What to use to cut Diamond Plate sheets?

[Buggy Chief]

I want to tig some diamond plate boxes out of 4 x 8 sheets of aluminum diamond plates. What do you recommend to use to rip and cut the sheets?

[performance]

If you have a local place like I have, and did get them to do today, that can do it for little or nothing, and include the cost of the sheets: A laser CNC cutter...Otherwise, if it's thin enough a table saw with a fine blade.

[Buggy Chief]

If you have a local place like I have, and did get them to do today, that can do it for little or nothing, and include the cost of the sheets: A laser CNC cutter...Otherwise, if it's thin enough a table saw with a fine blade.

yes, it is thin .063 aluminum. Can you use a table saw with a non ferrous blade? I heard that it may kick up a lot?

[jp2code]

Isn't this what Everlast says their plasma cutter is so good at on their You Tube video?

Basically, you need a plasma cutter. Specifically, an Everlast Plasma Cutter.

Now, where's my commission?

[jp2code]

Video:

[bobwills]

Ive never heard of using a table saw. But I know that you can use a circular saw in a pinch if thin enough too. Never tryed it though. If ya do Id use some strait edge as a guide.

[Buggy Chief]

Isn't this what Everlast says their plasma cutter is so good at on their You Tube video?

Basically, you need a plasma cutter. Specifically, an Everlast Plasma Cutter.

Now, where's my commission?

I actually have a Everlast Plasma, however, I am looking for exact square and precise cuts. Thanks anyway...

[dyethor]

Use a blade made for aluminum and go slow. Or you could try a pneumatic shear. If you live near a fab or welding shop you could see if they are willing to do it cheap. If you brought it to my shop I would do it for a beer.

[dyethor]

You can make square precise cuts with the plasma cutter. I use a straight edge clamped onto the metal as a guide.
I drag the torch top along the side. Take your time and the cuts will be precise as anything else.

[Buggy Chief]

Use a blade made for aluminum and go slow. Or you could try a pneumatic shear. If you live near a fab or welding shop you could see if they are willing to do it cheap. If you brought it to my shop I would do it for a beer.

Thanks. I have used a skill saw with a non ferrous blade and it does ok with a straight edge. Just looking for a more precise cut. Thanks for all of the feedback. How do the pneumatic shears work?

[Buggy Chief]

You can make square precise cuts with the plasma cutter. I use a straight edge clamped onto the metal as a guide.
I drag the torch top along the side. Take your time and the cuts will be precise as anything else.

Do you use a guard on the plasma cutter?

[dyethor]

I have a different brand plasma cutter it has a brass tip. I drag the side of the tip along the straight edge. The shears cut using a scissor action. not good for making any sharp radius's only large ones and straight cuts.

[DWSD]

I've cut aluminum sheet with regular wood working tools. I don't use my best blades, but it works fine. That goes for tablesaw, compound miter saw, etc. I'd wear a face shield and maybe long sleeves. You can get pelted with chips.

Doug

[Buggy Chief]

I've cut aluminum sheet with regular wood working tools. I don't use my best blades, but it works fine. That goes for tablesaw, compound miter saw, etc. I'd wear a face shield and maybe long sleeves. You can get pelted with chips.

Doug

Thanks Doug!

[DWSD]

Thanks Doug!

you bet. good luck! How much is a sheet for 4'x8' diamond plate?

Doug

[Buggy Chief]

you bet. good luck! How much is a sheet for 4'x8' diamond plate?

Doug

Just paid $200/ sheet and then found for $92/sheet. All still seems expensive. How much in your neck of the woods?

[Cippee]

The diablo non-ferrous blade is a beast at cutting aluminum. I have cut 1/4" tubing with no problem.

[bobwills]

Has anyone cut steel with a circular saw?

[Cippee]

I haven't used it but they make a diablo blade called a steel demon and it says don't use on thicker than 1/4". Even a 1/4" though is not bad for a saw.

[bobwills]

Hmm it just seems it would be a kinda handy way to cut stuff here and there. I wouldnt use it on my good saw though. What about putting a metal blade on a wood band saw. Would that be any good to use or does the wood bandsaws not have a big enough motor on them.