Cutting 1/8" steel plate

[bradleyheathhays]

I need to cut this squarish hole out of this 1/8" steel plate and the best tool I've got to do it with is a 4 1/2" cut wheel. The white square in the picture is 1 sq in so you can see how my big cut wheel isn't quite nimble enough for the job. If I drilled the corners is there any kind of jig saw blade that would do it? Or maybe some kind of oscillating tool blade? I've got an oscillator but I haven't used it to cut metal yet.

 

[bsshog40]

I jigsaw has metal cutting blades. They are usually about 5/16" - 3/8" in depth so you would have to drill the corner holes to accommodate that size.
If you do alot of metal cutting, HF sells decent plasma cutters pretty cheap.

 

[showcaser]

 

[jttheclockman]

Absolutely jigsaw makes metal blades

 

[egnald]

I think you could be quite successful using a Jigsaw for that. I would recommend drilling the corners with a fairly small bit so you don't have a lot of filing for clean up, maybe 1/8 to 1/4 inch. You will also need to drill one or two larger starting holes that you can stick the blade through.

For the type of blade, although I am rarely cutting a metal sheet like this, I have had great success and highly recommend a Diablo brand carbide blade. The one I was thinking of is 18 TPI and is made for cutting 1/8 to 1/4 metal. Home Depot usually has them for somewhere around $15. Of course there is always Amazon as well.

Good luck with your project.

Regards,
Dave

 

[BULLWINKLE]

I need to cut this squarish hole out of this 1/8" steel plate and the best tool I've got to do it with is a 4 1/2" cut wheel. The white square in the picture is 1 sq in so you can see how my big cut wheel isn't quite nimble enough for the job. If I drilled the corners is there any kind of jig saw blade that would do it? Or maybe some kind of oscillating tool blade? I've got an oscillator but I haven't used it to cut metal yet.

View attachment 357072

If you want a perfect square and perfect accuracy, then try and find a place that has a computerized cutter. There are some using a water jet at incredibly high pressure. They're often used to make custom wheels and other custom parts for cars. It would take some searching and the place would have to be willing and charge you a reasonable price.

 

[howsitwork]

I'd use a jigsaw with an edge guide to keep it tracking straight. Make sure you TURN OFF the progressor or reciprocating function , you want the blade to just cut straight up and down not try to go forward on its own. Otherwise it can damage the saw ( don't ask , I forgot once ) tracking .

Gnelte pressure and let it cut, applying oil helps reduce the hot chips and gives a better cut.