How to Cut Duct Work With a Sabre Saw
A sabre saw or jigsaw uses a vertical reciprocating motion to cut various materials. The type of material you are cutting determines the style of blade used in the sabre saw. Although not the first choice of saw for cutting ductwork, the sabre saw will cut ductwork with relative ease. Using the proper blade and heavy pressure ensures a straight cut, but the sabre saw will leave a sharp edge that can cause serious injuries. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Permanent marker
- Combination square
- 7/16-inch drill bit
- 1/2-inch drill motor
- 14 tooth-per-inch (TPI) jigsaw blades
- Saber saw
- Fine-tooth file
Instructions
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Mark the location of the cut by pulling the tape measure along the duct work and placing a mark at the length with a permanent marker.
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Place the base of the combination square against the side of the duct work. Drag the permanent marker along the blade of the square to mark a reference line. Rotate the duct 90 degrees, and mark the line on a second side of the ductwork. Repeat the process until all four sides of the duct are marked with a marker line.
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3
Drill a 7/16-inch hole on the marker line with the 1/2-inch drill motor.
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Secure a 14 TPI jigsaw blade into the blade holder of a sabre saw.
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Insert the 14 TPI into the 7/16-inch hole. Apply pressure toward the surface of the duct. Depress the trigger of the sabre saw, and push forward to cut along the marked line. Rotate the duct 90 degrees, and continue cutting along the line. Continue flipping and cutting on the duct until the ductwork is cut to length.
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Run the fine-toothed file along the cut edge to remove the sharp bur left by the sabre saw. Make sure the cut edge is smooth to avoid being cut while handling the ductwork.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear eye, ear and hand protection when cutting metal ductwork.
References
- Photo Credit electric saw image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
