Jig saw for cutting stainless table?

[berettafan]

I need to cut a circle in a stainless table top. Is there a jig saw blade that would work for this? Circle is approx. 14".

I don't own a jig saw so will have to buy one.

Thanks,

[john70t]

Try the second-hand places or craigslist etc.

Jigsaws can bounce if the material is flexible and not backed/clamped.

What about finishing the edges with a grinding bit using a drill or router?

[javadog]

Carbide, with a high TPI.
Diamond grit.

[MBAtarga]

Cut it from the "back" side so you don't scratch the surface from the jig saw base.

[javadog]

Back it with a thin sheet of plywood and clamp it so it doesn’t move.

[911Ghia]

Get a fine tooth blade that cuts on the upstroke.

Rich

[berettafan]

Awesome thanks guys! Great ideas all around.

[908/930]

How thick is the S/S?

Keep your blade cutting speed low, full speed will only build heat and burn up the blade. As Java said plywood will help, ply on both sides clamped will smoke a bit but it will keep the metal from flexing.

You could also tale a 4 1/2 angle grinder to it with a slitting disk to open up a 13.5" rough hole using plunge cuts and then slowly grind up to your 14", need good abrasive disk designed for stainless use to avoid leaving burn marks on the S/S. Make sure you wear safety glasses.

[berettafan]

18ga.

[908/930]

With 18ga it will be quite likely to warp from any heat from cutting. A good set of aviation snips might get through that. Rough cut at about 13" and then do a trim cut to your final size, clean up edge with a file or flap wheel.

[nota]

and then polish the cut edge or it will rust
stainless is only stainless if you polish away the exposed iron leaving the hard chrome

[john70t]

The plywood sandwich is a good idea and it protects goobers.

Even a couple bits at $10/per is better than damaging the expensive countertop.

[MBAtarga]

The issue with sandwiching the stainless in plywood is the blade that is most appropriate for cutting of stainless is NOT appropriate for cutting wood. I'm not sure how much more effort and/or time cutting through the plywood will cause.

[cabmandone]

I like the tin snip idea at post 10

[Scott Douglas]

The amount of time needed/added going thru the plywood with an inappropriate blade type is nothing compared to the amount of effort needed clean up an edge that has a warp/wrinkle in it from not using the plywood sandwich.

[David]

Call a waterjet or laser shop and have them cut it for you.

[john70t]

Cut both pieces of wood first. Both at once even. Wood marks line up with metal marks.
Center them to the hole with multiclamps.
Drill hole. Use jigsaw to get near edge. Remove or adjust in a circle to expose final metal circle mark.
Use grinding slowly after that to the line.

[jyl]

I like post 16 . . .

[wilnj]

Not sure how much you want to invest, but if you can’t find anyone to do it for you as suggested above, I’d suggest these for $50

https://www.harborfreight.com/14-gauge-4-amp-heavy-duty-metal-shears-68199.html

Using a hole saw, cut a hole close to the center of your 14” hole and start cutting with the shears in a spiral working your way out to your 14” size. This will give you the opportunity to get comfortable with how the shear works before making your final cut.


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[rusnak]

Plasma cutter?