[57halfton]

How can I use a die grinder with a carbide bit or a rotary file on aluminum without clogging up the bit ? Whats grinders grease? Do I need a special bit ?
Gene

[eloc431962]

here is grinders grease hope it helps. http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/p...iProductID=969. Cole

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by 57halfton

How can I use a die grinder with a carbide bit or a rotary file on aluminum without clogging up the bit ?

Bits made to cut Al are designed w/flutes made for the purpose. Good ones are expensive.

[powerrodsmike]

I use a soft wax stick, rub a little on the aluminum before you start grinding and add a little now and then. The spray stuff works really good but is expensive. I scrub the wax into any finished welds before they cool all the way, it makes blending much easier, and you can use the double cut carbide burrs designed for steel.

They sell the wax at hardware stores, it's used for lubricating drawers and all kinds of stuff.


Use the wax or spray on abrasive discs too and they will cut for about 10x as long.

Later, mikey

[ap72]

as long as you don't mind reapplying it often almost any oil will work, I've even used brake fluid before. Hell, even shortening will work. Some last longer between applications and that's where the real difference is.

[RPM]

We use WD 40 when porting aluminum heads. But as was mentioned most any oil will work.

[leldai73]

as was stated, any thing from wd-40 to Crisco will help. try a bit double cut flutes, and try running it slower by (assuming this is a pneumatic die grinder) regulating down the air pressure.

[57halfton]

Great feedback , thanks for the response guys.
Gene

[bentwings]

Don't forget the saftey glasses. A face shield is even better.

[jimfulco]

I haven't had occasion to try it yet, but I was told the wax from a toilet seal works well.

[cranky1]

WD-40 and a slower speed works for me too.....but not too slow. When machining aluminum on a lathe, I spool it up using WD-40. It's easy to cut and so long as you have some kind of lube, it'll come off well instead of it balling up on ya.

[powerrodsmike]

Originally Posted by jimfulco

I haven't had occasion to try it yet, but I was told the wax from a toilet seal works well.

Same stuff as the wax stick...watch the foreign matter though..
J/K

Later, mikey

[302 Z28]

Originally Posted by jimfulco

I haven't had occasion to try it yet, but I was told the wax from a toilet seal works well.

An old one

Vince

[302 Z28]

Originally Posted by bentwings

Don't forget the saftey glasses. A face shield is even better.

And also should wear a dust mask.

Vince

[jimfulco]

OK, I'm cheap, but not that dang cheap! Anyway, the old ones are too much trouble to get out.