Cutting Aluminum w/ Plasma

[deere2210]

I need to cut a 4x8 sheet of 1/8 aluminum diamond plate for a project I am building. I have a small plasma cutter and was wondering if I could do it without messing the finish up (it's the tread shiny bright) from the heat.. Anybody tried this before?

[MicroZone]

If you use a guide and cut from the polished side down, then it will be okay.

[weldgault]

Yes, it can be done, wih some practice. Good luck John G.

[David R]

It will work great.

David

[SundownIII]

Deere2210,

Yes the aluminum can be cut with a plasma cutter. Keep the pattern side down as another poster recommended.

Depending on your machine, remember that the aluminum "cut capacity" of your plasma cutter is about 30% less than it is for mild steel.

Also, many have experienced problems tig welding a plasma cut aluminum edge. Seems that the cut edge may become somewhat contaminated from the use of compressed air in the cutting process. I would recommend some edge grinding if you plan to tig the material.

1/8" aluminum plate can also be easily cut with a circular (Skil) saw with a carbide blade. There are blades made specifically for cutting aluminum but I've found a 60 (or so) tooth 7 1/4 inch carbide blade works nearly as well. No additional prep is generally required for tig welding.

Hope this helps.

[deere2210]

I think I'll give the plasma a try and see how it works.. I do plan to try and tig it after I cut it so I'll make sure I clean it real well first after cutting it and see how it works.. Thanks

[mooseye]

A circular saw with the above recomended blade cuts aluminum almost as well as it cuts wood. I would not waste the time and power to plas if I had a saw.

[umahunter]

Originally Posted by deere2210

I think I'll give the plasma a try and see how it works.. I do plan to try and tig it after I cut it so I'll make sure I clean it real well first after cutting it and see how it works.. Thanks

i would go with the others on this use a circular saw or table saw you will get a nice square edge if not try a test piece first if you haven't cut al much with plasma you may have problems with build up etc diamond plates expensive im sure ya don't wanna waste any

[William McCormick Jr]

Originally Posted by umahunter

i would go with the others on this use a circular saw or table saw you will get a nice square edge if not try a test piece first if you haven't cut al much with plasma you may have problems with build up etc diamond plates expensive im sure ya don't wanna waste any

Circular saw, we use it when the shear won't let us cut a six foot by twelve foot sheet in half. I think we only have five foot behind the shear.

Just watch the blade depth, if you see sparks that is your work table. Ha-ha.



Sincerely,



William McCormick