Grinding Aluminum

[jeremy chambon]

If you haven't solved it yet WD 40 works awesome on AL I use it a lot when I can't use coolent. Soap and wax works but I feel WD 40 works the best.

 

[txsuperjetfreak96]

Dont they make bits for aluminum

 

[augustaf]

Yes, they do. carbide burr, 1/4" shank, for example.

 

[txsuperjetfreak96]

Awesome thought so

 

[yamanube]

Even with carbide bits designed for aluminum, you will have to keep them lubed or they can clog.

 

[txsuperjetfreak96]

Yeah i figured so

 

[Yami-Rider]

I use sanding pad or carbide bits with cutting wax, works great.

 

[augustaf]

Cutting oil is certainly needed for drilling or tapping aluminum- too much build-up resulting in improper size hole or threads otherwise.
I have used the burrs pictured in post # 23 for 15 years now - dry. Too lazy to lube them, not much residue there.