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View Full Version : Cutting aluminium? Cheap candle makes excellent stick lubricant



Jekyll and Hyde
13th Dec 2013, 06:02 PM
As far as a tip goes, although not strictly machining related - whenever you're cutting aluminium, a cheap candle makes an excellent stick of lubricant. If hacksawing, just take a couple of shallow cuts into the candle, then have at it. If using an angle grinder with a 1mm cutoff wheel, start the grinder up and rub the end of the candle against both sides of the disc - you'll see it impregnate into the disc as you do it. Would also probably help those using bandsaws with no coolant, could start it up and hold the candle gently onto the teeth. Doesn't take much, I've had the same 20mm diameter candle for about 5 years, plenty of life left in it.