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Yes, you can use a saw to cut metal pipes. The best saw to use is a reciprocating saw, but even a fine-tooth hacksaw can get the job done. No matter which saw you use to cut metal pipes, wear protective gear, like work gloves, safety goggles, and ear plugs. Apply a firm, steady pressure to the tool, and always ensure the pipes are secured so they don't move while you make the cuts.

Also called metal pressing, metal stamping involves placing a metal sheet into a stamping press to create a desired shape using custom tooling. Ideal for mass production, stamping creates coining, embossing, and flanging effects when shaping metal. Meanwhile, sheet metal fabrication is a more cost-effective option ideal for one-off or low-volume projects because it doesn't require custom tooling.

The average roof requires about 17 metal sheets, but that varies according to house size and roof style. Each roofing sheet takes about five minutes to measure and cut, though this depends on your level of experience. If your roof has a steep slope, gables, and skylights, for example, it may require extra sheets to account for waste. Roofs with a steep slope over 3:12 typically require more sheets because the pitch adds extra inches. How much exactly you will need depends on the height versus the width of the roof. If you are unsure of the calculations, check with a local roofing professional.

Yes, an LVL beam is more affordable than the cost of a steel I-beam, totaling between $50 and $200 per linear foot as opposed to the $100 to $400 per linear foot you’d pay for a steel I-beam. Not only is the wood material more affordable than steel, but it’s also more similar to traditional wooden beams and doesn’t require as much retrofitting to connect joists.