cutting lead sheet

[kendall yates]

I found some 4 foot x 4 foot sheets of lead that are 1/8 inch thick. What is the best way to cut it so I can get it melted? I was thinking a jig saw. Any ideas?? Thanks.

[mazo kid]

You could try the jig saw if it has coarse teeth. I have heard of some who use a skill saw, maybe turning the blade around would work better. Be sure to wear eye protection and have some way of confining the lead "chips" for re-use. For small pieces, I have used an old axe head and rapped it with a brass hammer....put the lead on a board first!

[high standard 40]

Use a hatchet or an axe. 1/8" should cut very easily into managable size pieces.

[JIMinPHX]

Tin Snips. 1/8" will cut like butter.

[Wayne Smith]

I just tear mine. Never tears straight, but who cares. I pound it into shape with a hammer.

[trevj]

Big scissors or tin snips, and gloves.

Just because it's soft, don't mean it wont cut you up if given a chance.

Cheers
Trev

[mooman76]

A good heavy sharp knife will do it or maybe better yet a hawk billed knife or lynolium knife if you have one. You don't have to cut all the way through, just score it good and it will rip easily.

[hoosierlogger]

I got some 100 pound blocks of lead one time that would not fit into the melting pot. So I put them in my enclosed trailer and cut them with the chainsaw. I have cut many trees with shotgun slugs in them and it hasnt hurt the saw chain, so I figured Id try it. The saw I used was an old one with the manual oil pump on it. I just cut it without any oil on the chain. It cut it just like it was a piece of firewood. Swept up the lead shavings and put em in the pot.

[kendall yates]

I was thinking about a chainsaw but it has to make a hell of a mess

[imashooter2]

I used a hatchet. Light swings cut it right through. Easy work and no waste.

[bearcove]

I had some sheet lead. Just rolled it up stood it up in pot. Let it melt

[snaggdit]

Bearcove, as an old friend used to say "No fair thinking!"

[beagle]

Cut mine with big scissors, roll up and dunk it in the pot./beagle

[rebliss]

Use anything to make a starting cut in it, then tear it, roll it, and stick it in the smelter.

[XBT]

I agree on the tin snips. I use them regularly on sheet lead with good results.

[hoosierlogger]

I was thinking about a chainsaw but it has to make a hell of a mess

it did make a pretty good mess. thats why I did it in the trailer, so I could sweep up all of the chips.

[BD]

I always cut lead sheet with a utility knife. I'm not sure any of it was 1/8" thick, but we cut all the flashing lead with utility knives.
BD

[mikekj]

I use a sawz-all. Blows right through.