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  • Any D I Y experts out there ?

    Hi All

    When i moved on to my plot a few weeks back there is a small shed on the plot,nothing wrong with it but it's made from sheet metal, the corrugated stuff and has no windows in it. So it's very dark in there

    So i have decided to put a window in but am a little unsure how to cut the metal, does any one have any ideas how i would go about it.

    Any help would be great, thanks in advance, Ian
    Last edited by zazen999; 09-01-2010, 10:31 PM.

  • #2
    If it was my OH he would use a metal cutting blade on an angle grinder. Or drill a series of linking holes (metal, gold drill bit again) then either go round a square like that, or shove a jigsaw blade in the first few holes and carry on from there. Watch out for rough edges though, and wear ear muffs and goggles.
    Anyone who says nothing is impossible has never tried slamming a revolving door

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    • #3
      If it was mine (and I know nothing, mind) I'd think about replacing the roof with corrugated plastic stuff.

      Now tell me why you shouldn't do that, lol
      All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

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      • #4
        The angle grinder will give the best result, but find a friend who has one and ask him to cut it for you. Then take him for a beer to say thank you.

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        • #5
          When you say 'plot' I am assuming you are talking about an allotment and not your garden. If so that would make using power tools very difficult unless you have access to a generator or battery operated cutting tools. Most of us have a battery powered drill and so the idea of using a series of linking holes could be used.

          If possible it might be an idea to remove a section of the corrugated sheeting and take it home where it would be easier to work on.

          Once the hole is cut you would need to use some timber to make a window frame that is also jointed to any supporting timber either side of the window. (I am assuming it is a home made timber frame corrugated sheet clad structure rather than one of the commercially available metal sheds).

          Good luck with the project and have fun on your new plot.
          Last edited by snuffer; 10-01-2010, 01:54 PM. Reason: Correct typo.
          It is the doom of man, that they forget.

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          • #6
            I'm with TS. Put a wooden framed plastic roof on that you can open as you would a coldframe.
            sigpic“Gorillas are very intelligent, but they don't have to be as delicate as chimps -- they can just smash open the termite nest,”
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            • #7
              Get your window........put it against side of shed and mark round it. Use a large nail to knock a start hole in the metal then cut it out with tinsnips.

              Once its in position you can fasten it in with lats both inside and outside of window frame!
              My Majesty made for him a garden anew in order
              to present to him vegetables and all beautiful flowers.- Offerings of Thutmose III to Amon-Ra (1500 BCE)

              Diversify & prosper


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              • #8
                Thanks for the replys so far,yes the shed is on a allotment a home made timber frame clad with metal forgot to say in my first post sorry,using power tools would be very difficult,Unless i could get some battery powered ones

                I like the idea of replacing the roof with corrugated clear plastic stuff,at least i'd get some light then

                Thanks for the help so far,Ian

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                • #9
                  So you can't use (mains) power tools? As in previous answers, start a hole with a big nail or cordless drill in each corner of the planned window. Then cut out the rest with a hacksaw blade in a handle, like a padsaw, not a full frame hacksaw. Or make a series of holes, and join up the dots, as it were. These methods would take a bit of time, just do a bit each time you wisit

                  It might be easier to remove a whole sheet of metal and replace it with a clear one; or take the sheet home to work on, also previously mentioned

                  Paint the inside of the shed a light colour, it will be a bit brighter
                  The shed was probably just used as a tool store. If you want to sit in it to brew tea and so on, think about some ventilation while you're at it

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                  • #10
                    Why not remove the metal walls and replace with Lexan or the like? You could scrounge up some off cuts or blag them from various businesses that use the stuff. Often, a bit of bare-faced cheek will get a result, because most businesses just dump the stuff anyway. Keep the roof though, or it could be a hell-hole come summer!
                    The Idiot Gardener
                    Five acres of idiocy: an idiot's journey to the heart of smallholding darkness!

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Pete C View Post
                      Why not remove the metal walls and replace with Lexan or the like? You could scrounge up some off cuts or blag them from various businesses that use the stuff. Often, a bit of bare-faced cheek will get a result, because most businesses just dump the stuff anyway. Keep the roof though, or it could be a hell-hole come summer!
                      'Cool Hand Luke' springs to mind!

                      "Carr: Any man playing grabass or fightin' in the building spends a night in the box. "
                      My Majesty made for him a garden anew in order
                      to present to him vegetables and all beautiful flowers.- Offerings of Thutmose III to Amon-Ra (1500 BCE)

                      Diversify & prosper


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                      • #12
                        of all the suggestions, Snadgers makes the most sense.... for a lottie! Or use a battery drill for the start hole rather than a nail...
                        Never test the depth of the water with both feet

                        The only reason people get lost in thought is because it's unfamiliar territory....

                        Always remember you're unique, just like everyone else.

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                        • #13
                          Never thought about power. We use a jenny for stuff like the angle grinder but all our tools are battery so just take it for granted.

                          Pete Snadger, what the heck is lexan?
                          Anyone who says nothing is impossible has never tried slamming a revolving door

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                          • #14
                            Our shed is corrugated tin. Half the roof was gone so we replaced it with corrugated fibreglass from another shed that we demolished. Our window was covered up probably to deter undesirables but so far it hasn't bothered us not having a window . We would only be in there if it rained and the door would still be open anyway so there's enough light.
                            S*d the housework I have a lottie to dig
                            a batch of jam is always an act of creation ..Christine Ferber

                            You can't beat a bit of garden porn

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                            • #15
                              this will cut it hire it from hss
                              Cordless Reciprocating Saw
                              Product Description
                              Ideal for plumbers, heating engineers, joiners and similar trades, this heavy-duty saw combines power and versatility with go-anywhere, cordless portability.
                              * Vari-speed trigger for optimum control
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                              * Reciprocating blades available for sale (sold separately)
                              Cordless Reciprocating Saw - view bigger image
                              Price List
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                              03124 Cordless Reciprocating Saw £21.75 £10.88 £27.19 £43.50 Buy
                              Prices (E and OE) are exclusive of VAT and are in UK Sterling
                              they do wood and metal blades. you will need to make a hole first a wood chisel and hammer will do it.
                              take a look on ebay for second hand upvc windows
                              lee
                              Last edited by green thing; 16-01-2010, 11:34 PM.

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