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  1. #1
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    Default routing Aluminum

    Can a router table with a pattern following bit be used cut 1/2 inch thick aluminum attached to a pattern? I need to cut different parts for a belt grinder I am making.

    Thanks

  2. #2
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Quote Originally Posted by Woodturner101 View Post
    Can a router table with a pattern following bit be used cut 1/2 inch thick aluminum attached to a pattern? I need to cut different parts for a belt grinder I am making.

    Thanks
    It really depends what exactly you are trying to do?

    In general a router can be used on aluminium, with some provisos and usual PPE requirements.
    Rub wax on the bit and on the edge/path of the metal the bit will travel over.
    Practice on another piece of ally to determine optimum bit speed.
    Watch out for the swarf as it will be razor sharp

  3. #3
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    Should be alright. I'd rough cut the shape very close to the pattern so that a minimum amount is being removed by the router. I use kerosine as a lubricant when turning or milling Al.

  4. #4
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    Burraboy,

    Have you actually cut aluminium with a router using kerosine a lube/cutting agent?
    Sure! I am aware that kerosine does have a low flashpoint. Given that I still would be concerned about a flash fire from the vapour generated being ignited by the arcing from the brushes.I have routed aluminium edges but with no lube,I didn,t like the sharp swarf so I gave it away.

    Grahame

  5. #5
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    Default Aluminium

    Hi Woodturner101,

    Here is an article on cutting Aluminium alloys with CNC routers. While you may not have a CNC machine some of the points maybe helpful to you.

    http://blog.cnccookbook.com/2012/03/...tting-success/

    Not sure why that's not a clickable link but copy and paste are modern day miracles

    Cheers

    The Beryl Bloke
    Equipment er.... Projects I own

    Lathes - Sherline 4410 CNC
    Mills - Deckel FP2LB, Hardinge TM-UM, Sherline 2000 CNC.

  6. #6
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    I use a spray pack of CRC Trefolex - http://www.crcindustries.com.au/tref...dt-cutting-oil - when I use a jig saw on aluminium, and it works quite well. It's a thick goop so it stays in place so you don't have to try to spray it on as you go!

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Grahame Collins View Post
    Burraboy,

    Have you actually cut aluminium with a router using kerosine a lube/cutting agent?
    Sure! I am aware that kerosine does have a low flashpoint. Given that I still would be concerned about a flash fire from the vapour generated being ignited by the arcing from the brushes.I have routed aluminium edges but with no lube,I didn,t like the sharp swarf so I gave it away.

    Grahame
    Sort of, but not exactly. I use a router cutter in an engravers pantograph to cut wide slots in Al tube. I have a sacrificial wooden plug thru the middle of the tube and that is soaked in kero beforehand. The swarf is extremely fine and certainly not sharp, it leaves a fine burr on the tube. There is never any smell of kero. I do use kero straight and liberally when turning Al in the lathe, never any vapor worries there either.
    Router bits are fine with Al, but if worried about kero as a lubricant then use something else. There are some good suggestions here.

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