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Unread 06-07-2011, 15:01
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Dale Dale is offline
Head Coach & Mentor
AKA: Dale Yocum
FRC #1540 (Flaming Chickens)
Team Role: Coach
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Rookie Year: 2005
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 504
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Re: Tool Advice: Cutting Aluminum

Thanks Bob,
Team 1540 has a long tradition of being completely student built so I need a general purpose aluminum cutting tool that is fairly safe and that doesn't need 100% supervision. Often times I'm the only mechanical mentor in the lab so I can't monitor every cut.

We've used a 12" miter saw for six years but I worry about the safety aspects of that tool as has been discussed. As good as our training is, I can't be sure every single cut is set up perfectly and that the feed rate is perfect.

Our lab is one big 1500 sq ft open space so noise is also a consideration. Our miter saw can easily hit 110db and truly is annoying.

Right now I'm leaning toward a cold saw or horz bandsaw. We have a vertical band saw, belt & disc sanders, and a table saw as well. I'm the only one we allow to use the table saw, however, so it only gets used when no other tool will do.
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2016 PNW Championship Chairman's; 2016 Winner Oregon City District, 2015 PNW Championship Chairman's; 2015 PNW District Engineering Inspiration; 2015 PNW District Finalist; 2014 PNW Championship Chairman's; 2014 Championship Innovation in Controls; 2013 Chairman's (Oregon); 2013 Finalist (OKC); 2012 Winner (OKC); 2012 Chairman's (OKC); 2012 Woody Flowers (Oregon); 2011 Volunteer of the Year (Oregon); 2011 Finalist & Captain (San Diego); 2011 Innovation in Control (San Diego); 2010 & 2007 Chairman's (Oregon); 2010 Regional Champions (Colorado); 2010 Innovation in Control (Colorado); 2009 & 2008 Engineering Inspiration (Oregon); 2008 Regional Champions (Oregon); 2007 Regional Finalist (Oregon); 2005 Rookie Inspiration (PNW)

Last edited by Dale : 06-07-2011 at 15:04.
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