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Metal shearing questions
I had this piece of stainless etched for a project I'm doing. I think it's 20 gauge, but not sure. The guy who did the etching also etched the rectangular lines around the letters, which show where the piece needs to be trimmed. His first try cutting it in his shear ruined the proof of concept piece, so he told me he couldn't cut it with his old shear. Today I took it to a local Metal Supermarket, but they wouldn't touch it with their shear either. They didn't know who to send me to, and I didn't want to just drive around from shop to shop.
So my questions: Is this a hard cut to do for some reason? Is there not enough meat outside the lines, or some other thing that makes it tricky? The cut needs to be precise, and needs to be very clean. Should it be cut with a water jet or laser? I'm sure somebody here knows, with all the artisans on this board. Appreciate any help. |
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08-24-2018, 10:16 PM
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Oops--forgot the pictures. Cutlines shown in the top one. Also, I don't need the part being cut away to be intact.
 
Last edited by madcorgi; 08-24-2018 at 10:21 PM.. |
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08-24-2018, 10:18 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: outta here
Posts: 53,461
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That would not be hard to cut if it were 20 gauge, but it looks thicker than that in the pictures to me. Measure the thickness and let us know what it is.
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08-25-2018, 03:49 AM
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Misunderstood User
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Agreed - looks thicker than 20 gauge. once you know the thickness, then you can find the right shear ( got to be able to shear stainless) and set the blade gap for the thickness.
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Jim 1983 944n/a 2003 Mercedes CLK 500 - totaled. Sanwiched on the Kennedy Expressway |
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08-25-2018, 04:24 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2014
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can't cut it with shears, find a lazer or nitrogen plasma cutter Or water jet. Can't find any of those use a metal circular saw with proper blade.
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08-25-2018, 04:42 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Lake Oswego, OR
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yes. Water jet or laser. Many plasma cutters leave a nasty edge.
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08-25-2018, 05:45 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Marysville Wa.
Posts: 22,464
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Gardico in ballard has a water jet. Ballard sheetmetal may do it, but most shears clamp before cutting, which may mess up the surface.
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https://www.instagram.com/johnwalker8704 8009 103rd pl ne Marysville Wa 98270 206 637 4071 Last edited by john walker's workshop; 08-25-2018 at 05:57 AM.. |
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08-25-2018, 05:52 AM
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Information Junky
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: an island, upper left coast, USA
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I'm surprised that your chem-etch person didn't cut it to your spec.
Asko is up in your neck of the woods. They're a chem etcher I've used. If I need to cut that perimeter with precision I would use a mill.
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Everyone you meet knows something you don't. - - - and a whole bunch of crap that is wrong. Disclaimer: the above was 2¢ worth. More information is available as my professional opinion, which is provided for an exorbitant fee. 
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08-25-2018, 06:30 AM
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Thanks all--I have some calls to make next week. I knew you guys would know what to do.
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08-25-2018, 11:07 AM
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Location: Seattle
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I think there is a waterjet place on the magnolia side as well, commodore way.
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1982 911 Targa, 3.0L ROW with Webers |
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08-25-2018, 11:15 AM
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They may be afraid the clamping process will mar the finish. It probably will.
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08-25-2018, 06:11 PM
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Misunderstood User
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The risk of blemishing the finish is high no matter how its done. The laser will leave a burr. You might get marks from the hold down from the shear. Water jet might be the best option.
The other thought is to protect the surface finish before doing anything.
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Jim 1983 944n/a 2003 Mercedes CLK 500 - totaled. Sanwiched on the Kennedy Expressway |
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08-26-2018, 05:30 AM
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.
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Do you have scrap for a test? Clamp it between two pieces of 3/4 plywood. Then cut on a table saw and/or chop saw, with a blade like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Tools-Metal-Cutting-Circular-10-inch-4935561/dp/B0030XMFIO I cut out stainless range hood inserts, thinner, but easy. Very cool project, by the way. Please post finished pics.
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08-26-2018, 05:51 AM
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Information Junky
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: an island, upper left coast, USA
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Quote:
People who fabricate custom stuff for a living know how to protect surfaces while holding for machining.
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Everyone you meet knows something you don't. - - - and a whole bunch of crap that is wrong. Disclaimer: the above was 2¢ worth. More information is available as my professional opinion, which is provided for an exorbitant fee.
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08-26-2018, 06:30 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Pensburgh
Posts: 5,636
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cutting stainless with a bladed shear will dull the shear. We no longer shear stainless in our shop for this reason. Find a laser or water jet.
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Eric 83 911SC/83 944 bunch of Honda 750s 69 Chevrolet C-20 Longhorn (family heirloom) |
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08-27-2018, 03:40 AM
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