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05-21-2016, 01:03 AM
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#1 |
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meowMEOWmeowMEOW
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: MKE WI
Posts: 7,128
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Easy cutting for Aluminum plate/sheet
Anyone have tips on cutting larger pieces of aluminum sheet/plate around 1/8" thick?
I'm making a new race bedfloor, but I don't have a break or larger scale tooling like that. I'm talking a few pieces in the 2x4 foot range, and I need straight edges! Right now my best option is getting a few packs of dedicated aluminum cutting and grinding discs (really should have these in stock for fab work anyway), and just marking and cutting it like normal. I'd really prefer to get a flat, straight line however, and not deal with the possible scalloping and finishing marks from grinding a long edge like that. Thoughts? What about using a saber saw or sawzall and a jig for it to ride on?
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'66 Short Step / SD Tuned / Big Cam LQ4 / Backhalfed /Built 4l80e / #REBUILDEVERYTHING  |
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05-21-2016, 07:56 AM
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#2 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Klein Texas
Posts: 3,852
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Re: Easy cutting for Aluminum plate/sheet
You can cut aluminum with circular/table/miter saw with a carbide blade. Go slow and watch out for the hot chips.
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My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe |
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05-21-2016, 09:14 AM
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#3 | |
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Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 2,199
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Re: Easy cutting for Aluminum plate/sheet
Quote:
Also spray a little WD-40 or similar on the blade every few inches of cutting to prevent the aluminum from building up on the blade....I usually have a helper to do that while I hang on to the saw. I've cut 1" thick aluminum plate with my circular saw.......thin plate is easy to cut......wear ear protection.....it will be LOUD!
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1967 C10 Step side 1968 C10 Step side 1970 Chevrolet K/5 Blazer 1972 Chevrolet K/5 Blazer ............. 
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05-21-2016, 09:36 AM
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#4 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: daytonabeach
Posts: 22,956
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Re: Easy cutting for Aluminum plate/sheet
I used to use clamps and a piece of angle iron for my straight edge for me to use the jigsaw to cut long cuts up to 6' long was the max for me it worked well with the right blades
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71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY |
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05-21-2016, 03:37 PM
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#5 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Motown
Posts: 7,680
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Re: Easy cutting for Aluminum plate/sheet
Quote:
you can watch all you want for hot chips; as they stick to any exposed skin 
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05-21-2016, 06:43 PM
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#6 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Imperial, MO
Posts: 1,003
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Re: Easy cutting for Aluminum plate/sheet
I have one of my bandsaws set up with a fence just for items like this.
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05-21-2016, 08:14 PM
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#7 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Orem, Utah
Posts: 7,978
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Re: Easy cutting for Aluminum plate/sheet
A carbide circular saw blade lubricated with beeswax works well with aluminum. As others have said, hearing protection is a must. So are long sleeves and gloves.
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05-21-2016, 09:04 PM
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#8 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: East Tennessee
Posts: 2,199
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Re: Easy cutting for Aluminum plate/sheet
Too bad you're not closer...........
I have a neat old shear.....4ft x 10ga Niagara...
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1967 C10 Step side 1968 C10 Step side 1970 Chevrolet K/5 Blazer 1972 Chevrolet K/5 Blazer .............
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05-22-2016, 11:53 AM
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#9 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Tecumseh
Posts: 355
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Re: Easy cutting for Aluminum plate/sheet
Use a plasma cutter with a piece of baseboard trim as a guide. Quick, clean edges and easy.
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Current project 1959 Willys = GEZR TRUK Geezer is a Latin compound word made up of two roots. Gee meaning Urine Stain and Zer meaning your pants are open! FMCDH GBU and GBA http://www.youtube.com/user/aknovaman/videos |
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05-22-2016, 12:28 PM
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#10 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Motown
Posts: 7,680
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Re: Easy cutting for Aluminum plate/sheet
now i use this
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cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk buildhow to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer |
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05-22-2016, 08:14 PM
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#11 |
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meowMEOWmeowMEOW
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: MKE WI
Posts: 7,128
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Re: Easy cutting for Aluminum plate/sheet
Those are some good idea's guys!
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'66 Short Step / SD Tuned / Big Cam LQ4 / Backhalfed /Built 4l80e / #REBUILDEVERYTHING |
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05-26-2016, 02:34 PM
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#12 |
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It's Better With Nitro
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Chino Hills, CA
Posts: 2,262
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Re: Easy cutting for Aluminum plate/sheet
I typically use a bandsaw to make cuts on aluminum thicker than my tin snips will handle. The abrasive cutters can generate enough heat to warp 0.125 aluminum.
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