tct router bits on aluminium.

[striker]

Has anyone tried this. Im wanting to trim some aluminium sheet back to a steel frame so was thinking of a flush trim bit with bearing to run down to the steel frame. Aluminium is rivetted and pu bonded. I know the speeds of a router would be too fast. I cant fit the router in anyway so was thinking of using my windy drill which runs quite slow in comparison.

So what d you think? Aluminium is 1,5mm thick.

Any recommendstions on quality bits?

Thanks, Paul.

 

[Windy Miller]

I have no idea on the suitability of the TCT bits, but for a lower speed maybe you could try plugging the router into a 110V transformer. Assuming that it's not a 110V router of course!

 

[KemppiFrog]

I did a bit of ally window work and used a little 1/4" router to cut the slots. Speed control would be nice, but I didn't have it then.
With the windy, bit of a problem holding it square, not having a base plate like the router. Rig something up?
I used HSS router bits then. Can't see a prob with TCT, much better. Pait some parrafin on as coolant/lube?

I assume it is that tube frame, ally skin job in the background of the pic of your tube bender. Care to say what it is? Teardrop? Just curious
KF

 

[striker]

Yeah KF its a teardrop. Looking for a quicker way to trim back the door holes.....

 

[piman]

Hello Paul,

you shouldn't have a problem, just be careful to keep the router under control. From time to time I cut aluminium sheet with my portable TCT saw.
Aluminium is machined with a very high cutting speed so that shouldn't cause any bother but a lubricant will help the finish.

Alec

 

[chevy2]

I often use a hand held planer with tungsten blades on aluminium doors without problems.

 

[striker]

Thanks Alec. I know to machine aluminium at high speeds on my lathe or drilling etc.. But thin sheet tends to warp or melt at edges when it gets hot....this is my concern...
Paul.

 

[pedrobedro]

If you are just trimming the aluminium sheet to the edge of the frame you could safely use a 120 grit fibre disc on your drill or grinder, put some candle wax on the disc face and it will do the job nicely.

 

[striker]

Thats the method I used to do the outside profile pedro. I had it held with clecos then.it warped a little but flattened back as it cooled...Its now rivetted and bonded
..will the pu adhesive melt? When I did the profiles I was concious of moving one end to other to prevent overheating...

 

[justmental]

this is on a big lump of aluminium (not me doing it).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz9GaMfokKM

 

[ford34/2]

Routering Aluminium

There are specific cutters manufactured for aluminium. Trend do a large selection, bog standard cutters might well clog up when the aluminium welds it self to the cutter flutes, try a lubricant to help. do be extra careful using both hands on the machine,use guides if possible,take small cuts and clamp the material., + GOGGLES.

Cutter are designed to plunge and machine or mill lateral slots.
All aluminium tooling should be used with a coolant, wax stick or lubricant.
Material should be securely clamped.
Single flute helical for drilling and slotting, cutting aluminium anodised duralium and uPVC plastic.
Ideal for recessing and slotting extrusions.
HSSE is a special grade for machining the most abrasive anodised finishes.
For grooving and profiling of aluminium and plastics.
and if possible keep the speed down--Recommended speed 1000-10000 rpm

Stan