Cutting holes in metal cabinet?

fars · 2 Mar 2010

Hi,
I have to cut some holes into a metal cabinet housing our on demand gas hot water systems because it doesn't have enough ventilation.

The metal looks like about 2mm galvanised steel.

Will I be OK if I get a cutting disc of some sort and use my angle grinder? I think the grinder is a 4" model. I'd probably have to cut total distances of about 1.5m.

Or is there a better way to go about it?

Thanks

Burnerman · 2 Mar 2010

A neater way would be to use a high speed steel hole saw - available in various diameters. You buy the size you want, and then choose an arbor that fits both that and your drill.
Only go for the fully welded type of holesaw though - these split multi size things are worse than useless.
John

Diyisfun · 2 Mar 2010

Rather than cut lots of small airholes, cut hout a large area & fit a grill on it. a lot easier & it will look better.

fars · 2 Mar 2010

I'd intended on cutting straight lines so I could bend the metal sheet over and align it with the exit on the heating unit to make a nearly airtight exhaust path.

I've never cut metal before, am I headed in the right direction for a straight line cut using my angle grinder and a cutting disc? Or do I need different/better tools?

Thanks

Burnerman · 2 Mar 2010

Your angle grinder will be just fine, using a 1mm thick slitting disc.
Drill a hole in each of the corners to make a neat job.
John

Diyisfun · 2 Mar 2010

And mark a line to follow

fars · 2 Mar 2010

Thanks

fars · 3 Mar 2010

OK I've bought a couple of 1mm cutting disks.

If I am cutting a total distance of maybe 1.5m, will the disk overheat? Should I stop every now and then or are they OK to just keep on going?

Burnerman · 3 Mar 2010

The disc won't overheat - there just isn't enough cutting mass for that - so just go gently and try not to twist the disc. They wear down fairly quickly so you may need more than a couple!
John

fars · 3 Mar 2010

Thanks

PrenticeBoyofDerry · 3 Mar 2010

Remember to wear safety specs, and file down any burs after you have done the cut.

fars · 4 Mar 2010

Thanks for the info, that was a lot of fun! And I have a hot water system that doesn't suffocate itself after a minute too

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Cutting holes in metal cabinet?

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