Cutting/trimming aluminum

xtremegriz · 08-21-2008, 10:44 AM

Whats the best tool for cutting/trimming aluminum? I'm installing a drop and roll kit on my 04 and I'm sure there will be some trimming involved. I have a grinder with zip cuts for the easier areas but what works best in tight spots.

snotterite · 08-21-2008, 12:40 PM

Air Body Saw with lots of wax on blade. Milwakee general purpose metal blade, go slow and use wax every 6 inches. Other blades cut faster but this combo gives you best control and clean edges.......Bolt Supply House has every thing you need
Or a plasma cutter if you can get the torch head in there.......If useing a plasma un hook batteries and electronic modules to be safe.
Be sure to use wheels made for alluminum.....ordinary ones will glaze ..... be hard to control...and increase heat...and cause destortion.

xtremegriz · 08-21-2008, 05:40 PM

Thanks snotrocket, went out and found one for $50, works great. Now I just need the kit from specialty to get here.

snotterite · 08-21-2008, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by xtremegriz

Thanks snotrocket, went out and found one for $50, works great. Now I just need the kit from specialty to get here.

Just remember to use the wax...like night and day.

Uturn · 08-23-2008, 05:00 AM

Originally Posted by xtremegriz

Whats the best tool for cutting/trimming aluminum? I'm installing a drop and roll kit on my 04 and I'm sure there will be some trimming involved. I have a grinder with zip cuts for the easier areas but what works best in tight spots.

If you use a zip cut disk(or any steel disk) on aluminum, throw it out when you are done. If you use them on steel afterwards, the aluminum melts on the disk and can cause it to disintegrate.

Modman · 08-23-2008, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by snotrocket

Air Body Saw with lots of wax on blade....

What he ^^^ said X2.

Princess Auto has the air body saws on sale right now - right around $30.

xtremegriz · 08-24-2008, 11:51 AM

Thanks for the tips guys, Got her done last night, just waiting on a new axle for the Big wheel kit. The Drop and Roll kit from Specialty is pretty straight forward and now I can't wait to try it out. Heres some pics of the process.

xtremegriz · 08-24-2008, 11:53 AM

One more pic

Ancient Sledder · 08-24-2008, 09:33 PM

Looks good.I also use an air powered hacksaw with good results.

imdoo'n · 08-25-2008, 09:45 AM

Originally Posted by snotrocket

Just remember to use the wax...like night and day.

Please don't tell us you use left over wax on your legs!!!!!!

(couldn't resist)

snotterite · 08-25-2008, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by imdoo'n

Please don't tell us you use left over wax on your legs!!!!!!

(couldn't resist)

I use the left over wax for my BUG EYES

Modman · 08-26-2008, 01:43 PM

How far back is the D&R?

Looks like about 2" down and 1/2" back? Bigger track?

xtremegriz · 08-26-2008, 02:01 PM

Not sure on the specs, its a kit from specialty sleds so glengine could supply the exact measurements. Went to a 154x16x2.5 track off an XP. Got my big wheel axle and I'm trying to find some 8" billet wheels. Alot to choose from.

snotterite · 08-26-2008, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by xtremegriz

Not sure on the specs, its a kit from specialty sleds so glengine could supply the exact measurements. Went to a 154x16x2.5 track off an XP. Got my big wheel axle and I'm trying to find some 8" billet wheels. Alot to choose from.

Take a look at CR Racing's billet wheels, they have the rubber edge. I believe Chad told me He bought out Clear Performance.
1 250 491 1836....or check his Web-Site

Modman · 08-27-2008, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by xtremegriz

Not sure on the specs, its a kit from specialty sleds so glengine could supply the exact measurements. Went to a 154x16x2.5 track off an XP. Got my big wheel axle and I'm trying to find some 8" billet wheels. Alot to choose from.

