aluminum plate question

[pterodactyl]

I was thinking about getting some 6061 1/8th" plate for a speedometer bracket. Any thoughts on how it will be for cutting drilling and strength? I don't think I'll be bending it.
Thanks Will

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

6061 is very strong and quite rigid. It can be heat treated to make it more maleable, but then needs controlled heat treatment to make it rigid again. Cuts and drills well, but like any aluminum, it will quickly clog sanding belts & disks, and grinding wheels.

Not sure 1/8" will hold up for what you are doing. It might crack from vibration over time. If you already have the material, then go ahead and try it. If you haven't gotten the material yet, try to get a little heavier plate.

 

[yorkie350]

Hi mate i made one from 3mm alli not sure wot grade but folded n drilled real nice polished well too doe's job great no probs from vibration

 

[pterodactyl]

Nice job on the bracket!! Yeah 3mm is close to 1/8 inch. I plan on using some indicator lights that I cant exceed 1/4". 3/16 is a option but it costs about 20.00 for a 12x12 sheet.

 

[Hurco550]

I agree, 6061 is tough yet in a way "brittle" when it comes to bending, especially if you bend with the grain. I personally would recommend a 5051 if you are going to bend it, as you can get much smaller bend radius's without cracking the metal. And if bent correctly 1/8" should be plenty to hold a speedometer. Happy fabricating friend!

 

[bradj]

Not so fast If you use 5051 try to do bend it when its overcast outside befor 7pm un less its after the month of june. After june i push the deadline to no later than 10:17pm know what im saying call me crazy but it works. o shit i forgot if its a full moon put a bandaid behind you left ear. that should keep the cloud people from reading your thoughts and taking over your dreams. all thats out the window if you use 6061 the cloud people's only weakness is 6061 but red pants are a MUST see the shadow flys lust after 6160 but trust me brother those fly's cant stand a snappy dresser

 

[Hurco550]

touche

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

Shut up, Brad. You're drunk.

 

[Nebr_Rex]

Try 3032.

 

[rockcitycafe]

6061 is fine, it's the best cutting alloy because it doesn't gum up blades or drills as much as other alloys, avoid long sections with a mass on the end though, because you will wind up cracking it close to where it's mounted to the bike, the more aluminum vibrates, the shorter its lifespan. if you're cutting it or sanding it with a disc, use stick wax or crisco in a pinch to keep the blade or wheel from loading up.

 

[oldskool]

6061-t6 make sure to check the temper

 

[bradj]

6061-t6 make sure to check the temper

by making fun of it until it wants to hit you

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

Good one!
I guess you sobered up?...

 

[xb33bsa]

http://www.bjg-design.com/designbook/shbend.htm
handy chart shows ideal minimum bending radii for 6061 t6 at 1/8"=1/2" that is a 1'' round bar to bendover
in other words don't just chuck it in the vise and hammer it over a sharp edge
at night in the dark matter void

 

[pterodactyl]

thanks for the replies!! (especially Brad j) lol