Any D I Y experts out there ?

[Ian White]

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

[its hilly]

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.

[Two_Sheds]

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

[Bulbaholic]

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.

[snuffer]

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.

[Bigmallly]

I'm with TS. Put a wooden framed plastic roof on that you can open as you would a coldframe.

[Snadger]

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!

[Ian White]

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

[geoff]

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

[Pete C]

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!

[Snadger]

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. "

[RedThorn]

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...

[its hilly]

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?

[binley100]

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.

[green thing]

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
* Comfortable rubber grip to reduce vibration
* Reciprocating blades available for sale (sold separately)
Cordless Reciprocating Saw - view bigger image
Price List
Code Item 1st Day Add Day Weekend Week Hire
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