Got mine from this guy. Really nice workmanship, good guy to deal with. Canadian company out of Ontario, no shipping across the border and canadian prices. Snow does not seem to stick to my wheels either, some others have had this problem with aluminum wheels (guess I'm lucky?).
TRICKED-TOYS

He can make other designs if you wants something unique too.

xtremegriz · 08-27-2008, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by Modman

Got mine from this guy. Really nice workmanship, good guy to deal with. Canadian company out of Ontario, no shipping across the border and canadian prices. Snow does not seem to stick to my wheels either, some others have had this problem with aluminum wheels (guess I'm lucky?).
TRICKED-TOYS

He can make other designs if you wants something unique too.

I've noticed on some other idlers that snow sticks, thats why I was leaning towards billet with replacable rubber. I'll give this guy a call. Says he puts together packages. Thanks for the link

08-21-2008, 10:44 AM	#1 (permalink)
xtremegriz Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Red Deer Posts: 604 Gameroom Cash: $385656 Thanks: 111 Thanked 147 Times in 104 Posts	Cutting/trimming aluminum Whats the best tool for cutting/trimming aluminum? I'm installing a drop and roll kit on my 04 and I'm sure there will be some trimming involved. I have a grinder with zip cuts for the easier areas but what works best in tight spots.

08-21-2008, 12:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
snotterite Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: calgary Posts: 3,606 Gameroom Cash: $9920 Thanks: 1,318 Thanked 1,829 Times in 1,178 Posts	Re: Cutting/trimming aluminum Air Body Saw with lots of wax on blade. Milwakee general purpose metal blade, go slow and use wax every 6 inches. Other blades cut faster but this combo gives you best control and clean edges.......Bolt Supply House has every thing you need Or a plasma cutter if you can get the torch head in there.......If useing a plasma un hook batteries and electronic modules to be safe. Be sure to use wheels made for alluminum.....ordinary ones will glaze ..... be hard to control...and increase heat...and cause destortion.

08-21-2008, 05:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
xtremegriz Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Red Deer Posts: 604 Gameroom Cash: $385656 Thanks: 111 Thanked 147 Times in 104 Posts	Re: Cutting/trimming aluminum Thanks snotrocket, went out and found one for $50, works great. Now I just need the kit from specialty to get here.

08-21-2008, 05:50 PM	#4 (permalink)
snotterite Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: calgary Posts: 3,606 Gameroom Cash: $9920 Thanks: 1,318 Thanked 1,829 Times in 1,178 Posts	Re: Cutting/trimming aluminum Originally Posted by xtremegriz Thanks snotrocket, went out and found one for $50, works great. Now I just need the kit from specialty to get here. Just remember to use the wax...like night and day. __________________

08-23-2008, 05:00 AM	#5 (permalink)
Uturn Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ardrossan, AB Posts: 1,373 Gameroom Cash: $1076796 Thanks: 143 Thanked 609 Times in 368 Posts	Re: Cutting/trimming aluminum Originally Posted by xtremegriz Whats the best tool for cutting/trimming aluminum? I'm installing a drop and roll kit on my 04 and I'm sure there will be some trimming involved. I have a grinder with zip cuts for the easier areas but what works best in tight spots. If you use a zip cut disk(or any steel disk) on aluminum, throw it out when you are done. If you use them on steel afterwards, the aluminum melts on the disk and can cause it to disintegrate. __________________ 05 Kingcat Ya it's stock!! Silver bottle is for the Muff Pot, Honest Kawi Bayou 400 Couldnt be more stock

Sponsored Links, Plese click on Banner to View there Website

08-23-2008, 10:46 AM	#6 (permalink)
Modman Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Calgary Posts: 2,499 Gameroom Cash: $161500 Thanks: 1,236 Thanked 2,546 Times in 1,127 Posts	Re: Cutting/trimming aluminum Originally Posted by snotrocket Air Body Saw with lots of wax on blade.... What he ^^^ said X2. Princess Auto has the air body saws on sale right now - right around $30. __________________ The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it. - Henri David Thoreau

08-24-2008, 09:33 PM	#9 (permalink)
Ancient Sledder Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Onoway Alberta Posts: 418 Gameroom Cash: $473850 Thanks: 167 Thanked 145 Times in 102 Posts	Re: Cutting/trimming aluminum Looks good.I also use an air powered hacksaw with good results. __________________ Sledding since 1968. 2001 Summit 700 Highmark 151. 2004 King Cat. Used to be "700summitguy".

