How do you *cleanly* cut aluminum or brass sheet?

[Quick GMC]

I wanted to play around with this stuff but not if it's going to be miserable. Is there something I can use to cut this stuff? I don't need a razor clean cut, but I don't want it bending and curling up.

[jeffs396]

If it's thin, you'll get the best cuts without curling with a new #11 blade and a straight edge as a guide...watch your digits though!

[Quick GMC]

If it's thin, you'll get the best cuts without curling with a new #11 blade and a straight edge as a guide...watch your digits though!

Can I score it, then bend it to break it off?

[my80malibu]

Yes scoring does work

[jeffs396]

Can I score it, then bend it to break it off?

With aluminum sure, brass may not like to snap as readily. You'll be surprised how easily thin sheet will cut, one of two passes with a new blade.

[Quick GMC]

Thanks. I'll give it a shot

[Pete J.]

I have found that a box cutter/utility knife does a very nice job. Before you cut it you should anneal it. Heat it to cherry red and let it cool. Unlike ferrous metals nonferrous metals will loose there temper by heating and cooling. It makes it much more workable. I have also found that no matter how you cut it, it will distort a little. However if it is annealed it is easy to reflatten it. I have a piece of aluminum rod about 1" in diameter and you can roll it on a flat surface at with a little practice and patients you can get it to lay right down. Try it, it's fun.

[Guest G Holding]

scribe and bend, or a jewelers or band saw work well. I love my older 10' craftsman band saw with metal blades....use only with thicker , larger pieces of stock. A good jewelers saw will cut clean and quick. I do not like hand shears, due to curling concerns.

The last tool is a great one, called a "nibbler" hand operated, works quick and easy, keeps small parts flat