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screen printing => Equipment => Topic started by: merchmonster on March 24, 2017, 08:27:29 PM

Title: Cutting Aluminum Squeegees and Floodbars
Post by: merchmonster on March 24, 2017, 08:27:29 PM
Was thinking about cutting some M&R squeegees and floodbars down using a chop saw with a metal cutting blade on it. My only concern was making sharp edges, especially on the flood bars and tearing screens. I guess I could grind them smooth.

Has anyone done this before? Any tips or tricks?
Title: Re: Cutting Aluminum Squeegees and Floodbars
Post by: Binkspot on March 25, 2017, 06:15:37 AM
Regular carbide tooth blade will walk right through the aluminum. Spray the blade with some WD40 or a wax stick before you cut. Wear safety goggles because it will spit big chips everywhere. Hit the cut edge with a file then a wire wheel and it will be smooth.
Title: Re: Cutting Aluminum Squeegees and Floodbars
Post by: Prince Art on March 25, 2017, 10:06:48 AM
Can't add much, except that emery cloth can help you finesse the finish if you need to.
Title: Re: Cutting Aluminum Squeegees and Floodbars
Post by: Atownsend on March 25, 2017, 10:07:40 AM
Doing lots of aluminum cutting lately. I used a non ferrous blade in a miter saw. Cuts like butter. Expensive blade, but worth it cuts really clean. + 1 on the WD 40 / wax. Can use pam cooking spray as well... A bench grinder or regular file will help with the edges. Make sure you have at least 3 teeth in contact with the surface, or you risk ripping teeth from the blade. You really need a blade with a lot of teeth.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Diablo-10-in-x-80-Tooth-Non-Ferrous-Plastic-Cutting-Saw-Blade-D1080N/100043779 (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Diablo-10-in-x-80-Tooth-Non-Ferrous-Plastic-Cutting-Saw-Blade-D1080N/100043779)
Title: Re: Cutting Aluminum Squeegees and Floodbars
Post by: Maxie on March 25, 2017, 01:17:12 PM
I had mine cut by a guy who works with stainless steel, he used a band saw and got a perfect cut, clean and straight.
They also smoothed the edges.
Title: Re: Cutting Aluminum Squeegees and Floodbars
Post by: merchmonster on March 25, 2017, 01:39:05 PM
Thanks for the advice everyone! Truly appreciate it & ultra helpful.

- Mike
Title: Re: Cutting Aluminum Squeegees and Floodbars
Post by: merchmonster on August 27, 2017, 02:29:06 PM
Finally got around to cutting these and worked perfect with the miter saw and aluminum metal blade. Thanks