Has anyone ever cut into metal barn siding?

[BryanM]

I have a barn with metal siding and I am putting in a few dutch doors for animal use. I have the doors rough opening framed in from the inside but would like some ideas that may have worked for you to cut the opening threw the metal. I have cut all my siding with a circular saw and metal blade but was thinking a nibbler or electric shears I dont know anyI deas?

 

[skipro3]

I've used a sawsall w/a metal cutting blade and a 4" angle grinder to cut with. I finished the edge with the 4" grinder with a sandpaper flap-like thing in lieu of a blade or grinder.

 

[groundcover]

Just cut some metal roofing with my 4.5" grinder with a cut off wheel,worked ok.
for the bigger cuts the saw sounds like it would be faster.

 

[KB9UDE]

Turn a blade around backwards in your circular saw and it will work just fine. Be carefull as it will be very loud!!

 

[shvl73]

I'd say use what you have. If you use any type of abrasive, remove all of the metal filings, they will rust and they can etch into the paint, becoming permanent rust spots.

 

[Bird]

[I'd say use what you have./QUOTE]

I repaired some pneumatic nibblers and shears for customers, then of course tried'em out when I finished and they're neat tools, if you have them, but I never had enough use for them to buy one. I've always heard that the backwards blade in a circle saw worked well, but I never did that myself. However, I've used sabre/jig saws with hacksaw blades at times. And I've used a big electric reciprocating saw, but my favorite was the little pneumatic reciprocating saws with hacksaw blades.

 

[JDeerekid]

I have bought a metal cutting blade for my circular saw that cuts nice. I have also used a regular blade backwards but find it leaves the edge somewhat jaggaded.

 

[Willl]

Turn a blade around backwards in your circular saw and it will work just fine. Be carefull as it will be very loud!!

Ditto. And wear a full face shield.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Just use a welding torch. Soak the wood frame on the inside with water first. Then take a grinder to smooth up the edges.

 

[Redneck in training]

When Morton built my barn they used a nibbler to cut even long cuts. The nice thing about nibler is that it is easy to make exact clean cuts even of small radius. It is also the safest way to cut the sheet metal.