Give me a brake!

[SavageSun4x4]

I need to make 3 cuts in some Alum stock 1/4" thick. Each cut needs to be about 20 in long.

I am thinking a press brake would be the best way, but not sure.

Anyone here in the E valley got a way to do it? quick and easy.

I made one cut but it was a struggle and slow using my angle grinder/cutoff wheel.

Its alum and not sure if plasma would be a good method or not????

;) what is your thinking?

[FrenchChili]

jigsaw

[TRLR8TDTJ]

Sawzall

[FrenchChili]

jigsaw

[shocker75]

A press brake will bend the alum. You require a shear. Or a jigsaw with a fine tooth blade. (around 18 tpi.)

[danno]

Don, Plasmas zip right though aluminum just like everything else...

[Hunter]

Well, plasma would do it, but considering it is .250, you are going to need a BIG plasma machine to do it clean.

Otherwise, if it were me, I would ship it out to BGB steel and have them whack it. They have a large shear that could handle that. They are out east, south Scottsdale area.

480-967-7004.

[SavageSun4x4]

Thanks all:

Sawsall: Didn't work all that well, maybe a different blade (I was using a metal cutter)

Jigsaw: Slow and kept breaking blades, .25 in is fairly thick

Angle grinder with cutoff wheel: Slow

Big part of my problem is holding it down while I am working on it.

I know where BGB steel is and that might be my best bet, thanks...I'll let you know how it turns out ;)

[OlneyJeeps]

Circular saw with a metal blade (preferrably a diamond tip (ie harbor freight) would make short work of your cut

whatever tool you use (jigsaw, circular saw, plasma cutter etc), use a piece of steel strap as a fence to guide (accellerates cut as well) cutting medium

[ob1jeeper]

Circular saw with a metal blade (preferrably a diamond tip (ie harbor freight) would make short work of your cut

whatever tool you use (jigsaw, circular saw, plasma cutter etc), use a piece of steel strap as a fence to guide (accellerates cut as well) cutting medium

X2... Also you can use a regular old fine tooth carbide tipped blade...:D ;)

However...you should know this about using either a diamond, or a carbide tip blade on a circular saw in aluminum...
- You need to go slow, and STRAIGHT, or else you'll bind the blade and break the tips off...:(
- It's gonna be NOISY
- The chips coming off the aluminum will be HOT... Hot enough to burn your skin...
- AND they will be flying EVERYWHERE...

I'd suggest you wer a pair of ear plugs, appropriate clothing, and don't forget GOOD quality eye protection...

Finally, have yourself a good shop vac at the ready to clean up, cause it's gonna be messy:eek: :p ;)

[SavageSun4x4]

Again, thanks to all for the help and suggestions. ;) ;)

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