Cutting alum. Diamond plate

What is everyone using to cut 10 gauge .100 Aluminium diamond plate? Nibblers, shears, cut off wheels, circular saws?

 

Usually, I use shears to cut thin stuff. If shears won't do it, I use band saw or jig saw.

 

If your vertical band saw is deep enough that would be the best chose. Those uprise diamonds can be tough for portable hand shears or nibblers. The new style 4 1/2" circular saws are great for straight line cuts and very cost reasonable' You can get away with running wood cutting blades but metal cutting blades are the first chose. I have used 7 1/2" carpenter saws but the smaller 4 1/2" are easier to manage. Power jig saws will give you the ability to cut on a radius and freehand scroll. Look for something with a good rigid guide plate that will not deflect when hitting the raised diamonds. Last option I will mention is the plasma cutter and that is self explanatory. Hope this will give you something to think about. Good luck with your project.
George

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Power-Tools-Saws-Circular-Saws/4-1-2/N-5yc1vZc2dcZ1z17i8k

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Rockwell-Rk3441K-4-1-2-Inch-5-0-Amp-Compact-Circular-Saw/37468



https://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Power-Tools-Saws-Jigsaws/N-5yc1vZc292

https://www.amazon.com/Jig-Saws/b?ie=UTF8&node=552934

 

Sorry, I didn’t mention , it’s still a 4x10 sheet, it will cut with tin snips after I cut it into smaller sections.

 

I’ve got everything you’ve described except a Nibbler and power shears. That’s the problem with the raised portions of the plate. I have found some Nibblers that will take on 10 gauge, but are expensive. $200- $2300, not kidding !, look up Fein nibblers. Thanks

 

all the above , but if you havnt got a plasma then I would use a jig saw with a bi-metal blade .....and protect your eyes with full cover safety glass's........cheers

 

Well if you buy from a metal fab shop and you don't have to have circles or radius's cut, most will sheer it in house for free unless you have a bunch of pieces and then it usually is a small fee.

 

Second that.

 

I have one, but didn’t think it would work on aluminum. That’s the ticket, just have to figure out amperage to smooth out the edges. Thanks!

 

Did you go to Colorado and build the frame? I sold you the bomber seats didn’t I?

 

I set mine on 30 amps for 10g alum plate. Cut like butter. I put some pics under Hot Rod Bucket of some alum I worked on today.

Yes, you did. They didn't really work after I got a little farther along so I sold them to another bucket builder. Someone will use those bad boys sooner or later. I did build the frame in Colo. The whole mess in over in Hot Rod Bucket. I am to the point where it rolls and starts. No body, no brakes, no wiring....no problem. Working on it. How is yours coming along now?

 

Very slow and not nearly the quality of yours! You mentioned your as a “Go Kart on steroids“ well mine is a “Pedal Kart” lol

 

Carbide tooth blade on a circular saw cuts like butter, make sure you wear safety glasses

 

And long sleeve shirt! Those hot little shards hurt!

 

Or a full face shield and long sleeve shirt, speaking from experience.

 

Band saw with metal cutting blade and slow speed.

 

If you use a power saw please make sure the blade has at least 10 teeth per inch and don’t get to comfortable.
It will cut like butter but can go very wrong quickly.
Any tools you use on aluminium, saw blades, planer, jigsaw etc if you use stearine wax on the teeth it will go along way towards stopping the bawling.
Neddo