Bright cuts

[Engravers block]

Can anyone tell me why I'm not getting bright cuts from my 90 or 120 degrees v gravers in aluminum.Yet when I cut with flat tool hand push,I get nice bright cuts.Cutting with air tool with square gravers.Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[oniemarc]

I would think you could compare it with trying to cut a slice of butter. Use a sharp knife and soft and smooth pressure and movement, you get a perfect slice. Try that again with a chisel in a jackhamer, you will end up with a mess....hahaha

Aluminium is soft and sticky. Tap it and it gets stickier. Machine it and you will end up with build up on your cutting tools.

Marc

 

[quickcut07]

Try some type of lube and a sharp graver. Aluminum depending on what type is gummy and seams to tear as the graver passes through it. I have used Tap Magic with good results, but it does have an odour to it, At this moment i am drawing a blank on the others

 

[CMSchneider]

Try some type of lube and a sharp graver. Aluminum depending on what type is gummy and seams to tear as the graver passes through it. I have used Tap Magic with good results, but it does have an odour to it, At this moment i am drawing a blank on the others

How has wintergreen oil worked for you? That’s what I was recommended for stone setting graver work

 

[monk]

.any aluminum i ever engraved was crappy at best. to what degree did you polish the squares?? that may make a difference

How has wintergreen oil worked for you? That’s what I was recommended for stone setting graver work

kerosene works well. at least as good as any other i tried.

 

[silverchip]

use alumitap tapping fluid for lube. it will help. Notice I said help cause no matter what you do it will not be the perfect solution.Aluminum galls too easily to hold engraving well/

 

[monk]

use alumitap tapping fluid for lube. it will help. Notice I said help cause no matter what you do it will not be the perfect solution.Aluminum galls too easily to hold engraving well/

yeah. sorta like partially dried bubblegum.

 

[quickcut07]

I will have to try the wintergreen oil. Keeping the bottom of the graver clean helps, build up can be a problem. Different types of aluminum as with other metals cut differently.

 

[JJ Roberts]

Try Hoppe's No.9 gun bore cleaner and Lindsay's Universal 116 sharping templates for bright cut engraving on aluminum. J.J.