Thin metal cutting suggestions

[HNL2LHC]

So we are finishing up with a kitchen renovation. Installing a built in microwave. We had to modify things a little bit. So we are left with having to trim the metal surround of the microwave on the top For clearance Of the counter top. The concern that I have is doing it in a way that will not damage the finish. I was wondering what RDp would recommend. Thought that @monkeyswrench @NicPaus @mjc or others might have suggestions. Right now we are leaning at trying to use something that will not create as much heat as a cut off wheel. Maybe something like a jigsaw with a piece of filler to keep it from distorting. Thought maybe bandsaw might be better but we don’t have one.

Another thought is does it really need to be trimmed as the counter would cover it.

Thanks for any suggestions in advance.

 

[NicPaus]

Are you using prefab or slabs fabricated. I would not cut it. But extend the countertop to clear it. Or notch backside of countertop edge.

I have tried cutting similar it doesn't work good.

 

[rivergames]

Strait metal blades on the multi cutoff. Give yourself 1/16" from the bottom of the countertop to the top of the metal and then caulk it to finish it off

 

[monkeyswrench]

Can you hem the metal, folding it back on itself?

 

[lbhsbz]

Biggest problem with Stainless is that it's harder than woodpecker lips and you'll go through a lot of jigsaw blades. I'd avoid cutting it if at all possible. a very thin cutoff wheel would be the best way, working slow to control the heat so you don't get color in the material.

Even better would be to knock the edges off with the cutoff wheel and see you could get the rest of it on a sheer

 

[NicPaus]

If you don't want to extend it . Your pencil line is to high. I would cut it right at bottom of countertop so easier to hide cut line. 5/8" down from top of plywood.

 

[mjc]

I can get an electric shear. Not sure it would work on that for sure.

 

[clark]

Try using a Dremel with a cutoff disc, it will take some time but will be a clean and even ct without distortion

 

[HNL2LHC]

Can you hem the metal, folding it back on itself?

Doubt it as it is not a flat piece.

 

[QC22]

Another thought is does it really need to be trimmed as the counter would cover it.

Why is this not the answer?

 

[Ziggy]

@NicPaus has the right idea to make @HNL2LHC's mountain back into a molehill

 

[The Chicken]

Don't cut it unless you have to.
If you have to, I'd recommend taking it to a good fab shop or even AC shop that builds their own duct work and have them trim it then put it in a sheet metal brake to mimic the factory bends that are already there.
If you just cut it, you will struggle to get a straight cut, and the top will be floppy and distorted-that's why that piece is bent in the first place-it gives the part a laser-straight edge and stiffens and strengthens it.
If you absolutely have to do it yourself, remove the protective plastic film, use a cutoff wheel, dress flat with a roto-lock coarse scotch brite if needed( be extremely careful to not hook the edge with the tool and bend the metal! disc position/angle is critical.), and address any of the discoloration in the stainless with a fine grit roto lock scotch brite. You could also use a pair of hand bending pliers to create the bend to stiffen the part back up-but doing so and keeping a straight edge is not easy.

 

[Caydens Cat]

I had a similar issue at my last house, the SS facia would not sit flush with the existing program. Tape and a cut off wheel did the job. Not 100% perfect, that was the 1/16 or less caulk line around to “smooth” it out.

 

[500bbc]

Is that a drawer or false panel below?
Either way, can you drop the micro? Won't line up with adjacent drawers but it shouldn't draw your eye to it.

 

[wallnutz]

Recess it in the counter top. Have them fab a relief that will be over the top of the metal. The counter top will overhang that much and it will be hidden.

 

[scottchbrite]

What about putting in a drawer microwave? It might fit better. I know they’ve become less expensive, or have a completely different surround fabbed? Any decent chassis shop or hot rod guy sheet metal guy could make one.

 

[Flatsix66]

I dont know if it helps but we ordered a trim kit when we installed our wall oven to fill out the cabinets cutout. They use the correct stainless material that our oven used. https://www.trimkitsusa.com/-wall-oven-filler-strips

Sample:

 

[500bbc]

What about putting in a drawer microwave? It might fit better. I know they’ve become less expensive, or have a completely different surround fabbed? Any decent chassis shop or hot rod guy sheet metal guy could make one.

View attachment 1468135

Don't forget must leave access for removal...have seen several tiled in dishwashers.

 

[jet496]

Any sheet metal shop could plasma cut it for cheap.

 

[Big B Hova]

You can cut it with a stainless cut off wheel slowly. Or a porta band.

 

[River Dirt 2]

Water jet would make quick work of that.

 

[BHC Vic]

I’m getting pretty good w a plasma cutter

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Whats the deal with the micro that low? You want the kids and pets be able to use it?

 

[RIVERBORN]

Plasma, cut off etc is gonna create heat and discolor.
Nibblers will work but have to be real careful. Leave the line with nibblers then use a belt sander or sanding disk to get to the line.
Shears will most likely leave a scratch across the front/back. Also they stretch the metal as they cut. Just my experience.

 

[scottchbrite]

Don't forget must leave access for removal...have seen several tiled in dishwashers.

I almost had a bar fridge that way. Thankfully I had a tile guy that was smarter than the cabinet guy

 

[zhandfull]

Whats the deal with the micro that low? You want the kids and pets be able to use it?

It’s the new trend. I’m tall and old school. Still like them over the stove top.

 

[Bobby_329]

I would put the counter top in first then cut it to fit on a stand up band saw, second choice cutoff wheel on a grinder. If you cut it perfect to the bottom of the counter you might not need to caulk it.

 

[lakemadness]

This would do the trick without heat. Redonculous price though. But they work great. Used them a lot.

https://www.acmetools.com/fein-blk-50-corded-nibbler-up-to-6-ga-72323112634/400232000548.html?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADub60uSxQyn8N1xvtDFYs2IlsEeb&gclid=Cj0KCQiAyoi8BhDvARIsAO_CDsDnv-mrx9zabN33JDU9RdLh-5T10KhAb6gJeMlNjkZQF88GoUxkMxsaAi8JEALw_wcB

If you put a microwave under counter it should be a drawer.

 

[Happy Smitty]

I would ditch the SS bezel and use matching cabinet Infill strips to trim it in.

 

[coolchange]

Cut it and paint it or have your cabinet guy trim it out. Looks like a dishwasher. Are you supposed to get on your knees to read it?

 

[beertruck]

a good metal shop should be able to cut and weld so you would never know. I had a friend at his shop custom make this piece for my pizza oven, and the cuts and bends looked like it came from the factory

 

[DirtyWhiteDog]

Cut/notch the OSB, not the metal. But as said earlier you will never be able to remove the microwave if you lock the trim in with the counter top