Sheet Metal & Tools

Sheet Metal What is Sheet metal? What do we use sheet metal for? What are some common sheet metal tools?

What is Sheet Metal? Metal that has been rolled into a sheet having a thickness between foil and plate. – greater than 1/64 in. and no larger than 1/4 in

Sheet Metal Use Many useful durable goods like: – Cars, Equipment, Cabinetry, Duct Work, Toys, etc.

Sheet Metal Tools 3 Main Classifications of Tools – Cutting – Bending (Forming) – Joining

Sheet Metal Cutting Tools Shears – Handheld – Table/Floor Mounted Snips – Offset – Duckbill – Aviation Nibblers

Sheet Metal Shears “Think” Scissors Handheld Bench/Floor Mounted

Sheet Metal Snips Three Main Types – Aviation – Duck Bill – Offset

Aviation Snips Cut easier because of compound leverage.

Duckbill Snips Used for cutting circles, and other curved designs Can cut either direction

Offset Snips For cutting long inside radiuses Cut in one (R or L) direction only

Sheet Metal Nibblers Take little “bites” Manual Powered Create “Scrap”

Sheet Metal Forming Brake – Bends sheet stock at an angle. Pliers – Like a handheld brake. Press – Creates complex shapes (stamping).

Sheet Metal Forming - Brake Two types – Cornice Brake All bends in one direction – Box and Pan Brake Removable fingers allow 90° rotation

Box and Pan Brake

Sheet Metal Forming - Pliers Great for small bends

Sheet Metal Forming - Press Use a Press to make stampings – Complex shape from one solid piece of sheet metal.

Joining Sheet Metal Mechanical Fasteners Welding Adhesives

Joining Sheet Metal Mechanical Fasteners – Threaded Fasteners – Rivets

Joining Sheet Metal Welding – Spot – MIG/TIG

Joining Sheet Metal Adhesives – Epoxy

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