cutting aluminum diamond plate

[Skyking1992]

Hi all,

I just spent the last week painting my car trailer. Now I'm replacing some aluminum diamond plate that I destroyed while removing. It's just decorative - .065 inch thick. I have a new piece of 4 ft by 8 ft coming today.

What's the best way to cut? Metal blade in a circular saw? Table saw? Cut off wheel?

Thanks,

Skyking1992

 

[MN4x4]

First choice, get a non-ferous blade for your saw.

Second choice, use a standard blade but install it backwards so it doesn't grab. The cut will be somewhat ragged, but it'll get the job done.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Does the place that you ordered it from not shear it to size ?

 

[BADSIX]

carbide blade on a skill saw, here were I work we cut 1/4" all the time with one
Jay D.

 

[rockwithjason]

I have had decent results with a cutoff wheel

 

[fnieto]

The best ways are:
Shear,Plasma,carbide,abrasive,jig saw.
(in order of best results)

 

[nehog]

We cut a ton of aluminum all the time and a saw with a fine toothed carbide tipped blade will do the trick just fine. I'd back it up on a piece of CDX ply to support it (yes, you cut the ply but...) and take it relatively slow and easy and you'll do OK. Just don't push! The cuts will be smooth, we use ATF (slightly used) as a cutting lubricant. Do use a lubricant as cutting dry will not give clean cuts.

 

[A**holes Garage]

The best ways are:
Shear,Plasma,carbide,abrasive,jig saw.
(in order of best results)

forgot water jet

 

[Disney]

Dual Saw. Haven't you seen the infomercials? http://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-double-cut-saw-68316.html

 

[Kevin54]

If you cut it with a saw, make sure you put masking tape down to protect the finish from scratching while cutting. Also if you use a circular saw with a carbide blade, get a face mask or some good eye protection....goggles preferably, and some good earplugs wouldn't hurt either.

BTW....don't have your shirt tucked in while cutting it. one hot chip with a tucked in shirt really makes for a sore spot .

 

[Daveco]

Circular saw.
On aluminum that thin, any fine tooth carbide blade will work. A blade specifically for non-ferrous will work a little bit better.
Use wax on the back side of the cut line to help prevent aluminum build-up on the blade teeth and for a cleaner cut. Any kind of wax will do, even plain old candle or canning wax.

 

[mybuick6]

i use a cut off wheel and cut slow

 

[fnieto]

A**holes garage pointed out I failed to mention Water jet. I also forgot Laser

 

[InPrimer]

If I may add, I always wear a long sleeve shirt, the metal fragments coming off the blade will remind you right quick.....