Cutting SS 1/8 inch plate with jigsaw???

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Hey guys, i have to cut a large hole into a 1/8 inch ss  plate. Has anyone tried the bosch ss carbide jigsaw blades? Any other suggestions are welcome. The hole os about 7 inches diameter. thanks
Reply:PlasmaDonnelly Small Engine & WeldingFoley AlabamaLincoln 225 TigLinoln 215 migHypertherm Powermax 65Ellis 1600 sawEllis 6000 belt grinderJD2 Model 4 tubing benderAtlas  12"X54" metal latheLots of large hammers
Reply:Cdavid82  -  The benefit of Saw over Plas. is sanitation.  I have never done exactlywhat you are doing, but I have used saws extensively in 'only option operations'.  If I were called to do this with a jigsaw I would only start with the best tools.      A superior saw, my fave is a Bosch, discreet settings and good visibility,  set      orbit [stroke] to Zero.     Carbide blade, it's the best available.Technique.     General practice when cutting hard, or gummy metals, is to 'slow the speed', and      'up the feed'.  If you are not producing a chip, all you are doing is generating:     Friction  =  Heat  =  Hardening  =  Stick a Fork in Me.       Start the saw at a file stroke and increase speed.  Your ear will hear the sweet speed.     Use a coolant, not a lubricant.       Run test cuts = Qualifying the Procedure.  Don't attempt unless you are confident.     Your cut-line  -  blued and scribes.     Exercise the same procedure when drilling the hole for the saw. And.     This is a two person operation.  One on the saw, and the other on continual coolant.Thin S/S is evil, and will work-harden just sweating near it.  Post your happiness  -  Opus
Reply:Thanks opus, it is sanitary and i was planning in going with bosch, your explanation makes sense, thanks
Reply:I would only add: have the material well clamped and supported around the cut. I might even cut some plywood and the shape of the cut ton clamp all of it to a table.
Reply:Use something similar to this-http://www.shop3m.com/60980033033.htmlUse a small angle grinder and make a rough cut. Use a larger grinder with a wheel close to the diameter of your finished hole to complete the hole.Thanks,HoboLincoln SA200's... at least 15 - 20. They come and go. Growing partial to the "Short Hoods" in my old age. Last count on Short Hoods was 13 in possession.
Reply:Cdavid82  -  Thank hobohilton for the 3M link.  In the dark days all we had for grinding was Aluminum Oxide, marketed as Silver this,and Silver that.  Over two decades ago Zirconium was introduced, and was notably more aggressive.  Marketed as Blue this, and Blue that . . .   It becamethe new standard that everyone is now using. The 3M Green Corp [silicon carbide ?] is as notable an improvement.The big bonus is the variety of stones and blades offered.    Some years ago I happened to be in the LWS when the Rep. was pitching the new product.  He gave me a couple of disc samples, and I used them immediately on S/S; and became my new favorite beverage.   The improved performance was as pronounced as Zirconium over AL2-O3.Green is expensive, but well worth it because its cutting performance is solong lasting, and more important - controllable.  I don't pass out the Green for general use, but hold in reserve for important and critical operations.    If I were called to perform your task with abrasive cutting wheel, these are the only choice.    Opusp.s.     Marketing Departments love colors: Silver, Blue, Green.  Blue and Red are the most specious of marketed colors.