8 Different Types of Metal Cutting Tools and Their Uses

Published on: March 13, 2022
Written by Eric Devin / Fact-checked by David Rowan

As there are various metal cutting tools available on the market, you might be wondering how many types are there and which tool to use for your particular work. This guideline will be worth reading to find out the types of metal cutting tools you may get out there. You will also learn about the uses of those tools.

Metal cutting is a process where you can cut metal in your desired shapes and sizes, also remove unnecessary objects from the workpiece.

Metal cutting tools are the tools used for cutting various types of metals. You can primarily use these for shaping and cutting metal. Based on the design, the tools have different uses.

In this article, we’ll cover the types of metal cutting tools you can have to cut metals and on which purpose you should use them.

Types of Metal Cutting Tools

Various special cutting tools are being used to cut metals. Among them, a few are functional and do their job perfectly. Here’s providing a list of the most valuable metal cutting tools to use to cut metal.

Saws

A saw consists of a toothed blade that most often cuts through wood and plastic but sometimes stone and metal, depending on the type of tool you use. 

Here’s a bunch of saws that the metal workers and DIYers are using for cutting metal. Under this type, there are quite a several saws that you’ll want in your toolbox.

• Cold Saw

Cold saws can slice through almost anything, from stainless steel, tin, nickel, brass, titanium, copper, aluminum, lead, zinc to alloy steel and even carbon steel. A cold saw produces fewer sparks and less noise.

This circular saw gives friction-free cuts without producing much heat. Hence the name is cold saw. Its coolant feature offers precise cuts, minor discoloration, and dust-free production. So this expensive cutting tool is worth your money if you’re continually doing metalwork.

• Hacksaw

The hacksaw is a C-shaped saw with a narrow blade. You can adjust the frame with different blades. It’s an excellent and inexpensive choice for your small metal cutting projects.

• Metal Circular Saw

The circular saw has a metal cutting blade, thus known as a metal circular saw. It gives a straight cut to up to 3/8 in. thick metal that is mild steel. You can cut sheet metal, metal roofing, corrugated metal, and mostly anything with your circular saw. Though while cutting, keep the backside of the roofing facing up if it requires it.

First, install a cutting blade into your saw & mark where you want to cut. Then cut according to the design. You can even cut a bulk of materials all at once using a ferrous blade to save time. It’s an excellent tool for straight and simple cuts.

• Band Saws

The band saw is great for bulk cutting. It’s a power saw that can also cut curves in thick layers. You can use this tool for cutting unusual shapes. 

It has a long continuous metal band of the sharp-toothed blade to cut metal tubes and flat stock.

• Oxy-Acetylene Torch

This tool produces flames of high temperature. It’s a torch-like tool that mixes oxygen with acetylene- a hydrocarbon gas. This torch can go through thick metals that you generally cannot cut with a saw.

Another excellent feature is this tool is very noisy compared to other saws or metal cutting tools. It’s a lot faster than the others in case of the work done.

• Tin Snips

Tin snips are like a pair of scissors. When you need to cut different sheet metals, the kit you’ll need is a pair of tin snips. The handheld tool is not so expensive.

This tool is ideal for cutting curves, straight, and even circles in soft metals. It’s also convenient for cutting metal roofing, gutters, sheet metal, and studs while leaving a smooth finishing edge.

Metalworkers use tin snips to cut sheet metal for car bodies. Professional metalworkers cut corrugated metal with tin snips. You’ll have to hold the tin snips like a pair of scissors. Hold the tool blades open wide, and then give long, smooth cuts. Keep cutting until you’re finished. 

• Metal Air Shears

These are great for cutting sheet metal in bulk or long strips. Also, you can rotate the head to make a precise cut. They produce clean cuts with less spark.

You can easily replace the blade. Cut curves or straight lines. You can do both with the air shears. It can be an alternative to the tin snips but a much faster and cleaner result. They can be powered manually or electrically. Try to have a pair of steel shears with an insulated handle.

• Angle Grinder with Cutoff Wheel

An angle grinder can do metal fabrication like- grinding, cutting, polishing, deburring and finishing. This handheld power tool is generally powered with electricity either by a cord or by batteries. You can cut metals with the help of a metal cutoff wheel.

Moreover, you can grind, sharpen, cut, and remove rust with an angle grinder. It’s a useful tool for experienced DIYers or metalworkers.

FAQs

What is a Metal Cutting Tool?

The tools that are used to cut metals are known as metal cutting tools. But you can do other things like- grinding, sharpening, deburring and polishing with the tools.

What Is the Longevity of a Cold Saw Blade?

On average, a typical cold saw blade would last for six months if you work regularly. Its blade can cut up to 1000 times before wearing out altogether. Moreover, you can lengthen the lifespan of the blade by sharpening the teeth up to forty times.

Are there any Safety Precautions You Need to Take While Working With a Metal Cutting Tool? If You Do, Then What Are They?

Metal cutting jobs need safety precautions to get done without any hazardous occurrence. Metal cutting is considered a risky job to perform. So, taking safety measures is a must for the work. The following list is a must-have safety checklist for your metal cutting work.

Take Safety Precautions

• Hard hat, 
• Safety glasses, 
• Face shield, 
• Fire-resistant sleeves, 
• Hearing protection, 
• Fire-resistant gloves, and 
• Safety shoes.

Put on all the safety gears and follow the safety precautions given below:

• As a beginner, you should put on your gloves. They might prevent any cuts that may occur accidentally. And if you’re well familiar with the tools and good to go bare-handed, then go as you wish.
• Hold the metal pieces with a light grip so that you don’t get a cut. 
• Don’t run your fingers along the edge of the cutter.
• Wear the proper gear that a particular tool may require.
• Be extra careful while working with hot and sharp materials as they might burn or cut you.
• Use a brush to scrape the metal dust into the bin.
• Work in a well-lit place. Try to use natural light as well.
• Try to avoid creating small bars.
• Don’t take shortcuts. Take time & keep patience.
• Wear clothes that are fire-resistant and cover your whole body along the arms.
• Keep the flammables away from the working area.
• Don’t let anyone in unless they are adequately clothed.

Conclusion

Now that you’re all packed with the necessary information, get the metalworking tools you need for your project, and then get started. Make sure to take essential safety precautions.

Don’t forget to compare the metal and the cutting tool’s thickness if they are compatible before starting the project. Or, you’ll end up ruining the project.

Lastly, I suggest you be careful while working with sharp metals and sparking tools. Maintain the safety rules, and you’re good to go!

Read more:

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• Best Saw Horses: 3 Things to Check Before Buying