I have a rangehood ceiling duct cover that is too long for my use so I trimed it with cirular saw. The finished edges look rough after cutting(picture attached). There are minor dent all around the edges and the it would cut my skin. I have already tried deburring tool and had little success. Is there another tool I can use to flatten the dent and smooth out the edge?
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Thin metal like this can be cut with a utility knife and straight edge Multiple passes wil get you through with a smooth edge– KrisSep 7, 2021 at 1:09
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install it in such a way that the edge doesn't show.– JasenSep 7, 2021 at 2:07
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3For future reference, a circular saw is the wrong tool to use here. Ideally a nibbler would be used.– Ron BeyerSep 7, 2021 at 3:15
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A shear would be the ideal tool, especially since that's probably what was originally used at the factory - not necessarily a home tool unless you're doing a lot of metal work, though. A nibbler or tin snips would have been a strong second.– FreeManSep 7, 2021 at 11:45
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@crip659 The Answer box for your answers, please, not the comment box! ;)– FreeManSep 7, 2021 at 11:46
1 Answer
A hammer(ball preen) and a 2x4 to flatten,and a file to smooth. Place wood on one side and tap with the hammer from the other side, change side and repeat.
Probably clamp a piece of wood on both sides when filing. Could also use an angle grinder with the two pieces of wood to give a straight edge, probably still need a file to smooth/clean up the edges well.
If possible, should try to fold over the edge. This will give the smoothest, non cutting skin edge.
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2Thank you! :) OP might also consider "seaming pliers" or "sheet metal clamps". These are designed with wide, flat jaws for bending metal seams flat. Though I don't think they'll get a final edge, the metal jaws should flatten small waves that could be too stiff for a piece of soft pine 2x4 to flatten. I'd actually use them first to get rid of the little ridges, then use the 2x4 to get rid of the bigger waves.– FreeManSep 7, 2021 at 15:16