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Post by Deleted on Jul 4, 2012 22:53:52 GMT
Somewhere on here was a very nice guide to cutting holes in aluminium along with the correct tools required for the job.
If I remember correctly the guide did not cover cutting panels from larger sheets of ally.
I was having a go at this, practice run really, with the Aclass amp boards peaking over the horizon.
I was using my very old Bosch jig saw to cut through 5mm ally. Now I know the saw was beyond its best but it slowed down and died. I can't complain after more than 20 years of trusty service and it was only a basic model.
So, what is the best way of accurately cutting 5mm ally, especially with front panels cut from a larger piece in mind and the most appropriate tools for the job?
TIA
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2012 16:05:23 GMT
Bump
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Post by gommer on Jul 11, 2012 17:01:30 GMT
inaccurate: jig saw accurate: panel saw with appropriate blade very accurate: metal router cut-outs with punches (very expensive and possibly not available for 5mm thickness), otherwise, again: router or jigsaw and file
I would order them ready made in a metal shop. IMO, thickness is the main trouble for DIY.
Cheers, Marc
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Will
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Post by Will on Jul 13, 2012 20:24:15 GMT
Not done it myself, but I've heard of people cutting ali with a power miter saw with a suitable blade, and also a circular saw. Doing longer straight cuts with the the circular saw could be straight forward if you use a straight edge to guide the saw. Just make sure the metal is properly clamped
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jonclancy
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Post by jonclancy on Jul 18, 2012 2:17:16 GMT
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Crispy
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Post by Crispy on Jul 19, 2012 19:49:10 GMT
Chris, my brother works in an aluminium factory and I asked him how they cut alloy - his answer was with a guillotine. I said what if you don't have a guillotine? his answer was use a hacksaw. So your best bet would be to get the supplier to cut it for you?
I have read somewhere that ordinary woodcutting tools like circular saws etc are OK with the correct cutting blades? but don't ask which ones.
Hope this helps
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Post by Deleted on Jul 20, 2012 22:06:42 GMT
Cheers guys,
Looks like all roads lead back to Italy or the local metal shop.
I was warned off using the ali blades in a normal circular saw as being dangerous.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 9, 2012 23:41:35 GMT
Hi Chris, the average DIY bods like us will always find it difficult to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. That's just about what we are trying to do in any project if we are limited in our tool selection. With regard to metal working I very quickly came to realise that woodworking machinery is not built to handle metals. Yes I've cut ally with my bandsaw it works with the right blade but is not good for the saw plus you get metal shards going into places you'd rather not. Wood saw dust every where is one thing metal chips are a menace. Similar story with the table saw, blades are available but I'd rather not. Sure you could cut all your ally with a good hacksaw and appropriate simple jigs for repetitive cuts and to hold it steady. That's how I cut the multiple bits for my heat sinks...........won't do that again so buy your heat sinks ready made and all your ally cut to size, pop rivets are very effective at bringing the whole together. Try this link www.clickmetal.co.uk/REgards, Alan
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Post by Deleted on Aug 10, 2012 0:19:12 GMT
Hi Alan For the 15W Class A, if you are using suitable sized heatsinks, you could use a couple of 2U panels like these : www.altronics.com.au/index.asp?area=item&id=H5112You could then drill and tap holes (e.g. 4mm) in the top and bottom of the heatsinks for attaching the top and bottom aluminium sheets cut to size as you linked to. The front and rear panels would of course need larger tapped threads. Kind Regards Alex
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Crispy
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Post by Crispy on Aug 10, 2012 16:32:49 GMT
Hi Chris, buy your heat sinks ready made and all your ally cut to size REgards, Alan Chris I agree with Alan you are best to get the alloy already cut. I will be starting my own project soon?? Two XA 50 clone mono amps. I got the factory to cut and weld me the cases to my specs - £30 each saves alot of bother.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 10, 2012 19:00:13 GMT
I like your idea of an "X-Block" (trying to avoid X-Box ) as apposed to X-Can Re the ally; I'd come to pretty much the same conclusion from reading around. We have a couple of ally/steel/iron fabricators locally, so should be OK.
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