Cutting 1/4" aluminum
Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2009 8:09 am
Whats the best way to cut 1/4 in aluminum? I have a half sheet and want to use it to make skid plates.
Page 1 of 1
Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2009 8:42 am
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.
Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 9:52 am
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
What method sis you end up using?
Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2009 8:26 am
none yet, lol, can I say "procrastinate"? 
Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2009 8:41 am
Use WD-40 for lubricant.
Posted: Wed Sep 23, 2009 8:59 am
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
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