Aluminum Grinder

crocogator106

crocogator106

Joined
Nov 16, 2012
Messages
994
I am looking at making a grinder using variations from various makers (mostly KMG). I was thinking of making it out of 6061 aluminum instead of steel. Anyone see any problems with using aluminum in lieu of steel. I know I will have to make sure and not strip threading buts thats the only real issue I can see. Any advice or input (or your .02) is welcome. Thanks!
 
I don't see any problem with constructing it out of 6061. Both flat bar and plate are dimensionally pretty accurate. The thing about aluminum is that it is sticky. Your wheel/platen arm will not slide as nicely as steel, and as tough as 6061 is it is still no match for steel grit. It will gall and wear quicker. Unless you have access to aluminum drop, or clean scrap the price might be another consideration.
A guy I work with routed the no weld grinder out of 1/2" alum. machining plate. A very accurate CNC router, but he hasn't put it together yet. It will be interesting to see how it works out.
 
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I really don't have anywhere to source local metal so I'm going to have to order online and the savings in shipping on aluminum vs. steel is a big factor for me; if they are structurally close. I am currently using a NWG that I built last year. It works pretty well for what it is but I really want something more precise. I've still got tracking issues with the NWG that I just can not solve and the tension arm leaves alot to be desired.
 
Yes, mine works best with a 30 LB piston, item # 9416K11

If you send me an email I can send you a scanned copy of all the parts I used to build that grinder.
 
Yes, still holding up fine....I was on the fence on material selection when I first built this and asked the same question to myself (will an aluminum grinder hold up over time). Steel is certainly tougher, but other than the two spots that have been tapped for moving threads(for the locking handle and for the tracking adjustment knob), I am unsure what would not hold up over a long time period.
 
If modeling afte the kmg, you could use a steel bottom portion of the toll arm receiver and a steel tool arm. That is where the wear and friction will likely be.

The tw90 uses and open tool arm receiver and the tool arm is aluminum. Must be ok since there is likely all kinds of crap getting in there even the tool arm blocks the bottom of the receiver when in use.
 
PT Doc said:
If modeling afte the kmg, you could use a steel bottom portion of the toll arm receiver and a steel tool arm. That is where the wear and friction will likely be.

The tw90 uses and open tool arm receiver and the tool arm is aluminum. Must be ok since there is likely all kinds of crap getting in there even the tool arm blocks the bottom of the receiver when in use.
Click to expand...

Makes sense but I really wanted to use an aluminum tool arm due to its weight, or lack of weight. Definitely something to consider though! I appreciate everyone's input.
 
I have been using 7 or 8 aluminum tool arms on my KMG for a couple years now and I love them. Much lighter and no problems. Your grinder is absolutely beautiful. larry
 
If you have to thread aluminum you will get much longer life from the threads if you use a threaded insert of some type. Helicoil is a very good one which has been around for years.

Tim
 
Croc, I did not get that email for some reason...want to try again? (Just to check to make sure it was working, I emailed myself via this site and it came through) Thanks
 
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