How to Cut Aluminum Profile?

Release time:2023-04-13

One of the things most people find hard to do is cut an aluminum profile the right way. Without cutting it properly, the entire extrusion process will be in vain since the entire profile will get ruined. If the cutting process is not properly done, it can be a safety hazard to whoever handles it. Care and expertise must be taken to ensure the entire process happens fast and seamlessly. Here are some of the ways you can go about cutting an aluminum profile.

Use power-cutting tools

One of the simplest ways to cut your aluminum profile is by using power-cutting tools. They are easy to use and will leave you with clean cuts on your profile. All you need to ensure is you get the right size blade to cut through your aluminum. You need to remember that most electric power tools can only cut through profiles that are not more than ¼ inch thick. Keep this in mind when you get the blade for your tool.

Once you get the thickness of your profile, the one thing you need to ensure you get right is the size of your blade. A smaller blade works more efficiently because you can control how it cuts through your profile. Find out if you can alter the diameter of the blade on the tool before you start cutting. If, for some reason, this is not possible, then you might want to consider using a slower speed to improve your accuracy while cutting.

Always ensure you secure your profile on the cutting table before you start. It will go a long way to help you ensure that you have no issues with the profile sliding off as you cut it. Ensure you oil the blades before starting, making your work even easier. 

Hold the profile with your dominant hand when you start cutting so it does not slip. Most power tools come with safety, so you do not have to worry about sawing off your hand. Despite this, it helps to be cautious at all times. Ensure the bald only go ¼ below the surface once it has cut through. That way, you do not have to worry about it cutting the profile badly.

Use a cold chisel

The other way you can cut your aluminum profile is by using a cold chisel.it is perfect if you do not have access to electric power tools or do not want the hassle of using them. You need to ensure your chisel is larger in width compared to the profile you plan on working on. For instance, if you are working on a ¼ inch profile, go for a ½ inch chisel. 

Before cutting, use a honing guide to sharpen your chisel to a 60- to 70-degree bevel. That way, you can use minimal force to get the chisel to cut through the profile. It might take a couple of tries to get the right degree of sharpness, but getting it right is the most crucial step.

Place your aluminum into the vice and tighten it so it does not move when you start cutting using it. Secure both ends of the profile, then position your chisel with the vice’s screw. Use a ball peen hammer and strike perpendicularly to cut the profile.

You might need to strike the chisel severally until you make a good enough indent on the profile. Keep doing this until you strike through the entire profile.

Use tin snips

If your profile is thin enough, tin snips will work for you. Tin snips come in handy when you need you cut circles or other shapes in your aluminum profile. It works best with thinner aluminum sheets since it needs to be cut through them like scissors.

The one thing you need to remember when you get started is to avoid cutting straight snips since the hole ends up with jagged lines. Always cut in circular motions.

Last words

The tool you use will determine how easy you find it to cut through your aluminum profile. The one thing you need to ensure you do is to figure out how to use the different tools. The tips above come in handy to ensure you are getting quality aluminum cut profiles.