Steve B wrote:

I am going to do some decorative work with thin copper sheeting. When you
get into the really thin stuff, like about as thick as matchbook paper, is
there an easy way to accurately cut it? The pieces would be cut at right
angles. I know I can use snips, but that leaves a slight ridge, and I never
can get a really straight cut. On some decorative items, I will just have
to use snips of various sorts until I get the right combination.

There are electric shears, and nibblers that do a great job. One of the
shears that is popular with roofers is the DW890, there are equivalent
models with most manufacturers. It leaves a pigtail.

Nibblers are fantastic as well. Once you use one of these, and provided
it's suited to the job at hand, you won't be wanting to use your snips
again. Nibblers a great for the reduced injury risk, all things being
equal. They leave small razor-sharp chips.

You can also play with the sheet temperature to change how "buttery" it
is, and reduce edge distortion. The colder the sheet, the more it will
tend to shear rather than tear.


Would a heavy duty paper cutter do the deed? Might still leave a small
ridge, but that could be hammered down. Anyone have any experience with
this?

Steve