How to Cut Metal: 10 Techniques to Know

Welcome to our definitive guide on how to cut metal, with 10 techniques to know how and what cuts through metal. 

Here at Salamander Fabrications, we know a thing or two about metal fabrication services, and how to cut through metal pieces to create a desired shape or form. So keep reading for more information and perhaps discover a tool for cutting metal that suits your exact requirements…

1. Laser cutting tool for cutting metal

We’ll start off with our favoured method of how to cut through metal – with a laser cutter. Laser cutting services provide a precise and efficient method of cutting metal using a high powered laser. This heats and vaporises the material to create a clean cut. The process is usually controlled by CAD design software, which allows for highly detailed and intricate designs.

Laser cutting is widely used in industries like manufacturing, engineering, and design. And right here at Salamander Fabrications! We have two laser cutters with 24/7 running capability – one 3kw and one 6kw. The bed size for our laser cutters is 300cm x 150cm, which allows us to take on a multitude of different projects.

Other benefits of laser cutting include:

• Precision and accuracy: The laser can cut complex shapes with high precision, often to within fractions of a millimetre.
• Clean edges: Post processing is minimal as cuts are smooth with minimal burrs or rough edges.
• Versatile: You can cut metal, wood, acrylic, fabric, leather, and more with a laser.
• Efficiency and speed: It’s a lot faster than traditional cutting methods, especially for intricate designs.
• Reduced wear and tear: The laser doesn’t physically touch the metal so there is less wear and tear on parts.
• Automation: It’s a great method for mass production, as designs can be replicated with consistent quality.

2. Chop saws

Now that we’ve satisfied our bias and covered our favoured method of what cuts through metal, we can crack on with the rest of the list. A chop saw is another example of a tool for cutting metal that is widely used in industries like manufacturing, engineering, and the construction sector. In particular, they are often used to cut steel and other heavy duty metals like a knife through butter – but with a lot more sparks.

Stand out features:

• Very quick method for how to cut metal
• Ability to handle larger and thicker metals.
• Ideal for clean, straight cross cuts.

3. Mitre saw

The mighty mitre saw is very similar to the chop saw, they might as well be cousins. The key difference is that a mitre saw is designed for making angled cuts at precise angles, rather than straight cross cuts. 

Stand out features:

• Mounted design doesn’t require manual support.
• Makes accurate angled cuts.
• Cuts metals quickly and effectively.

4. Holesaws

The clue is in the name of this one. Holesaws are typically attached to the end of power drills for cutting holes into metal and other materials. They are cylindrical in shape – obviously – to create clean circular holes. Holesaws are often used in plumbing and electrical work, and joinery and woodworking.

Stand out features:

• Creates smooth holes without much finishing work needed afterwards.
• You can almost cut a hole as big as you like.
• Used on a variety of different materials including wood, metal, plastic, and tile.

5. Mag drills

You may think a drill isn’t a tool for cutting metal, but in this case, it can be. A mag drill uses a rotating cutter, like an annular cutter or twist drill bit, to remove metal material.

Stand out features:

• The term ‘mag’ comes from the magnetic base that keeps the setup stable and offers accurate cuts.
• Ideal for places that are hard to reach.
• Compatible with cutting tools like twist drills and annular cutters.

6. Annular cutters

Speaking of annular cutters, let’s cover them next on our list of how to cut metal. These tools create clean holes in metal for a variety of applications. An annular cutter cuts around the perimeter of the hole. This reduces the amount of material to be removed, as well as the effort to do so.

Stand out features:

• Can withstand hardy materials like cast iron.
• Quicker compared to other drilling methods.
• Creates smooth and accurate holes.

7. Angle grinder

Next up on what cuts through metal – the famous angle grinder. This handheld power tool can cut, grind, and polish metal – making it an all-in-one champion. The rotating abrasive disc is capable of cutting through various metal materials…

Stand out features:

• Lightweight and easy to transport.
• Ability to cut, grind, and polish metal with interchangeable discs.
• A go-to DIY tool for both beginners and professionals.

8. Tin snips

Number eight on our list of how to cut metal – the humble tin snips. These little scissor-like tools glide through sheet metal with ease. They are the unsung heroes of sheet metal fabrication. Sharp jaws mean they can cut with precision but only bit-by-bit, in small amounts at a time.

Stand out features:

• Precise cuts without a lot of effort.
• You can buy left handed or right handed tin snips to suit your dexterity. 
• Perhaps the cheapest option on the list of how to cut metal so far.

9. Mini hacksaw

We’re almost at the end of our guide on how to cut through metal. Mini hacksaws are similar to tin snips in that they are suited to small-scale projects or pieces of metal. They are small (obviously) and have a thin blade compared to any other type of saw, ideal for working in narrow spaces.

Stand out features:

• Affordable tool for cutting metal.
• Ideal for working in tight spaces where precise cuts are required.
• Lightweight and easy to transport.

10. Plasma cutters

Plasma cutters are specifically designed for cutting metal at a precise level, so a nice way to round off our list of what cuts through metal. Plasma cutters utilise a stream of ionized gas (also known as plasma) at high velocity. This melts the metal away and creates a clean cut in rapid time. The cutter’s amperage and gas flow are set according to the thickness of the metal being cut.

Stand out features:

• Suitable for a wide range of metals such as aluminium and stainless steel.
• Precise, clean cuts every time.
• Requires little to no surface preparation or preheating, saving time and resources. 

Contact Salamander Fabrications for more information

If you would like some more information on our laser cutting capabilities, or any of our other sheet metal fabrication services, please feel free to contact us any time. The team here at Salamander Fabrications is more than happy to talk through the services we have to offer and share their expertise.

Our advanced equipment, skilled workforce, and commitment to excellence ensure every one of our projects is completed with precision and efficiency. Every project is unique, and we work closely with clients to develop tailored solutions that meet their specific requirements.

Give us a call if you think we can help you on 01484 843599 or send an email to sales@salamanderfabs.com.