I'm making an aluminium case, and need to cut the main pieces with perfectly squared sides (90 degree angles etc) and I don't have a bandsaw or such available to me. Would the best bet just be a jigsaw and file?
I have used a sabre saw/jigsaw before, and they were the best for cutting smooth straight lines. (it was also pretty quick too) I would use a rotary tool as a last resort, but given enough time, they can be very nice as well. I bought a 3 amp Sabre Saw, Two-Speed, from sears for about $30, and it cuts great! (just make sure you clamp down your metal VERY securely!) And Good luck! -OneSeventeen GoAhead
easyest way to get a straight line would be to use a jigsaw and a straight edge, just to make sure you dont slide away make sure you clamp it.
Well, it seems like a jigsaw is the best option. I'll TRY and get my school to let me use the bandsaw with the square corner cutting thingy which will give me exact sizes too I really could do with getting it accurate to 1mm off square over the length of 450mm :/ That would be pretty difficult with a jigsaw I'm thinking.
I've done it to 19", clamping a straight-edge for the jig-saw soleplate to slide along. Needs a fair bit of filing to get rid of the saw marks, so leave a small allowance.
If you're in the UK, then this is what you're looking for. http://www.screwfix.com/product.phtml?6411 If not, look in your local hardware store. If it comes down to it, make your own, which is what I'm using atm. It's not rocket science.
The only comment on the Screwfix device is that I always use a clamp on both ends of the guide. And some soft pads under the clamps so you don't scratch the ally, in fact cover the whole area in sticky-back plastic. Easy way is to get the supplier to shear to size, but I got one measurement wrong... :cries:
Yup. Atm I'm using a couple of G-clamps, a wooden beam, and a bunch of quick clamps to help hold the sheet. It is actually surprising how good the results are when it goes well. And even when it goes not so well, it's not that bad.
brad, what did u actually link to. as u know i wanna cut some alu too but it seems screwfix screwed u by redesigning their entire site
I'm curious too... When using screwfix.com should we start using the names of the items... because it seems like they update every day... Is this just me? (sorry, a goggles thread had similar problems.. the links changed the day they were posted... )
