Cutting sheet metal straight!

I've got a sheet of 2mx1mx2mm treadplate (ALU) that I need to cut a large rectangle out of. I've got no particular special metalworking/fabrication tools (I do have angle grinder,jigsaw), but I'd like to get a straight cut.

Any suggestions for how best to get a straight edge without hassling a local fabricators to get it cut on their guillotine/metal cutting gizmo?

Is there anyone close by who may be able to assist?

Clamp it onto a workbench and clamp a wooden batten along the line you wish to cut. Then use the batten as a guide for a circular saw/jigsaw with appropriate blade etc.

As above but use some paraffin or some sort of lubricant on the blade if using a jigsaw as the ally will just clog the blade up.i buy special stuff at work for cutting sanding ally its like a hot knife through butter,it looks and smell a bit like lard but only harder.

Yep as said rig up a side gate and use some lube

Just personal preference but i would get some thin slitting discs for grinder and use a straight edge as a guide if you need too.

I would also do this but the ally clogs them up really quickly unless you have the special lube.i am lying really as i would just cut it on my guillotine at work but you know what i mean.

Well I took the advice of using a wooden template and following it with me angle grinder - worked a treat

200 said:

As above but use some paraffin or some sort of lubricant on the blade if using a jigsaw as the ally will just clog the blade up.i buy special stuff at work for cutting sanding ally its like a hot knife through butter,it looks and smell a bit like lard but only harder.

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TALLOW ??

well it was called that when I was a boy....
big tubs of it and a hairy brush in it to get it out with
melts with heat and as you say, smells like, err, lard..................lol

easye1 said:

TALLOW ??

well it was called that when I was a boy....
big tubs of it and a hairy brush in it to get it out with
melts with heat and as you say, smells like, err, lard..................lol

Click to expand...

remember this from school and tech

candle wax does the same.