Cutting Alu

[rob]

hi all,
Just one question, what jigsaw blades are good for cutting aluminium ?
I can cut so far into a sheet of alu with a hacksaw no probs but when i use a jigsaw it takes forever so what am i doing wrong? sorry thats 2 questions.
Thanks,
ROB....

[botmad]

Cutting Alu

use a corse metal cutting blade medium fast speed but make sure you hold on tight to the jigsawas sometimes it will grab

[rob]

Cutting Alu

Thanks Pete.

[botmad]

Cutting Alu

no probs but be carfull please

[pressure]

Cutting Alu

Using a cutting oil solution/coolant will help as ally tends to get hot and clog blades, I also use it when drilling, softer grades of ally are worse for this.
It does make a bit of a mess though and keep it away from your electrical bits!

[typhoon_driver]

Cutting Alu

What thickness and grade of aluminium are you using?

I find that even the 5mm stuff off technobots can take a while depending on how sharp and new my blade is.

[antrock101]

Cutting Alu

u using the 5mm as a base or as armour?

[rob]

Cutting Alu

i dont know what grade it is but its 5mm thick and it was on an old dissused manhole we knocked down in work.
will be using it as a base tho.

[antrock101]

Cutting Alu

i though man hole covers were iron ?

[pressure]

Cutting Alu

Modern plastic drainage systems can have (particulaly smaller dia. access covers) cast aluminium covers. How thick is the cover in question? cast is not as tough as rolled or extruded ally.

[tunna]

Cutting Alu

parrafin is the correct lubricant for Aluminium

Der Boyz

[rob]

Cutting Alu

How thick is the cover in question? cast is not as tough as rolled or extruded ally.

i have 2 pieces at 1 metre square 5mm thick off a 1 metre by 2 metre square cso chamber.
i should have said chamber not manhole.