Keep your Carbide Burrs from loading up from aluminum

[Sid]

I'm sure I probably learned this the hard way. I've been working on an aluminum intake and heads and found that I hate it. The carbide burrs load up fast when cutting aluminum. At first to remove it I'd just cut on some steel. About the time I was finished and frustrated, I added a few drops of oil to the burr and it worked like magic, no more loading. It cut cleaner, with no chattering, and faster.

Sid

 

[Sniper]

Good to know, thanks. This should be included in the Tech Tips column.

 

[Lightning]

There is a special type of wax just for that - it keeps it clean and helps it stay sharp- I've used just regular parafin wax to do the same.

 

[RPM]

Keep a small cup of trans fluid there and dip the burr in it when it loads up. It will clear right out and not clog as quick.

 

[1st Timer]

there are special burrs for working with aluminum they are very course and do not load up, also very little chatter. I get them at the local industrial supply place. They also cut very well on steel with very little chatter

 

[32 Essex]

there are special burrs for working with aluminum they are very course and do not load up, also very little chatter. I get them at the local industrial supply place. They also cut very well on steel with very little chatter

I also get the stick wax for grinding at the same place, It's not as messy as oils.

 

[Gearhead10]

There is a special type of wax just for that - it keeps it clean and helps it stay sharp- I've used just regular parafin wax to do the same.

Is that wax called EdgeLube? That is what I use when drillin, cuttin, holesaws, etc. It comes in a tube kinda like a grease tube and is like a white wax. Stuff works exellant.

 

[1st Timer]

Is that wax called EdgeLube? That is what I use when drillin, cuttin, holesaws, etc. It comes in a tube kinda like a grease tube and is like a white wax. Stuff works exellant.

The stuff I use is made by lennox. I think it was designed for bandsaw blades but it works good for all cutting. But yes it is in a tube like a grease tube only it is solid like wax.

 

[Gearhead10]

That must be simular to the same stuff. My ol man get this edgelube stuff from where he works and they use it for drillin and machining. I used it when notchin pipe when we built racecars and it worked way better than any oil. Still use it today when drillin stuff.

 

[deputydawg]

i have had good results with bar soap. and you can use it to wash up with when done working ...

 

[Unkl Ian]

Some guys use WD40, on Aluminum.

 

[Ol Blue]

I use bees wax from a toilet bowl flange seal for carbide burrs, my band saw blades,and a bunch of other stuff. Very cheep at the home centers.

 

[volvoles]

aluminum cutting

A little squirt of wd 40 works well as does beeswax

 

[2muchtorque]

Tapmatic, Cool Tool, or in a pinch like already mention WD40 works great.

 

[uzaree]

I just get a candle and keep it in the tool drawer were the carbid bits are. Of coursethe first time my wife saw a pink unused candle I got 50 questions So if you're smart use it at least once. Would have saved mr a TON of head ache haha

 

[jughead]

welding

started "playing" with aluminum about a month ago. after reading this thread i tried the candle and it worked great. thanks to all for the tips[cl