Cutting alum 6061-T6

[Greg Mitchell]

Albert,How would one go about ripping 1/2" off of a say 2' length of alum with hacksaw?I cut a length off of a 9" piece and filed but it's nowhere near as clean, straight or professional looking as a cut with drop saw (alum cutting blade installed). Plus the longer the cut the more problematic the bar frame of hacksaw becomes. Simply gets in the bloody way. Any hints to avoid this would be greatfully appreciated.Apparently the Triton 2000 Work Centre, is an ideal bench saw arrangement for most cutting jobs. Use the alum cutting blades ande ensure the saw rpm does not exceed the rpm rating of the blade.Are you thinking about attending Cooma Nationals Mark?Cheers Mark,[]Thanks to all. Have a Happy Festive Season.[]Mitch.www.thebutterfly.info

[NiqueNaque]

Greg,Plasma cutter...Cheers,Nick.

[asra]

Yet another practical response from Nick....L.Magner

[Greg Mitchell]

Albert and All,Went to a Mates place this morning to borrow welder (modified boat trailer to carry Butterfly) and discussed my question re hacksaw cutting a long length off of a piece of angle. This guy is a retired Air Traffic Controller. Well the answer to my question seemed so bloody obvious after he told me. The blade can be set at a 90 degree angle to the saw frame. (given the hacksaw has this capability built in.) I don't think this would be much fun at all and be difficult given the angle of the handle grip. What do you think? Think I'll stick with the trusty drop saw and table saw.Thanks for all the practical and humorous responses.Mitch.www.thebutterfly.info

[asra]

The best, high speed with as many carbure teeth as possible!!!Image Insert: 24.19 KBsalutations []André Martin.Québec; CANADA.

[asra]

[Greg Mitchell]

Hello Andre,[]I have similar drop saw. Nice unit. Here is a pic of the Triton Work Centre 2000 (Table Saw). Salutations and Merry Christmas.Mitch.Image Insert: 59.15

[asra]

My 2 cents worth, up untill I discovered water cutting I allways just used a hand held jigsaw with a metal cutting blade to do plate and a drop bandsaw for the other stuff.M Barker

[Greg Mitchell]

Murray, are you talking 'abrasive jet cutting and if so, what sort of $$ per mtr on 1/8" to 3/8" plate? You've got me interested. I like what I've read about it so far, seems you need a good machine a great operator and an excellent program to exact the best results.Must be getting close to watching Allan do the first run up.[]Image Insert: 16.1

[asra]

[asra]

Maybe you went to the wrong place John,We make a CAD drawing on disk and the water cut place just loads it and away you go.If the place has to draw your design for you its a bit more expensive,its all computer run.A set of cluster plates for the latest two seater was around $40,(16 items)but the more you do the cheaper it gets per set.Anyone in any sort of production run it would be the only way to go.M Barker

[Greg Mitchell]

CNC milling runs out to 2-3 times more expensive, than direct import from US. I'll gets some prices on abrasive jet cutting. Thanks guys, very helpfull.Mitch.www.thebutterfly.info

[Greg Mitchell]

Murray,Top engine mounts for Butterfly 254mm long, 50.8mm wide and 1cm (3/8") thick, with four holes...Minimum charge $120....Program fee $10....Cut only $16.17 each plus GST.Front Lower Mount...(roughly same dimensions.$10 Program FeeCut Only $14.66 Each plus GST Rear Lower Mount is 400mm by 50.8mm by 3/8"$10 Program feeCut Only $21.35 each plus GST.Allow five days from order.Most cutters I've talked to is cut only fee, not wanting to get involved with specialty alloy and cert papers, so I'd have to get the sheets to them also. Freight sheet to them, freight product to me, then anodising...starting to add up...not sure if I can get close to bulk buying from Larry.Murray how do these prices compare with your QLD Cutter? Can you be more specific about your 16 items costing $40 are you saying you had 16 1/8" cluster plates cut at that price? Maybe I should sub-contract the work to you Murray.Regards,Mitch.www.thebutterfly.info

[asra]

Mitch, just send me the disk or a drawing of what you want done and i'll chase some prices for you.M Barker

[Greg Mitchell]

Murray,Will send drawings to your PC if you email me on rocksfly@dodo.com.au as I dont have your address.Merry Christmas.Mitch.www.thebutterfly.info