Tips To Help You Cut and Shape Aluminium Like a Pro

Aluminium cutting can be very challenging because of its soft components and an exceedingly low melting point. To avoid extorting the metal, it is advisable to use the right cutting methods and take all the necessary precautions. When aluminium is exposed to air, an oxide layer coats the metal, making it porous. Cutting an oxidised aluminium will cause unwanted deficiencies. It is essential to remove the oxide layer with a steel brush before cutting, grating or finishing the aluminium. Here are tips to reduce challenges associated with cutting aluminium.

Use the Right Tools

Using the right cutter will make it easy for you to cut aluminium. You cannot use cutters such as Downcut spirals, but wood-cutting saws fixed with carbide-tipped edges are ideal for cutting the metal. Reducing the size of the carbide-tipped blades will make the cutting less challenging. Cutting aluminium is already puzzling, and using the wrong machinery will make it even worse.

Lubricate your Blades

Aluminium can easily stick to your blades during cutting. Lubricating your cutting edges will ease the process since the tendency to stick to the cutter will have been resolved. This will also help you avoid sparks and slippage when cutting a metal with another metal. You can use saw wax or regular oil to grease the edges. Aluminium chips can easily be welded to your cutter, and you often should check the cutting machine to clear out the chips.

Take Your Time

Speedy cutting of aluminium can be disastrous unless you are using the appropriate machine. This doesn't mean that you should go too slow because slow speed will make the metal stick to your cutter. 1000-1500 SFM is the ideal speed of your spindle for this process. Do not attempt to take deep cuts--be slow and firm, by giving the cutting machine time to perform its task.

Retain a Constant Temperature

Aluminium has poor tolerance to high temperatures, and any slight heat condition change will lead to poor workmanship and wastage due to melting. You should always use cutting machines than can maintain the stipulated temperature. Keeping an acceptable cutting speed will not increase temperature, ensuring the process goes smoothly. 

Aluminium is very soft compared to other metals but more costly. Its high affinity to sticking to the cutting edges and melting quickly causes challenges during cutting. It can easily get damaged with the slightest change in temperature or use of a wrong cutting machine. Applying appropriate measures will make cutting less challenging.