How to Cut Copper Sheeting

Use metal cutting sheers to cut through flat copper sheeting.

Copper sheeting is available in rolls or flat sheets, and comes in various thicknesses. It is used for both construction and artistic purposes, and is best cut using metal cutting sheers. The sheers act like regular scissors, but the blades are shorter and thicker to produce more strength during the cutting process. Regular copper sheets, as well as evergreen copper and lead-coated copper, are also obtainable from specialist metal supply houses.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Straightedge
• Medium point black marker
• Work gloves
• Metal cutting sheers or offset compound snips

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Instructions

1. Place the flat copper sheet on a horizontal surface, such as a worktable top. Measure and mark the required cutting line on the sheet's surface using a tape measure, straightedge and medium point black marker.

2. Put on work gloves. Pull the edge of the copper sheet away from the flat horizontal surface. Open the jaws of a pair of metal cutting sheers and position the sheet between the sheer's blades at the beginning of the marked cutting line.

3. Hold the copper sheet on one side of the cutting line, and cut slowly through the sheet with the sheers, following the cutting line. Continue until the line has been completely cut through.

4. Cut rolled-up copper sheets using left-handed or right-handed offset compound snips. These snips have a blade that is offset below the handle so that your hand stays above the cutting surface of the sheeting at all times. The design of these snips also allows for cutting through thicker metal sheeting, and also curved lines. As before, start cutting at one end of the sheet, with the snip's cutting blades kept positioned on the top of the copper roll.

Tips & Warnings

• Large tin snips with a longer blade than metal cutting sheers can also be used to cut through flat copper sheets, using the same process.

• Be careful not to handle the copper sheet on the edge where it has been cut, as it will be very sharp.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Use Tin Snips to Cut Sheet Metal
• "Home Improvement 1-2-3"; Christopher Cavanaugh; 1995

Resources

• Grainger: Aviation Snip