[SOLVED] Home power tools for cutting aluminum?

[Proprietary Software]

I don't know if this is the right section to post this thread... I currently have a GOXAWEE rotary tool, but its cutting wheels are just not strong enough to cut through aluminum. Can someone recommend me a home power cutting tool for this?

 

[kanewolf]

What thickness of aluminum ?

 

[USAFRet]

That is just a Dremel knockoff. Given the proper cutting wheel, that should absolutely cut alu.

Unless, of course, you're trying to cut through 1" plate.

What are you actually trying to cut?

 

[Proprietary Software]

What thickness of aluminum ?

That is just a Dremel knockoff. Given the proper cutting wheel, that should absolutely cut alu.

Unless, of course, you're trying to cut through 1" plate.

What are you actually trying to cut?

The plate is 1/4 inch thick. Am I doing it wrong...? I am cramping the speed setting max and it is barely making a dent.

 

[USAFRet]

The plate is 1/4 inch thick. Am I doing it wrong...? I am cramping the speed setting max and it is barely making a dent.

Well...0.25" is a bit much for a Dremel.
A jigsaw would be much better, and then cleanup with the Dremel.

 

[USAFRet]

It can be done with your existing tool, but you'd have to take very thin bites, again and again.
Replacing cutoff wheels regularly.

 

[Proprietary Software]

A jigsaw would be much better, and then cleanup with the Dremel.

Is there any jigsaw brand you would particularly recommend to a beginner like me?

 

[USAFRet]

Is there any jigsaw brand you would particularly recommend to a beginner like me?

For light use, any of them with an appropriate metal cutting blade.

What are you trying to cut?

 

[kanewolf]

What are you trying to cut?

That is the important question. If you are trying to cut square stock then a band saw or cutoff saw. Holes in aluminum plate would best be a jigsaw. Use a drill to create an opening for the blade. It depends on what you are cutting.

 

[Proprietary Software]

That is the important question. If you are trying to cut square stock then a band saw or cutoff saw. Holes in aluminum plate would best be a jigsaw. Use a drill to create an opening for the blade. It depends on what you are cutting.

I am just trying to cut my aluminum plates to proper dimensions. The band saws are very expensive though...

 

[Calvin7]

4 in. Angle Grinder
https://www.harborfreight.com/corded-4-12-in-43-amp-angle-grinder-69645.html

4 in. x 1/16 in. x 5/8 in. Type 1 Metal Cut-Off Disc
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Avanti-...-1-Metal-Cut-Off-Disc-PBD040063101F/202830986

 

[USAFRet]

Several tools will do this.
But a Dremel knockoff is NOT the tool for 1/4" alu plate.

 

[tennis2]

+1 for jigsaw. That's what I use. Doesn't have to be expensive.

Why so thick of plate? What's this going to be?

 

[John553]

A jigsaw will work with a good metal cutting blade. Also get a fairly coarse blade since the aluminum unlike other metals will actually melt and fill in the teeth on finer blades, making them useless after cutting a few inches (yeah I've tried it before). You'll also probably need more than one blade. A jigsaw like this is probably adequate.

 

[digitalgriffin]

Is there any jigsaw brand you would particularly recommend to a beginner like me?

Dremel makes one for hobbyist. But you could also use an industrial nibbler. Non industrial will get you up to about 3/32"

 

[digitalgriffin]

A jigsaw will work with a good metal cutting blade. Also get a fairly coarse blade since the aluminum unlike other metals will actually melt and fill in the teeth on finer blades, making them useless after cutting a few inches (yeah I've tried it before). You'll also probably need more than one blade. A jigsaw like this is probably adequate.

Cutting 2021 was always a pain.