How do I cut a disk from aluminum sheet on a mill?

[BlueMonster]

Or is it even possible?

[BENDER]

You need a rotary table, like JIA's using in this thread.
Tranny talk.

[JasonInAugusta]

Blue, if you're making beadlock rings...

TLT wheels and tires.

These were also made on rotary table...

http://www.projecttwin.com/files/screwedrings.jpg

[BlueMonster]

Beadlocks would definitely be something I'd want to make. I found a 4" one on HF for $100. May have to go get that.

[WRMorrison]

.....very carefully

But yeah, go with the rotary table, unless you were an expert "etch-a-sketcher" as a kid

[Ace]

Sheet metal is tricky to hold down...

Lots of times if the part has holes I'll build a jig to hold the sheet using the holes. Pins and bolts.

Another neat trick is using double sided tape. Thin stuff that looks like masking tape, put it down peel the back and all it leaves is a thin layer of glue.

Then stick the part down. Works really well. The hard part is actually getting the finished part off w/o damaging it. Use Acetone or heatgun to soften the glue.

Make sure your cutter doesn't get into the glue. (If the sheet is .125" thick then only cut .123" deep and use a file to deburr the .002")

But like they said, you'll proabably need a rotary table....

[BultacoJim]

Like everybody says, a rotary table for your mill is a very nice accessory to have. In the mean while, if you need to cut disks out of thin sheets of aluminum, you can use a circle cutter. Mine is made by General.

Like Ace said, holding the stuff down can be a problem. :neutral: I use 3M’s spray adhesive to glue the sheet stock to a piece of ¾” particle-wood. I use regular hold down clamps on the peripheral. Drill a small pilot hole in the middle and then use the circle cutter.

For cutting thin aluminum stock, you can make a rotary table like a “Lazy Susan”. Crude, but it will work for thin aluminum if you’re making RC rock rings. A piece of ½” plate steel with a pivot in the center will make a cheap rotary table. The weight of the steel will help keep it from pulling away from your hands. Drill and tap holes in it as needed for hold down clamps. I made one of these in High School when my “Mill” was a drill press. Just make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.

But Yes, plan on purchasing a rotary table.

[N00b]

The little red thing is another tool you can hook on the mill and it will do the same thing but much easer. ofcourse you buy whatever size you need thats just the one i have at my house. u might wanna click on it to get a better view of it.

[BlueMonster]

I never thought of using a hole saw!