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Smoothing Sides of Alupanel
I need to floodcoat some alupanel but the sides are a little bit rough from where it has been cut. What’s the best way to smooth this down without causing any damage.
Thanks
Nathan -
17 Replies
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I use a plastic handle from a brush or something, and push it along/over the rough edge. It flatten the raised edge nicely, and being plastic causes no damage either.
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I use a fine sandpaper, careful not to scratch the face.
Thats a good tip Shane, for the larger burrs.
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Would this work?
It’s a deburring tool used in machine shops. I think they are pretty cheap. I’ve used one at work a couple of times.
-Marek -
quote Marekdlux:Would this work?
It’s a deburring tool used in machine shops. I think they are pretty cheap. I’ve used one at work a couple of times.This is a good tool but needs to be used with care as very sharp and will dig in and cut to much off (!)
Nick.
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i use 18o grit on a hard 3m block then go down to 500 on the block
works a treat and keeps the edge true
rich
if its real bad i use a tool i used as a panel beater called a body file which is like a file but on a long bed and stays flat
rich -
I use either the de-burring tool (above), and yes, with soft alloy it can dig in.
Alternatively, the TOP EDGE of a Stanley blade (not the cutting edge) drawn in towards you at about a 70/80 degree angle. The high carbon steel skims off the burrs and not much else.
The above method is also very useful for taking off the sharp (finger slicing) edges of acrylic!
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Depends if you need a dead square edge.
But if you don’t I always chamfer the edges with a small hand plain.
Takes a bit of practice but with the panel flat on the bench run the plain
down the edge keeping it at a slight angle. Works a treat, been doing it for years.Also gives an attractive finish rather than just a square edge.
Recently re-badged a golf course and put an angle on all of the
Alupanel signage.Good thing is, with the ally layer being so thin it doesn’t wear the blade out quickly.
Martin
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You got a close up of one of those signs Martin?
Cheers
Dave.com.com.com
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I would not expect any composite to have a rough edge, if cut by the suppliers. I would ask them to cut it properly next time.
Peter
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quote Peter Normington:I would not expect any composite to have a rough edge, if cut by the suppliers. I would ask them to cut it properly next time.
Peter
I cut my own Peter with a circular saw with a special blade. Lovely cut but it does lift the ally edge if you try and push the blade too fast. Always does this on a face that ‘has to be perfect’ 😕
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Shane, I cut my own sometimes but our suppliers cut for free, if they do it, I expect a smooth finish. If I do it it is also smooth, I do not have a special blade though, didnt know there was one, just use an ali blade, cuts dibond like butter, use a tad bit of wax for lubrication, and alls fine.
Peter
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quote Peter Normington:Shane, I cut my own sometimes but our suppliers cut for free, if they do it, I expect a smooth finish. If I do it it is also smooth, I do not have a special blade though, didnt know there was one, just use an ali blade, cuts dibond like butter, use a tad bit of wax for lubrication, and alls fine.
Peter
That’s interesting Pete, my blade is a high speed ally and brass blade too. Never heard about using wax tho. Do you just use a wax stick, or is there something specially for ally cutting?
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Shane, the wax comes in a stick, its quite soft, not quite as soft as beeswax, I get it from a customer of mine who cuts large ammounts of ali.
he gets it in bulk, so the sticks arn’t labeled with any details. I will ask him what it is exactly, next time i see him. It does improve the cut quality, even moreso on solid ally sheet.Peter
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Thanks Pete, I’m assuming the wax goes on the blade entry side and not the exit side? Pretty obvious answer I suppose but thought I’d ask anyway
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Shane, I just dab a touch on the blade before cutting.
Peter
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:doh: doh… I should’ve known that… 😳
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quote DaveBruce:You got a close up of one of those signs Martin?
Hi Dave
I didn’t take photos of them but I’ll make one and post it for you.Martin
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