Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-03-2016, 06:20 AM   #1
2 Rivet Member
 
1971 18' Caravel
1970 27' Overlander
Vintage Kin Owner
Hawthorne , Florida
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 82
Question Tools for working aluminum sheets

A guy at our local flea market (Waldo, FL) is selling 4' x 10' sheets of aluminum. He couldn't tell me how thick it is, but I'd say slightly under 1/16th of an inch (say 0.05 to 0.06"). It's in excellent shape, the plastic protection sheets are still on, not bent up or anything. Being a sucker for cheap materials, I dove in and bought three sheets for $100, thinking I can put it to use for interior cabinet faces (bathroom tambour is shot and I'll probably end out replacing it) and maybe make some nice aluminum boxes to replace the awful heavy sliding drawers under my dinette . . . and still end out with material for belly patches or whatever (tin can doghouse?). Not to mention having some material to burn on beginner's mistakes.

Now that I have the stuff home, I realize I don't know the first thing about working with it. I have aviation ships, but I've never been real good about cutting a straight even line with them. Google search turns up about 15 ways to cut thin non-ferrous sheet metal.

How do others work with the stuff? I think I'll start with straight lines, and when I gain confidence, try some curved stuff.

p.s. It has arrows for the grain. Do you run the grain up? down? across? or just try to be consistent in matching grain?
sandgrubber is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2016, 07:25 AM   #2
Rivet Master
 
1981 31' Excella II
New Market , Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 6,145
I suspect it is architectural grade brushed aluminum if it has a grain to it. The industrial stuff does not have plastic on it and it does not have a grain. A sheet metal break is used for bending corners and you can get a cheap one from Harbor Freight. You can cut the stuff with a skill saw or table saw with a carbide tipped blade. I know I will get some flack from that but I do it all the time and we do it all the time at NASA. You can use a hole saw for holes and a jig saw for curves but it leaves jagged edges. You can clean then up with a sander. Usually I will do a rough cut with something like a jig saw or saws all (big jigsaw) then finish cut with a circular saw of some sort with a carbide tipped blade. The experts like Aerowood and Zep might have other suggestions.

Perry
perryg114 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-24-2017, 11:16 AM   #3
2 Rivet Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 28
Vintage Trailer Supply has an excellent article on polishing that includes characteristics of original aluminum. http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/...tream-s/46.htm
pappysnap is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-05-2020, 04:46 PM   #4
Rivet Master
 
Dingo Girl's Avatar
 
1967 17' Caravel
Oak Creek , Colorado
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,556
Images: 3
I use a plasma torch or electric Milwaukee shears to cut thin stuff.
The aviation snips have battled me every time I've used them.
There is also something called a nibbler that may work for you...
Just do some practice cuts no matter what method you choose.
Have fun with all that aluminum!
Dingo Girl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-05-2020, 09:59 PM   #5
Rivet Master
 
57Vintage's Avatar
 
1958 26' Overlander
Battle Ground , Washington
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 871
Images: 22
Does it have a clear 'plastic' covering over the 'grain'? If so, I agree its architectural grade. I've used it several places on our 58.

Glued to a sized plywood piece to create an interior wall (contact cement with metal over sized then trimmed with a flush cutting bit in the router).

Click image for larger version

Name:	Bathroom sink 2.jpg
Views:	50
Size:	277.0 KB
ID:	362685

Cut to size and riveted to banquette seat for a close out panel.

Click image for larger version

Name:	Banquette front panel.jpg
Views:	70
Size:	345.5 KB
ID:	362687

Cut to size and used by itself as doors in our metal wall cabs (original was a sheet of formica cut to size).

Click image for larger version

Name:	Painted walls and cabinets.jpg
Views:	60
Size:	145.5 KB
ID:	362686

You can get non-ferrous blades for a skil saw. A guide clamped to the sheet will give you a straight cut. Caution: if there is a plastic coating on the finished side it may not give you a real clean edge. Larger pieces I took to a fabrication shop for straight cuts (large shear). They put the good side up and covered with a piece of cardboard so the machine's clamp wouldn't mar the surface.

If it is .050 thousands or larger it could be difficult to bend on a 90 and not mar the finish. Good luck
__________________
Harold & Rebecca

Our thread:
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f97...er-172124.html
57Vintage is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-06-2020, 07:46 AM   #6
3 Rivet Member
 
2017 30' International
Charlotte , North Carolina
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 160
Aircraft Spruce is a good source for high quality tools.

A good jigsaw with good blades will be handy. I have a Bosch with variable speed.

If you have a decent compressor in your shop, a pneumatic rivet puller speeds bigger jobs up quite a bit. Clecko pliers are a consideration.

HVAC duct work folks can do some nice work with hand benders you can find at Lowes and Home Depot in the HVAC ducting aisles.
Al U. Minium is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
What to Sandwich Between 2 Sheets of Aluminum Before Riveting Whalensdad Leaks - Weatherstrips, Gaskets, Caulks & Sealants 32 01-13-2017 03:13 PM
Inside Aluminum Sheets Vblgrl9 General Interior Topics 11 02-11-2015 10:01 PM
Aluminum Sheets Frankiefiveo Belly Pans & Banana Wraps 8 03-14-2012 02:01 AM
Tools, Tools, and more Tools FC7039 General Repair Forum 36 03-14-2008 03:39 PM
Huge Lot of Aluminum Sheets for Sale wivell Ribs, Skins & Rivets 1 09-15-2006 09:45 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:42 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.