depending on which tool you use.
Using Metal Shears
The easiest way to cut copper sheet is with metal shears and tin snips. They are perfect for cutting straight lines in sheet metal of high and medium gauge.
Tin snips are the most common (and most affordable), but there is also a heavier-duty version that can be used to cut thicker sheets. Power shears are also available, which are powerful versions of tin-snips. These are definitely cool, but they might not be worth the cost if you don’t plan to cut sheet metal frequently.
There are three types of tin scissors you need to know about. The handle’s color will tell you what the tin-snips are used for.
Yellow tin snips are best for cutting in a straight line, they also do a good job cutting wide curves. The best tin snips for cutting straight or to the right are green tin. Finally, red tin snips are best for cutting straight, or cutting to the left. Often, tin snips are sold in three packs so you can have every tool for the job at your disposal.
Use A Nibbler
A nibbler is the best choice for thicker copper sheets, cutting scrolls, designs, and basically any other task that doesn’t require a straight line.
Sheet metal nibblers can be expensive and impractical if you aren’t going to be working with it often. There are many companies that offer nibbler bits that can attach to any type of power drill or pneumatic tool.
Whether youre using a nibbler bit or a dedicated nibbler, the process is the same. You can turn the tool on and begin to cut the metal in the desired pattern or line.
Hacksaws:
You might be looking for a quick way to complete this task using tools that you already own. You don’t need a nibbler or tin snips to do the job, but a hacksaw is a great choice.
First, youll want to prepare your copper sheet and clamp it to the table. Now, youre ready to cut. If the blade gets stuck, take it slow and don’t force it. Its better to back out and then resume your cut than it is to break a blade, especially if you shelled out good money for an expensive blade.
Use A Dremel
You probably have a Dremel, or another multi-tool. Outfitting your tool with a metal cutting blade will help you make short work of your copper sheet cutting needs.
Prepare your sheet as if you were using metal scissors or a hacksaw.
Next, outfit your tool with a metal cutting wheel. You can find wheels that are specifically made for cutting sheet metal. However, any type of metal cutting wheel will work in this situation.
Hold your tool parallel to the copper sheet and slowly and carefully cut along the line or template that you have marked on the sheet.
Step III: Finishing The Edge
No matter how you cut your sheet, the edge will be burred. The edge is going to be sharp and unsightly, and youll need to finish it off before youre truly done.
This could be done with a deburrer, which can quickly remove any edge from your cut. Or you could just use a file to smoothen the edge.
Wrap It Up
Whether you want to invest in some new power tools specifically designed for cutting sheet metal, or youre looking to make the best of what you have available, the question of how to cut copper sheet is an easy one to answer. Any of the tools weve covered today will help you make quick work of your project.
