Bright cuts

Joined
Jul 6, 2020
Messages
9
Location
Massachusetts
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

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Mar 29, 2021
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The Netherlands
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

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Jan 13, 2007
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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

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Dec 4, 2022
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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
 

silverchip

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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

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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

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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

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