Is this a CAN or CAN’T/shouldn’t do? Anyone have any experience?
This is probably a bad idea… however you never know until you (Safely) try.
I think the biggest challenge you’re going to run into is holding the material down… If you start to get vibration things could go badly fast.
What is it you’re trying to do? Just cut one custom piece, or a lot?
A plasma torch might be a better option, but be careful of cutting coated metals as they can release toxins when plasma cut.
I’m looking at one piece at a time. I have two 50 ft runs (100/3) 33 sheets that when put together does a continuous slope down. I would be doing one cross cut off the end per sheet. No drilling, circles, arc’s, etc. The mail reason I want to do on the cnc is for accuracy and clean cut. Nibbers and sheers are almost impossible. Circular say might be an option if I use a trace saw but not sure what that might do to the track.
I’d use the CNC to make a jig to hold it firmly in place. If it wiggles, it’s a disaster.
Can’t you just do the backwards sawblade on a circular saw trick and use the CNC to make a jog to guide the saw?
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I’d make a jig or sled for the skillsaw. I’ve cut a lot of steel roofing that way. Its noisy as heck, but gets the job done pretty quick.
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Clamp a 2x4 or level to the material. Make an add on sled for your circular saw that will give it a taller edge to ride against the 2x4 (if you don’t, that thing shoe can slide UNDER the 2x4, don’t ask why I know this). Then chuck up an abrasive metal cutting wheel in the saw.
Be sure to wear a face mask and covering for your arms to keep the carbon dust off you.
Works pretty well.
I’ve done something similar using a 3-flute aluminum bit at reduced speeds—helps with cleaner cuts on the siding. Also clamped everything tight to avoid chatter. I checked out emersonproservices for spindle setups and cooling tips, and their input really cleared up some of my early issues with feed rates and material choice. Definitely worth a look if you’re running into trouble.
I did architectural sheet metal (that’s what this is) for 10+ years and this is the best plan if you don’t want to use a nibbler or snips… I’ve cut it with cnc plasma before as well and the THC made the head follow the corrugations and that was cool but I would do the skill saw thing first because you can stack multiple panels together and do it all at once.