BOTTOM FEEDERS= a place for everything modified and/or custom made

[EagleTa2]

I have this aluminum block of solid aluminum 1.25 x 4 x 10 and I'm stuck as to how the heck to cut it. I usually cut thinner aluminum plate on the table saw but this I haven't dared to try cutting it like that. I think I have to invest in a mitre saw

Capt Steve - with a decent non ferrous blade your table saw may just surprise you. If it were me, I would cut it slowly on the TS oversize so you would not need to worry about finish quality on the first cut. Then I would take a half kerf cut to clean it up and bring to your final rough dimension.

Heres a blade that I would actually trust to do it.

http://www.amazon.com/D1080N-Diablo...7563085&sr=1-2&keywords=non+ferrous+saw+blade

Let us know how it goes!
Geo

 

[custom-classic]

Nice CC. How do you intend to round them on the edges?

 

[custom-classic]

I have this aluminum block of solid aluminum 1.25 x 4 x 10 and I'm stuck as to how the heck to cut it. I usually cut thinner aluminum plate on the table saw but this I haven't dared to try cutting it like that. I think I have to invest in a mitre saw

I use a band saw.

 

[EagleTa2]

CC, what can you tell me about the tooling for the radius? It is a specialized cutter or a beefy router bit?

As I am considering trying more of working with aluminum I am wondering if I can repurpose some old router bits for light cuts or if I will need to invest in specialized tooling to do this type of work?

Right now I have a few old end mills that probably aren't good enough for stainless anymore, but work just fine for wood, plastics, and aluminum.

Thanks,
Geo

 

[custom-classic]

Hey Geo, that's a corner rounding end mill. 1/2" radius.

There are some videos on youtube of guys using router bits on aluminum, but I have not tried that...

 

[turbocad6]

I use router bits on aluminum all the time. works well for me

 

[CaptSteve]

Capt Steve - with a decent non ferrous blade your table saw may just surprise you. If it were me, I would cut it slowly on the TS oversize so you would not need to worry about finish quality on the first cut. Then I would take a half kerf cut to clean it up and bring to your final rough dimension.

Heres a blade that I would actually trust to do it.

Freud D1080N Diablo 10-Inch 80 Tooth TCG Non-Ferrous Metal and Plastic Cutting Saw Blade with 5/8-Inch Arbor and PermaShield Coating - Miter Saw Blades - Amazon.com

Let us know how it goes!
Geo

I always use the table saw but usually for thinner stock. just worried about the fact that this thing is an inch and a quarter thick

 

[CaptSteve]

I use a band saw.

Man you have guts, I just don't have the cojones to try the band saw with that thick stock

 

[turbocad6]

band saw would probably be best. believe it or not a good jig saw with the right tooth count could do it very well too

 

[turbocad6]

you need a band saw for metal, much much much slower than a wood band saw

 

[CaptSteve]

Hey Geo, that's a corner rounding end mill. 1/2" radius.

There are some videos on youtube of guys using router bits on aluminum, but I have not tried that...

What shank does that have CC? I'm looking for one but most good ones have 1" shank

 

[Quigsworth]

Hey Geo, that's a corner rounding end mill. 1/2" radius.

There are some videos on youtube of guys using router bits on aluminum, but I have not tried that...

I've also used router bits on AL but take small bites...the rake and cutting face angle are meant to clear wood chips, depending on the bit they can be pretty aggressive. Turbo has a pretty beafy mill (according to the pics) but on our mini mills, make sure to lock whatever axis's you're not moving, especially the z...a router bit can suck it's self into your work hard...not good if you're not totally on the stick

 

[TheBikeGuy]

Hey Geo, that's a corner rounding end mill. 1/2" radius.

There are some videos on youtube of guys using router bits on aluminum, but I have not tried that...

"Remember, any tool can be the right tool." - Red Green

 

[rolf]

just build this thing and trying it out..
holds 22 ml juece . in home made tank . sqonks nice and the best of all no leaks anywhere !

 

[custom-classic]

What shank does that have CC? I'm looking for one but most good ones have 1" shank

3/4" shank on this one.

SHARS 1 2 x 3 4" HSS Corner Rounding End Mill New | eBay

 

[Quigsworth]

"Remember, any tool can be the right tool." - Red Green

A guy from Kentucky quoting Red Green ...who'd a thought?

Next it'll be the Trailer Park Boys

 

[supertrunker]

i was told 'when you only have a hammer, every problem looks like a nail'.

T

 

[custom-classic]

A wise old man once told me, "Hey, you're gonna wanna make you some way covers...".

Man,..... I shoulda listened to that guy.

 

[custom-classic]

Now we're gettin' somewhere.....

 

[Bimini Twist]

Hey Bimini

I have a shopsmith for about 23 years now... not the same one, though. I sold mine to my dad and purchased my father in laws 510, so my original is still going strong. The 510 I bought from my F-I-L was actually a bit older than the one I sold, but hadn't logged as many hours.

Its really a sound machine and the build quality is excellent. Once you get used to thinking out your project a bit it really isn't a hinderance to have to change it over between modes. I would recommend one to someone without hesitation.

I am likely going to get the Grizzly table and vise. I am just too afraid of the rotten reviews on the china cross slide vices. It would be nice to have an extra main table to attach the x-y table to, but Ill figure it out and will let you know how it works...

thanks for the help, guys!!

Geo

Well, I'm new to the Shopsmith, and of course, as with all/most SS owners, space is an issue for me. The SS provides SO MANY tools in such a small space. Mine's a new Mark 7 and it has way surpassed my expectations. I've used it to make a fence, a (sort of) counter, pottery bench, a vape stand, . . . well that's about it so far. Still haven't put it in lathe mode, though.

I can't wait 'till that $500 $2 x-y vise arrives. Unbelievable, eh?

Love to hear your experience on that system.