Author Topic: Cutting Aluminum Squeegees and Floodbars  (Read 1711 times)

Offline merchmonster

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 421
Cutting Aluminum Squeegees and Floodbars
« on: March 24, 2017, 08:27:29 PM »
Was thinking about cutting some M&R squeegees and floodbars down using a chop saw with a metal cutting blade on it. My only concern was making sharp edges, especially on the flood bars and tearing screens. I guess I could grind them smooth.

Has anyone done this before? Any tips or tricks?
Merch Monster Screen Printing Embroidery and DTG Direct To Garment Printing
Servicing Oakland CA and the Greater San Francisco Bay Area
http://www.merchmonster.net


Offline Binkspot

  • !!!
  • Gonzo Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 1108
Re: Cutting Aluminum Squeegees and Floodbars
« Reply #1 on: March 25, 2017, 06:15:37 AM »
Regular carbide tooth blade will walk right through the aluminum. Spray the blade with some WD40 or a wax stick before you cut. Wear safety goggles because it will spit big chips everywhere. Hit the cut edge with a file then a wire wheel and it will be smooth.

Offline Prince Art

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 793
Re: Cutting Aluminum Squeegees and Floodbars
« Reply #2 on: March 25, 2017, 10:06:48 AM »
Can't add much, except that emery cloth can help you finesse the finish if you need to.
Nice guys laugh last.

Offline Atownsend

  • !!!
  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 421
Re: Cutting Aluminum Squeegees and Floodbars
« Reply #3 on: March 25, 2017, 10:07:40 AM »
Doing lots of aluminum cutting lately. I used a non ferrous blade in a miter saw. Cuts like butter. Expensive blade, but worth it cuts really clean. + 1 on the WD 40 / wax. Can use pam cooking spray as well... A bench grinder or regular file will help with the edges. Make sure you have at least 3 teeth in contact with the surface, or you risk ripping teeth from the blade. You really need a blade with a lot of teeth.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Diablo-10-in-x-80-Tooth-Non-Ferrous-Plastic-Cutting-Saw-Blade-D1080N/100043779

Offline Maxie

  • !!!
  • Gonzo Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 1328
Re: Cutting Aluminum Squeegees and Floodbars
« Reply #4 on: March 25, 2017, 01:17:12 PM »
I had mine cut by a guy who works with stainless steel, he used a band saw and got a perfect cut, clean and straight.
They also smoothed the edges.
Maxie Garb.
T Max Designs.
Silk Screen Printers
www.tmax.co.il

Offline merchmonster

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 421
Re: Cutting Aluminum Squeegees and Floodbars
« Reply #5 on: March 25, 2017, 01:39:05 PM »
Thanks for the advice everyone! Truly appreciate it & ultra helpful.

- Mike
Merch Monster Screen Printing Embroidery and DTG Direct To Garment Printing
Servicing Oakland CA and the Greater San Francisco Bay Area
http://www.merchmonster.net

Offline merchmonster

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 421
Re: Cutting Aluminum Squeegees and Floodbars
« Reply #6 on: August 27, 2017, 02:29:06 PM »
Finally got around to cutting these and worked perfect with the miter saw and aluminum metal blade. Thanks
Merch Monster Screen Printing Embroidery and DTG Direct To Garment Printing
Servicing Oakland CA and the Greater San Francisco Bay Area
http://www.merchmonster.net