filing on aluminum

[bigb]

I need some square holes in some 1/4" aluminum diamond plate for carriage bolts, I don't see any aluminum files small enough to do it. I already drilled the holes 3/8" just need to square them up, will I ruin my steel files? Only 8 holes total.

[psacustomcreations]

I think the files will be fine.
Have you thought of grinding a tapered square punch and just using that to square the holes?

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[bigb]

I think the files will be fine.
Have you thought of grinding a tapered square punch and just using that to square the holes?

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I have one that I made a while back but it's just mild steel, may try it. I also thought about centering the hole over the pritchel hole on my anvil and dropping in a carriage bolt then giving it a good smack. I have some scrap of the aluminum I will try both this weekend and see how it works, Thanks.

[mla2ofus]

Measure the square diagonally and drill the holes out a little smaller than that and drive them in. It's what I do when it's time to replace the cutting edge on my wheeler snow plow.
Mike

[Xsbank]

File card:

[DawgBus]

Your files will be fine. If they gum up you can just take a steel-bristled brush over them to clean out the aluminum bits. Using some WD-40 or tapping oil can help prevent gumming up but, if it's just 1/4" plate, you probably won't have a problem anyway. I've used the same file set on aluminium, brass, steel, copper, plastics, etc, for the last 10 years. Never had an issue between materials. Never heard of an alum specific file but, I'm someone sells one.

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[bigb]

Well I tried using a carriage bolt and a BFH with the holes over the pritchel hole on my recently acquired Mankel 115 lb anvil and it worked great! Sunk them right in for a perfect, tight fit. The holes are near the edge and I was afraid the tapered square punch might break the aluminum. Thanks for all the advice.

[Willie B]

Machinists use a brooch (sp?) It's a tapered piece of hard tool steel with notches cut in it.

[bcguide]

coat your file with chalk when you are filing aluminum copper or brass.
it will keep the the teethical clean.

[Weldordie]

Machinists use a brooch (sp?) It's a tapered piece of hard tool steel with notches cut in it.

Broach.

[jeverich]

Unless you’re working with aluminum a bunch, probably not worth the investment...

But these work phenomenally:


http://www.cleavelandtool.com/mobile.../#.Xi6JKiSUuaM


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