Window Holes

[BigTiny321]

I'm at the stage in my build where I'm ready to cut the holes for my replacement windows. I purchased six large(48") shuttle bus emergency exit windows with frames. I'm ready to slice into the sheet metal, but I have a bit of anxiety about it. I created a template out of wood to increase my success odds, but those curves worry me.

I have air shears, an angle grinder, & I have watched tons of vids on YouTube University. How did ya'll do it? Any helpful tips/cautionary tales/etc? Thanks!

 

[Timeline]

For the straight cuts a Diablo metal cutting blade on a Skilsaw would work well.


I have not tried cutting rounded corners with a jig saw but that is what I'd try.

 

[nocoasty]

Your windows and frames should allow for a little tolerance so truly don't sweat it too much, you'll do fine.

I've used just about every type of set up for cutting sheet metal to install windows and as I've gotten older, my hands have gotten steadier with an angle grinder paired with a cutting disk. I get really good results this way, even for curves.

However, if I didn't trust myself with an angle grinder, I'd use a drill nibbler like this one. I don't know how thick the steel you have is, but this is rated for 1.6mm which is right in line with 16ga galvanized sheet steel.

Those little things work wonders on straight lines and in curves.

I personally avoid jigsaws, but I just generally don't like them for any type of work.

 

[nikitis]

The key to angle grinders for corners is to drag the disc, not push with the disc.

If you push into the corner with the edge it will just dig in and that's not what you want. Just drag slide it to smooth it out on the rough parts, and be quick with it.