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Cutting 1/4" aluminum

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2009 8:09 am
by birddog1148
Whats the best way to cut 1/4 in aluminum? I have a half sheet and want to use it to make skid plates.

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2009 8:42 am
by david58
Use a Skill Saw with an aluminum blade works pretty well. You can clamp a piece of angle or 2x4 down to use as a guide to make straight cuts. Don't use a metal cutting blade. I have used worn out wood cutting blades by putting them on backwards. :lol:

Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 9:52 am
by Leatherneck
with the proper PPE I used a table saw for the straight cuts. Carbide blade eats right through it though it does send some shrapnel, hence the PPE recommendation.

Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2009 6:18 am
by david58
What method sis you end up using?

Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2009 8:26 am
by birddog1148
none yet, lol, can I say "procrastinate"? :oops:

Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2009 8:41 am
by stealth67vw
Use WD-40 for lubricant.

Posted: Wed Sep 23, 2009 8:59 am
by bparravicino
You can make numerous jig saw blades from one hacksaw blade. I like 'Milwaukee" blades. hacksaw blades also tend to run straighter than a regular jig saw blade and you can change them regularly for pennies. I agree with the oil, cooking oil works well also.

Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 7:38 am
by Jogyver
For sawing and drilling lubricant , WD-40 or kerosene works pretty well at preventing chip welding. Use a 40 or 60 tooth carbide blade at low RPM . Make sure the workpiece is clamped down. Fine tooth blades will foul up with aluminum quickly. High RPM will do the same