Trimming Aluminum

[len19070]

I just completed the first trailer I have ever built with aluminum sides. Up until the day I trimmed, it was bothering me as to what to use to trim it with. I had read about all the tools people on this board had used with the Rotozip leading the way. Armed with every tool I owned after laminating the sides I started to trim.

First I started with a Router w/speed control, a lot of mess and a really bad job.

Then on to my Rotozip, did a very good job but very wild with poor control just like all Rotozips without a jig.

Then I went pneumatic. I got my new $20 Harbor freight air saw

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... number=113

Worked great. I just laid the blade over the roof sheathing using it for a guide and went to town. Nice & slow with lots of control. I think the high speed was the key.

If you have air, for $20 I think this is a great option.

Happy Trails

Len

[toypusher]

Len,

Although I have never used them, I hear that air shears are good too!

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=36567

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=36568

I just cut my AL when I cut the sides (as a sandwiched stak)

[len19070]

That makes sense Kerry. But I'm an old Formica guy and I was treating the aluminum like that.

The air shears work great. I use them at work all the time. It was an accident I had that air saw. I was in HF that morning when they went on sale. When I saw it, for $20 bucks I just had to get it.

Happy Trails

Len

[toypusher]

......... When I saw it, for $20 bucks I just had to get it.

I know what you mean!

[gman]

I have one that uses standard hacksaw blades, works on steel for a while but then snaps them, may work on aluminum better.

[Steve_Cox]

Len,
That air saw cuts at almost 4 times the speed of my Milwaukee sawzall. Bet that aluminum cut like "buttah"

Steve

[templou67]

One of the many things I use an air saw for, is trimming aluminum trailer skins and it is the best tool for the job. The only thing is that I use cutting wax on the blade and that makes it glide right through.

[len19070]

Steve
Like a hot knife through "Buttah". ooh, I'm getting all "fa-klep-it-a". It is the speed that does it.

Happy Trails

Len

[fornesto]

I had the exact same experience. The air sheers did the job, made BIG curly-cues. My router never forgave me after that embarassing day. Cutting out the doors was a bit more of a challenge though. Next time, I would do the sandwich method from the get-go.

[bledsoe3]

One of the many things I use an air saw for, is trimming aluminum trailer skins and it is the best tool for the job. The only thing is that I use cutting wax on the blade and that makes it glide right through.

Templou67, Let me be the first to say welcome. I see you've been around a while but you finally made your first post. Let us all know if/what you're building. And if you are, post some pictures. Jack gets cranky if you don't.

[Finntec]

We used a router too. It creates a huge mess, but the seams were perfect. I just went slow with a new flush cut bit and wore protection from the hot, flying metal. Maybe for the next one I build, I'll get one of the cutters from HF. Sounds much less messy.