Tips for working with aluminum

[Cheese]

Here are 3 catalogs that 3M has produced that deal with abrasives for RA grinders. The Scotch-Brite™ Clean and Strip XT Pro discs are something that are new.https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media...d-strip-xt-pro-and-pro-extra-cut-brochure.pdf
https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media...ht-angle-system-the-right-choice-brochure.pdf
https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media...or-right-angle-tools-field-guide-brochure.pdf

 

[tsmi243]

The Scotch-Brite™ Clean and Strip XT Pro discs are something that are new.

I ordered some a few days ago.  They're supposed to be really good for mill scale removal.  I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Cheese]

The Scotch-Brite™ Clean and Strip XT Pro discs are something that are new.

I ordered some a few days ago.  They're supposed to be really good for mill scale removal.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks...I also ordered a couple as I want to remove some lime/calcium deposits from stainless. I ordered both Silicon Carbide & Aluminum Oxide versions and will be using them in an AGC 18.

 

[Cheese]

I received 3 Scotch-Brite™ 36 grit discs today. I tried out the glass fiber backed version which has a molded in 5/8-11 screw thread. It's very nice and very solid however, it is also very aggressive. That's not a big deal for steel items that will be powder coated, but it may be an issue for stainless issues left naked or for aluminum substrates. I'd like to see this item offered in a 60-80 grit version.

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All of these discs are 36 grit, 2 with the TN designation (Tinnerman nut) and one with the molded in 5/8-11 screw threads. The differences between the discs is they are manufactured from either Aluminum Oxide or Silicon Carbide abrasives.

The non-Tinnerman nut disc was initially my favorite because there is no tangential run-out of the disc. The Tinnerman nut version produces a tangential runout because of the way it's manufactured. There is a pricing difference of 50 cents between the different styles which could be an issue if thousands of these discs were used per year...think automotive body shops.

The molded thread version is really nice, it glides along the surface and it would be my go-to disc.  I plan on trying the Tinnerman nut version tomorrow and see how that goes. I expect the Tinnerman nut version to produce a weird machining pattern because of its constantly changing depth dimension. These photos may help.

In order of viewing...the fiberglass backer version with molded in 5/8"-11 threads, the TN versions which obviously have a serious offset...we'll find out how that affects the performance.

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[festal]

So I have a Ridgid oscilating sander that has 4" x 24" belt attachment and been trying to find scotch-brite belts for it.  Seems maverick abrrasives have them but only in quantity of 6 or more for each grit.  Also mcmaster has them but at $40 each belt. 
Any other places where i can get them decently priced?

Also what grit do people recommend to get?  Medium, Fine, Ultra fine?  basically for rust removal, getting rid of scratches etc on tools that I find and clean up lol.

 

[Cheese]

So I have a Ridgid oscilating sander that has 4" x 24" belt attachment and been trying to find scotch-brite belts for it.  Seems maverick abrrasives have them but only in quantity of 6 or more for each grit.  Also mcmaster has them but at $40 each belt. 
Any other places where i can get them decently priced?

Also what grit do people recommend to get?  Medium, Fine, Ultra fine?  basically for rust removal, getting rid of scratches etc on tools that I find and clean up lol.

I've been very happy with these people. They usually have everything in stock at one or several of their warehouses. Reasonably priced and USUALLY purchasable in quantities of 1.  [smile]  The items will show up at the house within 2-3 days.

I haven't had great luck with 3M Scotch-Brite or Dynabrade DynaBrite belts because if too much heat is generated, the adhesive that holds the ends together usually releases. For that reason I try to use Scotch-Brite products in a non-belt form like discs, flap wheels or hand pads.

These are traditional abrasive belts.https://www.rshughes.com/c/Sanding-...n.2=Brand&fv.2=3M&fn.3=Belt Length&fv.3=24 in

 

[festal]

So I have a Ridgid oscilating sander that has 4" x 24" belt attachment and been trying to find scotch-brite belts for it.  Seems maverick abrrasives have them but only in quantity of 6 or more for each grit.  Also mcmaster has them but at $40 each belt. 
Any other places where i can get them decently priced?

Also what grit do people recommend to get?  Medium, Fine, Ultra fine?  basically for rust removal, getting rid of scratches etc on tools that I find and clean up lol.

Thank you for the info.  I just checked the link you posted and scotch brite version is over $400 lol.  but good to know about the belt version

I've been very happy with these people. They usually have everything in stock at one or several of their warehouses. Reasonably priced and USUALLY purchasable in quantities of 1.  [smile]  The items will show up at the house within 2-3 days.

I haven't had great luck with 3M Scotch-Brite or Dynabrade DynaBrite belts because if too much heat is generated, the adhesive that holds the ends together usually releases. For that reason I try to use Scotch-Brite products in a non-belt form like discs, flap wheels or hand pads.

