Floor cutting - isn't alu supposed to be soft?!

[jps]

Been trying to cut out the floor panel today. I'm going with what I could get for free - which is a 3mm thick sheet of alu - no idea what grade - but it is an old pub sign.

Anyway - i'm getting through jigsaw blades at a tedious rate. I am assuming this is because the alu is so soft it is clogging the blade. The cutting disc on the angle grinder was worse than useless - presumably for the same reason.

Am I right - and what can I do to cut the alu more easily / without the constant snapped blades!

[davidimurray]

Get some proper 1mm thick stainless/ALU cutting discs.did all my sheet work with them and made the job a doddle.

[Oscar]

You can get Ali specific blades for a jigsaw. They've got extra large teeth!
Might have a hard time on 3mm stuff regardless of blade though, you're best bet, as Davidimurray said, would be some proper discs for the grinder.
I've used them for a few pieces and they go through it like butter!

[Talonmotorsport]

Ali and angle grinder just five words for you WEAR A SODDING DUST MASK!

[TheArf]

I must whole heartedly agree with Phil on this one, as someone who has just recently left the aircraft industry you are enlightened to the effect that Chromates have on you by breathing them in and believe me when I say it aint good.

WEAR A MASK

Arfon

[twinturbo]

Add some WD40 to the cuttign surface.

TT

[K4KEV]

I cut ally a lot, and have had the same WOOD blade in for the last TWO years

[TheArf]

Yeah but that just means your to tight to buy a new one ha ha,
its sounding like trigger and his brush that he had for 17 years

[twinturbo]

Yeah but that just means your to tight to buy a new one ha ha,
its sounding like trigger and his brush that he had for 17 years

He's had the same wood blade for 2 years, and it's blunt but using friction alone he has melted throug 50cm of Ally ;) it's taken the 2 years to go 50cm though :D

[baz-r]

the problem is the blade is getting to hot and the alloy swarf is welding its self to the blade clogging it and making it hotter. useing somthing to cool and lube it will stop this.
cutting fluid is best i find and makes your drill bits last forever. and broaching oil also works well but most of you will not have tease to hand.

wd40 like sprays will work but need regular application and burns off quick and light oil or thin engine oils will work better.

i dont recomend cutting discs for alloy wrong ones over heat and shatter and theres the fine dust thats not good for you

[jps]

thanks for the advice chaps, would never have thought of using wd40, the floor is now fully cut out and it was like going through butter with the jigsaw once I heeded your advice! Thanks again!!