Cutting Stainless Steel sheet

[rgramjet]

This is an unmoto application but could see where this skill would be useful.

Im fabricating an 18 guage, brushed finish, SS backsplash for a clients kitchen.  Whats the best way to cut the stuff without it turning blue or distorting?  Ive got a switch to cut in as well as an exposed edge arc.  SS will be mounted on a 1/2" MDF backerboard.

Thanks in advance!

[Slide Panda]

Interior cuts?  Got a water jet?

Work slow and keep it cool.  It'll be a hassle.  One tick to keep it cool is set it on a wet towel or similar.  And.. go slow

[teddy037.2]

water jet or wire EDM

[rgramjet]

Like a water pick??

jig saw on slow speed with a super fine blade and a wet towel?

[Slide Panda]

That'll do.  YOu might need to file/dress the edge after. 

[dlearl476]

Pardon my ignorance but is 18Ga too thick to cut with tin snips?

[Ddan]

Pardon my ignorance but is 18Ga too thick to cut with tin snips?

How big are your arms?   

[Major Slow]

how about an air shear

[scduc]

Check the local phone book for a metal fab shop or someone with a brake shear.

[He Man]

Id use a brake shear, but thats only because i have one sitting in my garage. if you want a nice clean cut, its the only way to go.

But, if the cut doesnt need to to 100% pinpoint straight, id use an air sheer. the other part might not be recoverable depending on the size you are cutting though. Youd have to have some good hands to keep to cut nice though. and a mean set of gloves so you dont get cut up.

[ducpainter]

laser cutter...

[rgramjet]

I used a buddys plasma cutter on a ss   vent hood with great results.....luckily the cut was hidden.

Part of this backsplash will have an arc....how do I cut that f-er?

[Mr Earl]

I designed SS industrial equipment (filtration at 800 GPM) and shearing was the only way to get a true, undistorted edge.  We sheared up to 11-gauge SS316.  Maybe plasma for short runs would be OK.  If you take your pieces to an industrial sheet metal fab shop, I'm sure you could get them to shear them for a reasonable price.

[Speeddog]

Get it sheared to size by a sheetmetal shop.
They *may* be able to punch the switch cut-in without distorting it.
Also, they may be able to rough cut the arc close enough for you to finish smooth it with an angle grinder.

Failing that, a thin cutoff wheel in an angle grinder for both the switch cut-in and the arc.

You could use a jigsaw with fine blades, but it'll likely eat quite a few blades.
Unless it's a short cut on the arc, tin snips would be a beyotch, and it'd be likely to distort.

[Langanobob]

I was gonna make the same suggestion about an angle grinder or die grinder with a cutoff wheel for the arc.  Might help to use some kind of coolant to keep the heat and any discoloration down, although it's gonna get sprayed all over and make a mess.  Or, can you use the sabre saw from the back side (convex side) of the arc?  Assuming that arc means the metal is already bent in a curve.