aluminium plate

[butcher_block]

i think im going to be getting some plate for quenching will it matter the type of aluminium used. i think the size i am looking for is 6"x18" but how thick, i was looking at inch but can i get away with 1/2 or 3/4 to save a little $ thanks
tring to get all the ducks in a row before i start ht ing

 

[Steve Hayden]

I have 6160(?) aircraft Al plates 7/8" X 8" X 15" and they work very well. I can do 3 or 4 blades in a row without getting the plates hotter than body temperature. The quench is within seconds.

I bought it off Ebay as one big plate. That stuff is UUgly to cut with an offset grinder-I went through 4 4" metal cutting wheels making one 15" cut. I would suggest you find two smaller ones.

 

[Sando]

Mine are aluminum 6" by about 12" (18 would have been better) and about 1" thick. I just did 5 blades with them. They got warm but not hot.

Steve

 

[Rene E. Roy]

i think im going to be getting some plate for quenching will it matter the type of aluminium used. i think the size i am looking for is 6"x18" but how thick, i was looking at inch but can i get away with 1/2 or 3/4 to save a little $ thanks
tring to get all the ducks in a row before i start ht ing

I would recommend at least 1 inch..I believe it will dissipate heat better than thinner..I bought my plates 1.25" X 14" x 18" inches at a local junk yard...it was brand new and still with the pastic attached to it...Paid cash, no shipping charges...

 

[R. Lemmen]

The grade of aluminum shouldn't make too much difference as the thermal conductivity is all pretty similar. 6061 is nice because it is readily available and is a little harder (more wear resistant) than some of the utility grade stuff.

 

[butcher_block]

thats the kind of info i was looking for. now its just a matter of finding the chunk. if my bandsaw cant cut it i have a friend or 2 that cut it down does any one know where i might be able to order the piece online. you guys never stop amazing me thanks