Cutting aluminum baking sheet

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So I have a few aluminum baking sheets and would like to bulid a shop sign. But here is my problem I do have a act/oxy torch but don't have a plasma. I mostly work with steel so this is kinda new to me. I was thinking of useing a jig saw with a fine toothed blade. And would a angle grinder work with a cut off wheel. ThanksMillermatic 211 with mvp plugs miller titanium series welding helmetstihl chain saws 8 ft welding table
Reply:Originally Posted by stihl91So I have a few aluminum baking sheets and would like to bulid a shop sign. But here is my problem I do have a act/oxy torch but don't have a plasma. I mostly work with steel so this is kinda new to me. I was thinking of useing a jig saw with a fine toothed blade. And would a angle grinder work with a cut off wheel. Thanks
Reply:Both will work. Think about getting a mid size die grinder and rotary files if you don't have one for clean up and detail.Might think about clamping a stiff backer next to the cut areas to keep the vibration, heat and bending to a minimum when using the jig saw. Another option would be clamp a piece of plywood that fits the pan and cut it all. Keep moving the clamp(s) near the cut area.Fine tooth blades will probably clog. Use coarser blade in the 10 TPI range and run at a slower speed. Only push hard enough to let the blade cut.
Reply:Check these guys out, Lehigh Valley Abrasives 4 1/2" X .045 X 7/8" for Aluminum. $1.55 ea.I bought quite a few flap discs from them for a S/S job at 1/3 of the price at the LWS.http://www.lehighvalleyabrasives.com...ls-sait/Detail
Reply:Originally Posted by J-WCheck these guys out, Lehigh Valley Abrasives 4 1/2" X .045 X 7/8" for Aluminum. $1.55 ea.I bought quite a few flap discs from them for a S/S job at 1/3 of the price at the LWS.http://www.lehighvalleyabrasives.com...ls-sait/Detail
Reply:Table saw with a plywood backer would work too.
Reply:I routinely cut aluminum with my table saw. The carbide toothed blade seems to handle it OK.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:Jig saw will work just fine,will get a cleaner cut backing both sides wit some 1/8" luan plywood.I have cut 1/8" steel with my old vari. speed jig saw .
Reply:I find cutting Ali with the jigsaw works better with a rub of candle wax on the blade.Using one of the wife's scented candles lately, smells nice too boot Cheers Andrew
Reply:Check out sign supply shops in your area. The Aluminum sign blanks are quite a bit thicker than a baking sheet.  Already square-flat-painted a much better base for a sign than a baking sheet.  Not very expensive on what I have purchased.
Reply:[quote=FODFA;1792131]I find cutting Ali with the jigsaw works better with a rub of candle wax on the blade./QUOTE]Listen to this guy. Originally Posted by mwshawCheck out sign supply shops in your area. The Aluminum sign blanks are quite a bit thicker than a baking sheet.  Already square-flat-painted a much better base for a sign than a baking sheet.  Not very expensive on what I have purchased.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonYes, angle grinder with cutoff wheel. The wheel is available from McMasterCarr. I use a good deal of them. Add a little AlumiCut or A9 and it cuts like butter.4 1/2"0.045"5/8"-11   P.N.4535A93  $4.24ea.Flush Cut Cutoff Wheel for Right Angle Grinders for Aluminum, 4-1/2" Dia, .045" Thk, 5/8-11 Arbor
Reply:Any blade that cuts wood will (generally) also cut aluminum.  Just be more careful about kickback.Jack OlsenMy garage website
Reply:I routinely cut aluminum with my table saw and a circular saw.  I have non-ferrous blades in them, but they are 'triple chip cut blades.'  One of them is listed for 'cutting laminate or non-ferrous metals.'For curvy cuts, the jig saw (or a pneumatic reciprocating saw) is good.  Buy nice blades (I like the BOSCH brand of jig saw blade).For short cuts or cuts near the edge, I like to use a Milwaukee portable band saw, which I have set up as a vertical stationary saw.Kevin / Machine_Punk from The Aerodrome Studio - Lincoln PowerMIG 210 MP - Meco N Midget w/custom welding station - Vintage Victor 100Current Projects: The Aerodrome Studio
Reply:Originally Posted by mwshawCheck out sign supply shops in your area. The Aluminum sign blanks are quite a bit thicker than a baking sheet.  Already square-flat-painted a much better base for a sign than a baking sheet.  Not very expensive on what I have purchased.
Reply:Tin snips.
Reply:For cutting Aluminum baking sheet can be cut with manual tools are better. in considering  right method of sheet cutting, you should take into consideration the factors of flexibility, speed, accuracy, finish, cost and automation. A few basic properties for aluminum cutting.  One factor which helps aluminum is that it is a relatively soft. Which means that chisels, snips, hacksaws and hand shears are effective on the thinner gauges.metal asset tags
Reply:Sorry don't mean to hijack the thread but Machine-Punk would you be so kind to post a few different pictures of your portaband setup? Thank you in advance
Reply:Originally Posted by glock36Sorry don't mean to hijack the thread but Machine-Punk would you be so kind to post a few different pictures of your portaband setup? Thank you in advance
Reply:If you are using 1/2 sheet or full sheet commercial pans, be aware that the rim is rolled around a steel rod.MillerMatic 252, HTP 221 w/cooler, Hypertherm PM45, Lincoln IdealArc 250 AC/DC"I'd like to believe as many true things and as few false things as possible"
Reply:Thanks for all your very helpful advice. I will be trying them when I get some free time.  I will  be trying the jig first because I wanna cut a oval. Than I'll sand it and smooth the edges. Also this project is all out of scraps that I have so I wanna keep cost down. Thanks againMillermatic 211 with mvp plugs miller titanium series welding helmetstihl chain saws 8 ft welding table