Grinding wheels on aluminum?

[newbster]

I'm using a grinding bit to enlarge some holes. The aluminum is galling up and filling the wheel in pretty short order. Is there something I can do like oil soak the bit to help release the aluminum gall or am I just going to go through them quickly?

 

[1970 Chieftain V]

Re: Grinding wheels on aluminum?

I have seen people use a constant lubricant (WD40) to try and keep the aluminum from clogging the wheel. In my experience you just go through them quickly.

 

[JB]

Re: Grinding wheels on aluminum?

Aluminum should be cut, not ground.

 

[newbster]

Re: Grinding wheels on aluminum?

Sometimes you have no choice. Dipping it in oil extended the life considerably. I also found the dremmel cutting wheel helpful on a hole where I had the room. Thanks!

 

[JB]

Re: Grinding wheels on aluminum?

You have choice. You could have gotten a cutting burr.

 

[ndemge]

Re: Grinding wheels on aluminum?

Grinding AL is dangerous, can make the wheel explode.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Grinding wheels on aluminum?

You need a different type of wheel...................there are wheels specifically designed for use on alum. and nonferrous metals.

 

[DJ]

Re: Grinding wheels on aluminum?

Aluminum should be cut, not ground.

Diito.

Grinding AL can be dangerous.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Grinding wheels on aluminum?

Grinding AL is dangerous, can make the wheel explode.

Very true

 

[Labman]

Re: Grinding wheels on aluminum?

I'm afraid I am a little confused, are you using a BIT, a BURR or a Disc? Wheels are only for Bench type grinders!

If it is a Bit, use it in a variable speed die grinder, and slooow it down, this will reduce the galling.
If it is a Burr, it needs to be the White type, again slow it down.
If it is a Disc, use a Flexovit (made in U.S.) or a Sait, designed for alum.
Higher speeds = High heat = +Galling.

I got my Alum. welding ticket in 1978, so I have screwed it up everyway you possibly can.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Grinding wheels on aluminum?

Ayuh,....

I do abit of work with Aluminum,... I cut it with my woodworking Saws, Grind it with carborundum discs, cutting Burrs,... You name it...

My "Trick" is quite Simple,....
Keep a piece of Bee's Wax handy,+ rub it or touch it to the cutting tool a various intervals,....
It keeps them from loading up with the metal....

If you have a cutter that's clogged up,... Run it against a piece of Steel,.. Hard,... That'll usually clear it....
Then keep the Bee's Wax handy,+ Go to Town on it.....

Another "Trick" is to keep the base metal Wet with either Snow, Ice, or even Water,...
That'll keep it's Temp low enough so it Cuts instead of melting all over your cutting tools....