Cutting aluminum

[jd9737]

I have a couple of projects I'm working on and need a little advise. I need to cut 4.5" diameter circles out of a 4' x8' sheet of aluminum .032" thick. I'm using a PRS Standard. These are my questions:

What is the best bit to use and how many passes should I make?

Should a use my vacuum pumps or just clamp it down?

Should I use tabs or leave a skin and grind off the rest? I'm looking for the cleanest edge possible.

Can I drill 1/4" holes in the material as well?

Thanks.

[dana_swift]

I would clamp it down, I posted a youtube video on cutting aluminum with the particulars you are looking for.

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

If you use vacuum, this is a great time to use the technique Brady just posted.

D

[jd9737]

Thanks Dana

[dana_swift]

Have you cut your parts yet? How did it go?

In the video you can see all I use is compressed air for coolant. I happen to have used a 0.125 bit but you could use a .25 if you want to.

Take some pictures of your project and post them here, most of us like to see what each other are up to. We get ideas of how to cover our respective shops with more sawdust, and how to get rid of it afterward.

D

[jd9737]

I just got back in town. Will be cutting the end of the week.

Thanks.