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Unread 06-07-2011, 14:05
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Bob Steele Bob Steele is offline
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AKA: Bob Steele
FRC #1983 (Skunk Works Robotics)
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Join Date: Jan 2003
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Location: Seattle, Washington
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Re: Tool Advice: Cutting Aluminum

Dale,
At Skunkworks we use both types of Miter Saw and find the non-sliding one can hold better tolerance. It is a screamer though... so be prepared for eveyrone in the shop to have ear protection... (I am sure you already know this) On occasion we also cut to length on a bandsaw or use a hacksaw... and then take it for the final cut on the miter saw.

We have a standing tradition of a "cut monitor" in our shop.
This monitor is an adult mentor that supervises the use of the big cutting tools.
(Table Saw, Chop Saws, Mill, Lathe..) This gives two sets of eyes on a cutting operation and the cut monitor's main job is to make sure that proper clamping technique and other safe methods are being used...
Students normally don't use the chop saws ... and never use the table saw...

For plate and such we use a waterjet...

For pieces that need better precision... (I certainly envy the person above that stated they could hold .005" on a miter saw...) We cut big and finish on a big disc sander... that cleans up the saw tooth marks and with a sturdy table... can be very precise...
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Raisbeck Aviation High School TEAM 1983 - Seattle, Washington
Las Vegas 07 WINNER w/ 1425/254...Seattle 08 WINNER w/ 2046/949.. Oregon 09 WINNER w/1318/2635..SEA 10 RCA ..Spokane 12 WINNER w/2122/4082 and RCA...Central Wa 13 WINNER w/1425/753..Seattle 13 WINNER w/948/492 & RCA ..Spokane 13 WINNER w/2471/4125.. Spokane 14 - DCA --Auburn 14 - WINNER w/1318/4960..District CMP 14 WINNER w/1318/2907, District CMA.. CMP 14 Newton Finalist w 971/341/3147 ... Auburn Mountainview 15 WINNER w/1318/3049 - Mt Vernon 15 WINNER w/1318/4654 - Philomath 15 WINNER w/955/847 -District CMP 15 WINNER w/955/2930 & District CMA -CMP Newton -Industrial Design Award

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