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Cutting your own sheet metal will allow you to use sheet metal for a variety of projects. Sheet metal cuts very easily with the proper tools, however, there are safety considerations to be taken into mind since the edges of sheet metal are razor sharp. Following the proper steps will ensure a safe and successful cut into the sheet metal. more »
Sheet metal is designated by gauge (ga). The gauge number is relative to the thickness of the sheet metal and as the sheet metal thickness decreases the gauge number increases. Sheet metal hand tools are designed to work sheet metal that is 18 ga or thinner and they are categorized by their function. more »
The two most common materials used for roofing are shingles and sheet metal. Shingles are often used because they are less expensive than sheet metal, but a sheet metal roof will outlast a shingle roof if it is installed properly. When you decide to go with sheet metal roofing, you first have to decide if you are going to install it over the existing material or if you will remove it to be completely replaced by the sheet metal. This article will provide you with instructions for installing sheet metal roofing that will completely replace any other roofing, which requires you to remove the materials first. You will then start with a basic plywood base. more »
The sheet-metal industry is highly diversified and generates more products than most people realize. Everything from air-conditioning ductwork, automobile gas tanks and railroad box cars are all made of sheet metal. This diversity allows sheet-metal businesses to withstand economic turmoil. If you are considering starting a sheet-metal business but didn't know where to begin, follow these steps. more »
Working with sheet metal requires both skill and training. Steelworkers learn how to fabricate metal parts by learning the techniques of sheet metal layout. They learn how to mark measurements on the sheet metal so it can be cut, formed and joined to complete the project.Learning how to properly use the essential layout tools saves both time and money when fabricating products from sheet metal. more »
Metal formed into thin pieces is called sheet metal, and it has many applications in the building and manufacturing industries. Many kinds of metal can be formed into sheet metal, including titanium, aluminum, brass and copper. Each use for sheet metal requires a specific thickness, or gauge. A higher gauge number indicates a thinner piece of sheet metal. more »
You can bend sheet metal at home for use in a wide variety of craft projects. Whether you are making a simple tray or a more complex sculpture, the key to bending sheet metal is creating a sheet metal "brake" that will allow you to apply even pressure along the bend. It sounds fancy, but you can be set up to bend sheet metal in about 15 minutes. more »
Hand brakes are used to make tight straight bends of varying degrees in sheet metal. There are two common hand brakes used to produce bends in sheet metal fabrication. They are a sheet metal brake and a box and pan brake. Although both bend sheet metal and contain similar parts, they are vastly different in the types and amount of bends that they are able to perform. more »
Learn how to create sheet metal art with shears and a sheet metal nibbler in this free diy metalworking video from our expert in metal fabrication and construction. more »
When working with sheet metal it is essential to have the right tools in your workshop. There are a multitude of hand tools and power tools designed for working with sheet metal. In this article we discuss a few of the most important tools to have in your shop. more »
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