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I have some aluminum. It's 1 1/2 inches in diameter. The outer layer is composed of 6 series aluminum and the inner is 7075. I've been going at it with a metal abrasive saw with a 14" aluminum oxide blade, which works well but notice that the blade is getting real hot causing the the inner and outer aluminum to attach to each other. What's the best way or a good way to cut aluminum. Open to any suggestions metal band saw, better type of blade, etc,...
I'd zip it with a Sawzall
Wouldn't that fall under zinc?
most times when i get heavy aluminum to cut i use the skill saw with a carbide blade ,....you have to be carefull ,know how to use a circular saw ,and really really have good eye protection ,....it's tricky ,dangerous and dulls the blade ,but a good carbide blade will zip right threw aluminum ........disclaimer =....i often do things that would make an osha rep have a heart attack and often have to tell peaple "don't try this at home" ,....so use common sence
I've cut aluminum on the job with a regular carbide blade on a miter saw
I used plasma cutters, saw zaw and grinders with waffer disc that cut but were slow, crooked and sloppy. I prefer wood tools for long or many cuts( table, miter, or skill saw) I tried a 10 inch non ferrous blade($80) and was good not great. My best was a 3 pack of dewalt 7 1/4 skill saw blades from lowes used on table saw for sheet alum 1/4 thick. Use common sense and protection
use cutting oil to cool the blade
use a coarse blade, al is soft and when it heats up it clogs the teeth of fine blades
Skill saw with non ferrous blade.
Carbide-tipped wood demo sawzall blade by Diablo. I used one to cut some similar stuff and it worked great! Recommended to me by someone here on the forum, but can't remeber who to credit.
I cut all the ends off this irrigation pipe with a chainsaw after struggling with a Sawzall on the first batch. Never again with a Sawzall. I'm thinking it would work on a bed frame that I have. I used old chains that I discarded but surprisingly enough, it would still cut wood afterwards.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a4...D550/ry%3D400/
A chainsaw to cut metal!!!??? That's ballsy. I like it. Ive hit a nail before with a chainsaw cutting fenceposts and came close to being casted in a Hellraiser movie...
lol Voodoo, I've never thought about using a chainsaw to cut metal like that. Huh.
chainsaws work great on lead, and ok for trailer house demo to cut the sheet metal, studs, etc. never tried aluminum. still kicks back though if not careful. Dont recommend using a new chain. Would use a chain you dont mind ruined.
I guess I am the odd man out here. My preferred method is diamond ceramic cutting wheels. You can get them from 4-10 inches. If they start plugging the abrasive tap it on rebar or mild steel. This cleans the abrasive and wears it to clean abrasive. If heat really becomes an issue use a tile / wet saw. just add a bit of WD40 of favorite oil to the water it pumps.
stihl makes a carbide tipped rescue chain of there saws.
Eric
I have heard people talk about titanium chains, not sure what they are meant for, just a random addition to the discussionQuote:
Originally Posted by etack
They are one time use by the fire dept. for rescues like cutting through house walls, telephone poles anything with the possibility of it having metal in it.
I have some in on a fire dept been trying to get one for a while even a used one would be cool. https://www.google.com/search?q=stih...e=off&tbm=shop
Eric
take a candle and use it like a crayon on the sawzall blade. this will prevent the aluminum build up on a metal blade. You will have to do this often; but after a few cuts and the blade still looks brand new you will find it well worth the trouble.
this whole 'use common sense' doesnt help people without power tools experience
If they lack "common sense" I dont see what they are doing using power tools let alone without supervision. This is only a recipe for disaster, and it is never a matter of IF but of WHEN. Even though they are relatively safe to use, every time you pick up any tool, powered or otherwise you accept the fact you could be hurt, maimed or killed.Quote:
Originally Posted by bluemeate
Just my $0.02 on it.
A buddy of mine who's in the logging business once told me you put the chain on backwards to cut metal similar to the way its done with a circular saw. THIS IS JUST HEARSAY so don't go doing it unless you can find out more I'm just bringing it up in case anyone has knowledge of this. So don't hold me responsible for lost appendages puncture wounds etc
Thanks for all the advice guys. I'm cutting 40mm bullet casings. Been at it for the past month and these suckers are TOUGH!!!. I've gotten a chop saw used a diamond tipped blade with it. The aluminum would melt to the blade, so I sent the blade back. Next the chop saw when out. I upgraded to a vertical band saw which is better but with the set up I have now. There is movement on the material when I cut it so now I've gone through 3 blades. 2 came from the guy a bought the bandsaw from and the last one I just bought two days ago. All the blades are Lenox and they are good blades I believe it's the vibrations towards the end of the cut that are causing the breakage. I'll upload the picture of my set up. If you have any suggestions plz let me know about stopping the vibrations or a better holder for the cartridges. Thanks
Photos!! We need photos! Of your sawing setup.
I assume you are talking about cutting the cartridge cases, which sound like they are aluminum...not actually the bullets, which probably are not cased in aluminum?
It sounds like you are cutting the cartridges apart to separate the two alloys of aluminum? Which way are you cutting the case? I'm guessing in half the "hard" way?
You need at least two teeth in the cut to avoid vibration and damage to the teeth. To keep the aluminum from sticking to the blade, you need to run a coolant...if I'm not mistaken you can use something like varsol.
If you are using a vertical bandsaw, is designed as a wood cutting bandsaw or a metal cutting saw? The actual band speed is important for what you are cutting.
A few photos might help us make a few more detailed suggestions.
Jon.