Need safety tips for cutting corrugated metal roofing - almost lost a finger!

Hey guys, total newbie here trying to DIY a shed roof with corrugated metal panels. I was using my circular saw with a metal cutting blade yesterday and it kicked back HARD - almost took my finger off. Scared the crap out of me. What am I doing wrong? Should I be using different tools? Any safety tips before I try again? I really don't want a trip to the ER.

First rule: STOP using that circular saw on metal roofing. That's asking for trouble. You need tin snips for small cuts or a metal cutting nibbler for bigger jobs. Always wear cut-resistant gloves and safety glasses - metal shavings are no joke. Clamp your material down securely before cutting. And for god's sake, measure twice, cut once. Seen too many rookies get hurt rushing.

Tim's right about the gloves! When I'm cutting backer board, I use Kevlar gloves - saved my hands more times than I can count. For metal, maybe try those metal cutting shears? They're like giant scissors. Way more control than a power tool when you're learning. Also, make sure you're supporting the panel properly so it doesn't flex and bind the blade/tool.

LOL welcome to the world of metal work! I cut this stuff all the time for garden edging. Circular saw will work IF you have the right blade (fine tooth carbide tipped) and go SLOW. But honestly, for roofing panels just get aviation snips - red for left cuts, green for right, yellow for straight. $20 at Harbor Freight. And yeah, clamp that sucker down. Last thing you want is a sheet of metal flying at your face.

As a home inspector, I've seen the aftermath of DIY metal cutting gone wrong. Beyond the obvious safety gear, consider your work area. Make sure it's clean, dry, and well-lit. No tripping hazards. Keep a first aid kit nearby (not joking). And if you're using power tools, verify your electrical setup - proper grounding, no extension cord daisy-chaining. One spark near metal shavings could ruin your whole day.