How to cut aluminum with no fire, electricity, or debris.
How to cut aluminum with no fire, electricity, or debris.
(OP)
Hey folks... I'm looking for a tool that SHOULD exist, but I don't know if it does nor what it's called if it's out there. I need to cut some aluminum plate, 3/16" material. Heat, abrasives and electrical tools are all out due to client restrictions. We are cutting a hole in the roof of an aluminum tank and nothing is allowed to fall into the tank.
It's a little much cutting to do with a chisel, but that's possible if we need to. So, what I'm picturing is like a lovechild between a sleever/crowbar and a P-38 can opener. Something with a pointed end that could be jabbed through metal (or through a hole started with a chisel) and also a cutting edge where the leverage of the bar would let you cut. Jab/pry/repeat.
Anyone see a contraption like that before? thanks and have a great weekend!
It's a little much cutting to do with a chisel, but that's possible if we need to. So, what I'm picturing is like a lovechild between a sleever/crowbar and a P-38 can opener. Something with a pointed end that could be jabbed through metal (or through a hole started with a chisel) and also a cutting edge where the leverage of the bar would let you cut. Jab/pry/repeat.
Anyone see a contraption like that before? thanks and have a great weekend!
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RE: How to cut aluminum with no fire, electricity, or debris.
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RE: How to cut aluminum with no fire, electricity, or debris.
If you can convince your client to allow power, then https://www.mcmaster.com/metal-shear/cutters/power..., some of which can cut 3/16" alumnimum.
This one is air-powered, but only to 1/8" https://www.mcmaster.com/3837A3/
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RE: How to cut aluminum with no fire, electricity, or debris.
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: How to cut aluminum with no fire, electricity, or debris.
RE: How to cut aluminum with no fire, electricity, or debris.
RE: How to cut aluminum with no fire, electricity, or debris.
You could try a router set to almost, cut through, then pry the metal up like opening a pull tab on a tin can. Try this first on scrap metal away from the tank to get the best settings.
B.E.
You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.
RE: How to cut aluminum with no fire, electricity, or debris.
it would almost be easier to cut the whole top off then remove it
then cut the opening, reclean the whole tank remove all debris
then re-weld it.
sounds more difficult, but easier in the long run.
some thing missed in fabrication?
RE: How to cut aluminum with no fire, electricity, or debris.
Walt
RE: How to cut aluminum with no fire, electricity, or debris.
Most air impact splitters are fabricated for thinner metals maxing out at 16 to 14 Ga However the idea could be scaled up and a custom splitter fabricated, Be aware the if the splitter is overloaded the penetrating tongue will snap off ( Ask me how I know about this.) If this happens on the tank the piece could be retrieved with a magnet on a line, but I do not think this is what the OPs customer wants.
You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.
RE: How to cut aluminum with no fire, electricity, or debris.
RE: How to cut aluminum with no fire, electricity, or debris.
Yes, that is why it should be used after a metal router reduces the thickness. The router depth and width should be tested with the selected air-impact splitter for compatibility on a representative specimen, especially with the apparent concern over metal chips and broken tool pieces falling into the tank.
Walt