Routers cutter for aluminium

[RobinBHM]

What type of cutter should I use to machine aluminium. It will be for light trimming of edges.

I seem to remember somebody here posted a link to a carbide milling cutter........

Cheers Robin

 

[LancsRick]

Have a look at some of the homebrew CNC sites like OpenBuilds, lots of info on there about cutting ali

 

[RobinBHM]

Many thanks, Ill have a look.

 

[Racers]

I use imperial end mills or slot drills for aluminium tungsten or HSS, and wood! they are cheap and work very well.

Pete

 

[marcros]

I just used a standard carbide router bit when I had to rout some aluminium.

 

[woodpig]

I personally wouldn't use standard (wood cutting) carbide bits for cutting aluminium in a router. If the carbide shatters the bits could go anywhere. All the router bits I've seen to cut aluminium were solid HSS but there may be some solid carbide out there. Make sure you wear eye protection.

 

[NazNomad]

Don't forget you need to lay the router on its side on a wobbly stool for best results.

I'M JOKING - DON'T DO THIS

 

[Racers]

I personally wouldn't use standard (wood cutting) carbide bits for cutting aluminium in a router. If the carbide shatters the bits could go anywhere. All the router bits I've seen to cut aluminium were solid HSS but there may be some solid carbide out there. Make sure you wear eye protection.

I have some solid tungsten slot drills that I use for wood they are designed for metal.
My 1/4" one just won't wear out its like this one http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-4-6-35mm-SO ... SwmmxW4We-
I did a 1/4 round over with a cheap 1/4" shank router bit with no problems.

Obviously think of what could go wrong and protect your self in case it does happen.

Pete

 

[RobinBHM]

I personally wouldn't use standard (wood cutting) carbide bits for cutting aluminium in a router. If the carbide shatters the bits could go anywhere. All the router bits I've seen to cut aluminium were solid HSS but there may be some solid carbide out there. Make sure you wear eye protection.

I have some solid tungsten slot drills that I use for wood they are designed for metal.
My 1/4" one just won't wear out its like this one http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-4-6-35mm-SO ... SwmmxW4We-
I did a 1/4 round over with a cheap 1/4" shank router bit with no problems.

Obviously think of what could go wrong and protect your self in case it does happen.

Pete

Fantastic -I think thats what I saw posted previously. Many thanks, Ill buy one and give it a go

 

[RobinBHM]

Don't forget you need to lay the router on its side on a wobbly stool for best results.

I'M JOKING - DON'T DO THIS

Did you not like my youtube video then?

Thanks all for the safety warnings, I hadnt thought that much about that. Ill be using a table and will use face protection.