I would say you have to be kidding the shear is the the fastest cleanest and best way every other way is second if you go to a large sheetmetal shop that cuts stainless expanded metal that and a cnc plasma burn table for curves or old shapes is the way they mostly do it i like the shear because you can set it up where you trim the killer little sharp edges off or at least most of them.
Cutting expanded sheet metal.
It may not be an obvious choice but fitted with the right blade a circular saw is a great metal cutting tool.
There are two ways to cut round ducts.
Wax your saw blade before cutting sheet metal.
Consider the size and nature of the expanded metal you need to cut.
Metal is difficult for saws to cut and rubbing wax along the blade helps prolong its sharpness.
The following equipment is crucial.
Hot metal chips will fly everywhere.
Expanded metal cutting tools.
You can cut mild steel up to about 3 8 in.
Apply a thin layer of paraffin or saw wax to the blade just enough to cover the surface before making any cuts in the metal.
Brought to you by http www ultimatehandyman co uk.
First if you want to cut a duct near the middle and use both ends mark and cut the duct before snapping it together.
The first step toward correctly cutting expanded metal is finding the right tools that will aid the process.
Then choose a grinder drill saw or laser tool.
Straight cutting compound snips work best for cutting thick or doubled up sheet metal.
Thick using a ferrous metal cutting blade.
Cut metal with your circular saw.