cutting 3mm thick aluminium

[cwilson]

what is the best why to cut aluminium as i have some for a chassis but i dont know how to cut it neatly?

[ryan_93]

tin snips / gilbows and a file will do the job

[dodgydiy]

3mm alloy, you wont cut that with tin snips!! hacksaw or bandsaw i would go for, then clean up edges with a file and 80 then 120 grit aluminium oxide paper, unless you know an ironmonger with proper cutting equipment like gallows

[DCM]

Jigsaw, if you got the facility to clamp it down, then a file, to smooth it off.

[alan041049]

Best way is with a dremil, as this will give less resistance to bending / and twisting.

[Conrad]

Jigsaw with a cutting blade meant or cutting 3mm aluminium. Clamp it down and let rip, tidy up with a file and sandpaper after.

[dodgydiy]

unless you are like me and cant cut strait with a jigsaw to save my life!!

[jameswilkinson7]

tin snips / gilbows and a file will do the job

Yep decent gilbows wil do it no worries... Ive done it loads of times.:D

[cwilson]

what are gilbows?

[jameswilkinson7]

what are gilbows?

http://www.tooled-up.com/SearchBasic.asp?Keywords=gilbow&SearchType=2&referrer=googleallterms&gclid=CPyolc6Q4psCFUQA4wod1R_w-w


Decent tin snips!:D

[Rebelrc]

Personaly i wouldnt touch the snips gilbows jig saw or dremmel......i allways use a chop saw (wood one with an ali blade) they are quick(matter of seconds) and have clamps to safely hold the work peice and have calibrated angles....lovaley.....oh watch your fingers be very carefull:)
the only prob with this is small bits are a tad dangerous for this i use the mill
if anyone wants a mini mill brand new for about £250 feel free to pm me....its not mine just the company where i got mine...

[jameswilkinson7]

Personaly i wouldnt touch the snips gilbows jig saw or dremmel......i allways use a chop saw (wood one with an ali blade) they are quick(matter of seconds) and have clamps to safely hold the work peice and have calibrated angles....lovaley.....oh watch your fingers be very carefull:)
the only prob with this is small bits are a tad dangerous for this i use the mill
if anyone wants a mini mill brand new for about £250 feel free to pm me....its not mine just the company where i got mine...


:cry:FINGERS:cry:

[Rebelrc]

Snips distort the ali ....if not the work piece the sheet your cutting from...they are quite wastefull:cry:

[Rebelrc]

It is not the best mill in the world but it works fine for what us rc'ers need..as you have probably seen my Rebelb4...if not look in my album
oh and sorry the mill retails at about £310 inc vat
Mill info
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/cmd10-micro-milling-drilling-machine (http://www.oople.com/forums/www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/cmd10-micro-milling-drilling-machine)
and the best number to ring is 01304373434
and ask for Nick and say i put you in his direction ( Scott Dickinson, you might even get a little discount) he will be able to help you out with what you need accesories etc....he knows what i use £6 vice etc;)...and the mail order bit
cheers
P.S does the link work?

[paul01ews]

Hi, The links not working for me????

W.

[simoncrabb]

The link needs an http:// too.

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/cmd10-micro-milling-drilling-machine

[Candyman]

For cutting 3mm ally use a vice, hacksaw and files, thats it. I have a milling machine and a scroll saw but wouldnt dream of using that to cut shapes out of thin ally, you can very quickly bend it and end up starting again. Below are some parts I made in 3mm using a vice, hacksaw and a few files. Its not hard, just take your time and do a good job :)


http://www.ukmonsters.co.uk/mays%20flame%20truck/1.JPG

http://www.ukmonsters.co.uk/greenflame/1s.JPG

http://www.ukmonsters.co.uk/oldmadwebspace/jpsrazor/5.JPG

(some parts are 6mm but i cut that the same way)

[Rebelrc]

Cool truck......very nice
suppose we all use different methods:)

[SimonW]

If you have money and access to autocad mechanical or a similar program on a computer you could draw it up and convert it to DXF file and take it to an engineering company that has a water jet cutter, just give them your disc and alloy sheet then pick it up in a couple of days if they are not to busy. Could cost up to £200 though. You wouldn't have to finish it or risk any limbs and it would be accurate and ready to bolt straight on too.

[jameswilkinson7]

If you have money and access to autocad mechanical or a similar program on a computer you could draw it up and convert it to DXF file and take it to an engineering company that has a water jet cutter, just give them your disc and alloy sheet then pick it up in a couple of days if they are not to busy. Could cost up to £200 though. You wouldn't have to finish it or risk any limbs and it would be accurate and ready to bolt straight on too.

Yep... I agree with this chap... If what you want is fairly simple you can do them a sketch, they will then draw it up for you to check... Also i think aluminium can be laser cut up to around 6mm. I recon no more than £50.. Try lasershape http://www.lasershape.com/ We use them at work and they are very good.:D