[sdiy] Front Panel Express Template question

[Mark Smith]

I use a fine aerosol oil called WD40 over here, there are many variants that do the same GT85, duck oil, etc - but don't smell as nice :-)

I use it with a drill press and with a jigsaw when I'm cutting out aluminium sheet - up to 6mm (although I use a very coarse wood blade to prevent clogging)

It also works wonders with a diamond disc on a dremel - I've cut HDD bearings open before now using the dremel and WD40. It leaves a very nice smooth finish.

mark

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
[mailto:owner-synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl]On Behalf Of James Coplin
Sent: 11 August 2005 01:50
To: 'Tim Parkhurst'; 'harrybissell'
Cc: synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
Subject: RE: [sdiy] Front Panel Express Template question


I've found that kerosene is a good lubricant for aluminum.

James

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl [mailto:owner-synth-
> diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl] On Behalf Of Tim Parkhurst
> Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2005 2:40 PM
> To: harrybissell
> Cc: synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
> Subject: Re: [sdiy] Front Panel Express Template question
> 
> On 8/8/05, harrybissell <harrybissell at prodigy.net> wrote:
> > Mikael Mørup wrote:
> >
> > > Could you recommend a brand of lubricate, because i just
> > > bought a step dril
> >
> > no. (I can't) but in a lot of cases you will not need it. SOFT aluminum
> > is terrible to drill, no matter what. Anodized aluminum and harder
> > alloys
> > drill just fine.
> >
> > (I'll be waiting for the lubricant answer as well :^)
> >
> > H^) harry
> >
> >
> 
> I know I've said this before, but I thought it was worth repeating...
> A quick reminder on aluminum: 5052 is a soft aluminum and is preferred
> for bending, forming, and creating sheet metal enclosures. 6061 is a
> harder grade and is the material of choice for most face panels. It is
> easier to drill and punch, and does not 'gum up' the tools like a
> softer grade will (you still should use a good lubricant made for
> aluminum). 6061 or other 6000 series grades are difficult to bend
> without cracking, but you don't need to do that on most face panels.
> Also, from what I understand, 6061 and 6063 are easier to anodize.
> 6063 is an expensive grade, but has the best surface (as far as
> apperance and strength). Generally though, stick with 6061 for face
> panels. For those interested, more info can be found at
> http://www.ez.org/aluminum.htm
> 
> and a LOT more info (maybe too much for most) at
> http://www.matweb.com/index.asp?ckck=1
> 
> 
> Cheers!
> 
> Tim (getting bent) Servo
> --
> "Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein
>