Using A Wood Router On Aluminum

Downcut spirals compression cutters and the like have no place in aluminum work.

Using a wood router on aluminum.

Materials such as wood plywood wood composites pvc plastic etc can be easily worked upon with this cnc router. We didn t go that far with our technique primer below but you can see how a woodshop workhorse like bosch s 1617evs router can contribute. To begin with cutting aluminum using a cnc router has its complexities as compared to cutting plastic or wood with it. Some woodworking experts use old candles wax on the cutting bit when cutting aluminum and they have found it to be effective as a lubricant.

The cutting blades may dull off after several uses on aluminum and therefore you need router bits that are hardy and durable. Firstly aluminum is a weak and sticky metal which tends to stick on to the cutting tool leaving gummy metal deposits on the cutting edges. Use cnc router bits for cutting aluminum carbide endmills cnc routers use a variety of specialized cutters that should not be used with aluminum. When cutting aluminum material using your wood router it is advisable that you use carbide tipped bits and a variable speed router since you can regulate the cutting speed.

You require the right hearing and eye protection during this process. You want cutters specifically made for aluminum. The smooth metal surface makes it dustproof and very easy to clean as sawdust and other wood waste does not cling to the surface. It is quite easy to cut aluminum using a wood router.

Having a whole setup constructed from aluminum is highly beneficial.