Cutting aluminum

Rolland

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Dec 22, 2013
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Camp Verde
I am working on engraving some initials in a piece of aluminum and am finding I am cutting too deep. I am using a 116 degree graver. How much of a heel should I use? Or any other tips that would help would be appreciated.
 

monk

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if you are doing curves, very little heel is needed. best to use a bit of lube when doing aluminum.
 

SamW

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I have engraved a good bit of aluminum and find Never-Seez or some other anti-seize lube works really well. Aluminum galls very easily and sticks to the face of the graver causing a false face making it hard to cut a straight line. I strop the point on hardwood frequently as well as lube frequently to keep the tool clean. The galling tendency also makes the graver dig in deeper which may be your problem.

As Monk says, very little heel is needed.
 

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