Dremel Tip for Cutting Steel/Aluminum?

Tchail · Post by **Tchail** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 10:22 pm

I have several pieces of steel/aluminum channel to cut.

(That "L" shaped stuff that looks like it came from an Erector set."

I don't have time to cut it using a hacksaw, so I would like to use my Dremel tool and a cutting wheel.

Can anyone recommend the best cutting wheel?

Thanks in advance,

-Tchail

Tony Agustin · Post by **Tony Agustin** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 10:36 pm

I recommend these:
http://www.dremel.com/en-us/Accessories ... px?pid=456

Andrew Gorman · Post by **Andrew Gorman** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 11:43 pm

Those are a lot tougher than the silicon carbide cutting disks, but cut a wide and messy kerf. After learning patience I really like the brittle carbide disks better. Any side load and they will disintegrate on you, but make a nice cut.

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 11:55 pm

high speed steel http://www.widgetsupply.com/page/WS/PRO ... lade/BET40

rayra · Post by **rayra** » Tue Apr 10, 2012 6:36 pm

Just use the thick carbide disks. The trick to it is let the speed do the cutting. Do NOT bear down on the cutting bit. If things start to glow you are applying too much pressure. Letting speed do the work will preserve the bearings in your dremel, which don't hold up well to severe side-loading (pressure). You can get away with a bit more pressure if you have the wand attachment.
With just a little patience you can make very neat cuts with the carbide disks.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v95/r ... ontage.jpg

Umi_Ryuzuki · Post by **Umi_Ryuzuki** » Tue Apr 10, 2012 8:04 pm

Do you have a chop saw, or radial arm saw?
My friend, the metal worker uses a standard Ryobi chop saw to cut his stock.
He says, if it cuts wood, it will cut aluminium.

If it's small stock, then that little harbor freight chop saw would work also.

aussie muscle · Post by **aussie muscle** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 7:30 pm

don't forget ear protection, cutting metal is noisy.

Andrew Gorman wrote:Any side load and they will disintegrate on you, but make a nice cut...

...in your face as it becomes shrapnel!!

Glorfindel · Post by **Glorfindel** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 8:17 pm

aussie muscle wrote:don't forget ear protection, cutting metal is noisy.

Andrew Gorman wrote:Any side load and they will disintegrate on you, but make a nice cut...
...in your face as it becomes shrapnel!!

Eye protection too.....nothing hurts more then eyes son. Ever get a glance at Rosanne Barr. I rest my case.