These are traditional abrasive belts.https://www.rshughes.com/c/Sanding-...n.2=Brand&fv.2=3M&fn.3=Belt Length&fv.3=24 in

 

[Cheese]

Thank you for the info.  I just checked the link you posted and scotch brite version is over $400 lol.  but good to know about the belt version

I just placed an order for some of these to use on a RA grinder. They use hook & loop to attach to a backing pad. They can be purchased in single pieces. They are Scotch-Brite non-woven material loaded with precision shaped ceramic grains.
https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/dc/v101337474/

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[rvieceli]

[member=44099]Cheese[/member] do you have a link for those and the adapter for the grinder with hook and loop.

Ron

 

[Cheese]

[member=44099]Cheese[/member] do you have a link for those and the adapter for the grinder with hook and loop.

Ron

Hey Ron [member=3192]rvieceli[/member] , here's a copy of the invoice. The pad is item #4 638060-89871 and the discs are items #5-#9. Each disc can be ordered individually which is really a God-send.

These are 5" diameter discs, 4-1/2" discs and pads are also available.

I will say I have no previous experience with this system. Thus I'm hoping that I've ordered the correct items.  [eek]  I should receive these items early next week as they've already been sent out...order on Friday and ship on Friday...what's not to like.  [smile]

I'd be happy to weigh in once i receive the items to verify that everything plays well together.  [big grin]

Here's a link to the pad and to the discs.
https://www.rshughes.com/p/3M-Scotc...ional-Snap-In-Center-Post-89871/638060_89871/
https://www.rshughes.com/p/3M-Scotc...sion-Shaped-Ceramic-5-In-Coarse/638060_89242/

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[festal]

Thanks for the links [member=44099]Cheese[/member]
speaking of grinders.  What grinder are you using for this?  Looking to get one and currently researching

 

[rvieceli]

[member=44099]Cheese[/member]  Thanks so much for the info. I'll hold off ordering till I hear how they work for you.

They are also available in Roloc form as well

Ron

 

[rvieceli]

[member=71889]festal[/member] I think cheese is using the Festool grinder, but I'm not sure.

I'm a big fan of Metabo grinders and am currently rocking a few of this model. I don't like to change disks so I keep a different wheel on each one. Strip disk, grinding wheel, wire brush, etc  [big grin]
https://beavertools.com/603624420-m...afZXCWBv6vfZEh_ByM-nN6awJYG0A31RoCMKgQAvD_BwE

They make several different models including variable speed ones as well. This model is good quality and price.

I like the safety switch models, have to keep the paddle switch depressed to keep it running. Kind of a dead man switch.

Ron

 

[rmwarren]

[member=44099]Cheese[/member] I'll be interested in your results with those disks. The 3M selection I was able to find on Amazon was underwhelming and I never put in the energy to search further. Mostly I'm using disks from the local-ish industrial supply, the carry SAIT and similar options. Hughes looks like a good source for 3M.

RE: working with AL, I've needed some pre-sized blanks for making misc. parts with Origin and found the best approach was old school, cut them with the saw and grind to final size. Made sense to make a jig.

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A few years ago I filed the front edge of the grinder table to make it parallel with the disk. The first (rightmost) guide gets set with the jig a few thou off of the disk. The screws holding the guide in the slot are loose, so the jig can move in and out until it hits the hard stop.

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With the hard stop set, you use a gage block to set the fence.

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I use a 10 thou shim when setting the fence, to leave the final part oversized, then file/lap it to final dimension. Should'a made this years ago.

Looking forward to your report on the 3M disks.

RMW

 

[Cheese]

Thanks for the links [member=44099]Cheese[/member]
speaking of grinders.  What grinder are you using for this?  Looking to get one and currently researching

I have a corded Milwaukee that AEG made that is variable speed, a Milwaukee M18 cordless single speed and recently the AGC 18 which is variable speed. Like Ron mentioned, I also keep different discs/wheels on each grinder, it really does speed up the process.

The Festool grinder is smoother & quieter than both of the Milwaukee grinders. Then again, the AEG is 24 years old and the Milwaukee cordless is 9 years old, maybe that's part of the issue. 

I also had a German made Metabo that I really liked but it grew legs one night and walked out of the garage.  [mad]

 

[rvieceli]

The country of origin on the Metabo I linked to is Germany.

 

[festal]

I'm thinking of getting one of the M18 ones since i already have few batteries for it.  i also have an old craftsman corded one that i can keep as well

 

[Cheese]

That's a real nice jig you made Richard  [thumbs up]  I just may have to copy that.  [big grin]  Was the slotting done with the Shaper Origin?  I really like the hold down feature, simple but effective, very clever.

 

[rst]

While I don’t have near as many grinders as routers, in 50 years I’ve got a few.  I have two old B&D corded from the 70s - 80s when they making industrial tools. I had those for commercial door and locksmithing.  Diamond blade in one cutting blade in the other. Bought an M18 Milwaukee when they came out.  Recently got two Metabos, a low slope nose and a six inch, both 18v. The Metabos are fantastic tools, I’m going to sell the Milwaukee

 

[Michael Kellough]

[member=44099]Cheese[/member] what do you call that special nut (that you can remove by hand) on your grinder in the other thread?