Large skywatchers dovetail

[Ant]

I have a large skywatcher dovetail.

 

I need to cut into two peices (2/3 and 1/3 lengths).

I know cutting alu is a bit of a pain, I have a drimmel with various cutting blades (incl diamond).

Whats the best way to do it? I'm not overly fussed what the end result looks like as I can tidy up the job after the cut! 

Thanks

Ant

[Dr_Ju_ju]

Hacksaw, with a mitre block

[Zakalwe]

A hacksaw will go through it like butter.

If you have an electric chopsaw with a carbide tipped blade then that will also cut ally. Just use a touch of candlewax or tallow on the blade first. It'll leave a far finer finish than a hacksaw.

[Davey-T]

Angle grinder with a thin cutting disc will make short work of it, bit much for a Dremel.

I can bring one to SGL if you can wait until Friday

Dave

[Zakalwe]

14 minutes ago, Ant said:

I know cutting alu is a bit of a pain, I have a drimmel with various cutting blades (incl diamond).

Dont use grinder discs to cut ally. Normal steel discs can clog up with ally which can then expand and shatter the disc. Same goes for grinder wheels....never use one to shape aluminium.

[RayD]

3 minutes ago, Zakalwe said:

Dont use grinder discs to cut ally

You can so long as they are specifically for aluminium, which normally have an integral lubricant.

http://www.makitauk.com/accessories/bonded-abrasives/grinding-discs/grinding-disc-for-aluminium.html

[8kids]

Hacksaw, use a file to tidy things up. Or sandpaper and a block.

[Ant]

It seems that the simplest way if often the best

Hacksaw it is

Thanks all for the comments.

Ant

[Ant]

I have every tool known to man, except a hack saw. 

Down shop, junior hack saw and extra blades...

15 minutes later I have two dovetails 2/3 and 1/3.

The long one fitted to the ST and the other to the base of the PST. Job done

 

I then looked in my bits and bobs box and found three dovetails that I forgot I had, including a medium... which would have been ideal!

At least I have a hack saw now

Ant

[8kids]

 

On ‎26‎/‎10‎/‎2016 at 14:38, Ant said:

At least I have a hack saw now

There's nothing quite like a silver lining.