[sdiy] Machining aluminum, part deux

[Dave Hylander]

At 01:09 AM 4/19/2002 +0200, René Schmitz wrote:
>I have heard of people using ordinary burning alcohol (sp?) to cool/lubricate
>when drilling aluminum. It was said to give good results and might
>be yet easier to find. Though I haven't tried that yet, myself.

Using a cutting or tapping fluid is really the key to good results when 
machining aluminum.  There are also some grades which machine much easier 
than others.  I typically use 6061 for DIY panels.  It machines nicely and 
is reasonably priced.  Although I use Tap Magic for lots of things, I've 
been using a synthetic tapping/cutting fluid I get from www.mcmaster.com 
called Tapzit, made by synthetic lubricants.  It is thicker than the fluids 
like Tap Magic, and stays on the bit better.  And it rinses off with 
water.  McMaster part#   1297K31.  It's $4.22 for 16 oz size and will last 
a long time if used for drilling panels.

-dave-

http://www.hylander.com