08-25-2008, 09:45 AM	#10 (permalink)
imdoo'n Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: red deer, alberta Posts: 1,368 Gameroom Cash: $1255040 Thanks: 689 Thanked 648 Times in 409 Posts	Re: Cutting/trimming aluminum Originally Posted by snotrocket Just remember to use the wax...like night and day. Please don't tell us you use left over wax on your legs!!!!!! (couldn't resist)

08-25-2008, 11:46 AM	#11 (permalink)
snotterite Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: calgary Posts: 3,606 Gameroom Cash: $9920 Thanks: 1,318 Thanked 1,829 Times in 1,178 Posts	Re: Cutting/trimming aluminum Originally Posted by imdoo'n Please don't tell us you use left over wax on your legs!!!!!! (couldn't resist) I use the left over wax for my BUG EYES __________________

08-26-2008, 01:43 PM	#12 (permalink)
Modman Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Calgary Posts: 2,499 Gameroom Cash: $161500 Thanks: 1,236 Thanked 2,546 Times in 1,127 Posts	Re: Cutting/trimming aluminum How far back is the D&R? Looks like about 2" down and 1/2" back? Bigger track? __________________ The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it. - Henri David Thoreau

08-26-2008, 02:01 PM	#13 (permalink)
xtremegriz Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Red Deer Posts: 604 Gameroom Cash: $385656 Thanks: 111 Thanked 147 Times in 104 Posts	Re: Cutting/trimming aluminum Not sure on the specs, its a kit from specialty sleds so glengine could supply the exact measurements. Went to a 154x16x2.5 track off an XP. Got my big wheel axle and I'm trying to find some 8" billet wheels. Alot to choose from.

08-26-2008, 04:08 PM	#14 (permalink)
snotterite Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: calgary Posts: 3,606 Gameroom Cash: $9920 Thanks: 1,318 Thanked 1,829 Times in 1,178 Posts	Re: Cutting/trimming aluminum Originally Posted by xtremegriz Not sure on the specs, its a kit from specialty sleds so glengine could supply the exact measurements. Went to a 154x16x2.5 track off an XP. Got my big wheel axle and I'm trying to find some 8" billet wheels. Alot to choose from. Take a look at CR Racing's billet wheels, they have the rubber edge. I believe Chad told me He bought out Clear Performance. 1 250 491 1836....or check his Web-Site __________________

08-27-2008, 03:40 PM	#15 (permalink)
Modman Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Calgary Posts: 2,499 Gameroom Cash: $161500 Thanks: 1,236 Thanked 2,546 Times in 1,127 Posts	Re: Cutting/trimming aluminum Originally Posted by xtremegriz Not sure on the specs, its a kit from specialty sleds so glengine could supply the exact measurements. Went to a 154x16x2.5 track off an XP. Got my big wheel axle and I'm trying to find some 8" billet wheels. Alot to choose from. Got mine from this guy. Really nice workmanship, good guy to deal with. Canadian company out of Ontario, no shipping across the border and canadian prices. Snow does not seem to stick to my wheels either, some others have had this problem with aluminum wheels (guess I'm lucky?). TRICKED-TOYS He can make other designs if you wants something unique too. __________________ The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it. - Henri David Thoreau

08-27-2008, 10:14 PM	#16 (permalink)
xtremegriz Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Red Deer Posts: 604 Gameroom Cash: $385656 Thanks: 111 Thanked 147 Times in 104 Posts	Re: Cutting/trimming aluminum Originally Posted by Modman Got mine from this guy. Really nice workmanship, good guy to deal with. Canadian company out of Ontario, no shipping across the border and canadian prices. Snow does not seem to stick to my wheels either, some others have had this problem with aluminum wheels (guess I'm lucky?). TRICKED-TOYS He can make other designs if you wants something unique too. I've noticed on some other idlers that snow sticks, thats why I was leaning towards billet with replacable rubber. I'll give this guy a call. Says he puts together packages. Thanks for the link

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