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  1. #1
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    Cutting Aluminum

    Can I work on aluminum plates with my woodworking tools. I've come acroos some 1" and 1/2" plates that need to be turned into something but I'd rather use something other than files. Any do's and don't on this?

    David

  2. #2
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    ...

    keep the aluminum well lubricated or it will get lal stuck in the files, jigsaw or whatever else your using. you can use a grinder or dremel, or die grinder (air power)..

    scott
    "If everything's under control, you're going too slow"
    -Mario Andretti-

    76 vixen,.. on the back burner
    82 laser comp. 380 ray

    PICS OF THE VIXEN REBUILD

  3. #3
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    cutting Al

    If you have a big enough band saw to cut the larger(area) plate just change your wood(lower teeth per inch count) to a metal cutting blade(higher teeth per inch and usually Bi-metal). Check the Mcmaster Carr catalog. I cut up to 4 inch thick Al plate with our ban saw using a coolant/lubricant. Don't use too much pressure and let the blade do the work for you. Go to www.mcmaster.com and look up Band Saw Blades. It's a good reference. Hope this is what you were refering to.
    "We're surrounded. That simplifies the problem."
    - Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, USMC


    Allison XS-2003/280 MERCURY



  4. #4
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    That's the thing

    I use my bandsaw and other tools for fine woodworking so all the cuts would have to be popcorn fart dry., What about the dry lubricants like you use on an electric razor?

    Thanks

    David

  5. #5
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    Beleave it or not you can use wesson cooking oil the liquid type orthe cooking spray for no stick in frying pan's called Pam works really good with carbide burrs in a dremel or die grinder.This will help saw blade or carbide grinding burr from loading up with aluminum
    Last edited by ken medendorp; 09-30-2003 at 01:57 PM.

  6. #6
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    I've been using my tablesaw with a corian blade to cut 6061 1/4" alum. Cuts like butter!
    Just wear eye protection and go slow, don't want to bind up this material.
    Mark N

  7. #7
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    I suppose it depends on the type of cuts you need but a Sawzall will do the trick for home shop use. But its hard to beat a large metal cutting bandsaw if you have one.

  8. #8
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    Exclamation OIL AND EYE PROTECTION

    go nice and easy

    I am a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma,coated in bubble gum,stuffed in a turducken. Δx Δp ≥ ℏ/2

  9. #9
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    dave just call if you need help

    I can cut or mill any thing you can dream up. Besides I don,t want to here any whinning in the spring when its time to have the romp. I have ton of projects for the winter so let me know.

  10. #10
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    Table Saw with....

    a cheap carbide blade works great!!! Go slow, you can cut dry without problems. Wear your leather gloves safety glasses long sleves etc. Cuts just like a piece of hard oak.
    Bruster's Mercury solid motor mounts, details here:
    http://www.powercatboat.com/Bruster/Bruster.html
    I'm been living in fast forward, now I need to rewind real slow....

  11. #11
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    You guys actually cut 1" plate handheld on a table saw? I've done some sheet but was never tempted to try anything over 1/8". Earplugs are a good idea

  12. #12
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    Done 1/2", I wear shootin' muffs. Just go slow.
    Bruster's Mercury solid motor mounts, details here:
    http://www.powercatboat.com/Bruster/Bruster.html
    I'm been living in fast forward, now I need to rewind real slow....

  13. #13
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    Tablesaw, radial or mitersaw - Use fine tooth carbide blade, dry, multiple light passes - no problem. You can buy table saw blades designed for non-ferrous metals. I've allways just used a fine cross cut wood blade. Clamp it to a cross-cut sled if it looks too spooky to be hand-held on the tablesaw.

  14. #14
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    I'll keep that in mind. I have a special carbide blade for aluminum and have used it several times for 6061 and 3003 sheet. My memory is I was warned to only use it on thin materials where it could basically punch each chip out full depth. I suppose as long as you keep the heat under control it should be OK.

  15. #15
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    I cut some more 6061 1/4" thick alum today on my table saw (corian blade - carbide). The cut was 1 1/2" wide. A little scary but just used some plain common sense while cutting it. The blade hieght was around 2" high for the 1/4".
    Be carefull while pushing through, the back part of blade must not pick up the alum and throw it at you! Yes, only someone who has used a table saw many hours should really try to cut something like alum. It could really cause some damage if it were to fly!
    I've been known to take control of 1 1/2" thick oak board that is binding up in a delta table saw, where some would jump out of the way. But I know I would not try to do that with alum.
    Mark N

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