Thread: Cutting lead flashing?
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06-03-2013 #1
Hey chaps, I've got about a hundred or so small pieces(about 100mm^2) to cut out of 2.25mm thick lead flashing. What I normally do is score around a template with a sharp stanley and then break them out. It works but takes awhile. I figure if I can secure the lead down with double sided tape I can do it with the cnc but before attempting it I'd like some advice on cutters and speeds. Should I treat it like aluminium?
Tricky one for me really as I can't find much information about others doing something similar.
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06-03-2013 #2
Never cut any but I would be cutting with slot cutter full depth to avoid clogging cutter. Single flute or certainly No more than 2 flutes.
Do a practice run around 800mm/min 10K rpm and adjust either according to how it handles.?
Imagine it will cut like the shity-ist Aluminium you've ever cut crossed with Blu-tack.!!. . . . Good luck mate. . Lol
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06-03-2013 #3
You can normally cut that thickness with a sharp knife or tough scissors can't you? If mills don't work you could try a drag knife, it might break a stanley blade but you could always grind an edge onto a heftier bit of steel.
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06-03-2013 #4
I think it would be worth a try to use an engraving tool with a small included angle and run it as a program, but leave the spindle switched off. You can score the leadto whatever depth you want, perhaps in several very light passes. I am assuming that your spindle is un-braked. I have never tried this , but think it would work. G.
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06-03-2013 #5
Thanks guys.
I'll try cutting with a regular straight flute bit for starters. That should avoid lifting the lead but I have a feeling its gonna clog and break the bit but it might not do. It cuts quite cleanly on the mitre saw so there's some hope.
If that fails a bit of creativity with an engraving bit might be worthwhile. Worse that can happen is it breaks the bit.
DC. You can score with a sharp blade and then break the pieces out with some back and forth bending along the score. Metal shears work too but regularly heavy duty scissors aren't up to it.
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06-03-2013 #6
The engaving bit idea was basically just because I thought you probably might have one to try with. It was based on a drag knife as used by heavy duty card/vynal cutters wherethe cutting point is off-center and can freely rotate so that it will "follow". If the regular routing/milling approach does not work, you may be able to find a drag knife blade that will fit into your chuck. G.
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