Sheet metal
Cutting
Tin snips
Small cutting jobs can be done with tin snips. Accurate cutting will depend on how precise the marking out has been done (eg, lines marked with a scribe), how well lit the work area is, and if the tin snips are in good condition.
Safety:
- Keep fingers clear from the cutting edge.
- Only cut material and thickness that the tin snip is designed for.
- Make sure that all finished cut edges are filed to prevent possible injury to yourself or others.
- Never cut wire as this will damage the tin snips.
- Use safety glasses and gloves when handling offcut materials.
Guillotine
For large cutting jobs a guillotine should be used. These produce very accurate cuts as long as they are use correctly and kept in good condition. Never use a guillotine for cutting anything other than sheet metal and only to the thickness specified for the particular guillotine.
Guillotine
Safety:
- Keep hands clear.
- Always make sure that materials are under clamps.
- Never use tools on the bed of the guillotine.
- Only cut to machine capacity.
- Make sure that no one is standing behind the guillotine when you are operating it.
- All guards must be fitted.
