source for finned or diamond aluminum ?

[praisethelowered]

I need to make some step plates for my truck where the old rubber ones are pretty much gone. I will not use that "checker plate" stuff that they use for everything from toolboxes to fire engine bumpers- this isn't Florida for god sake. Does anyone have a source for aluminum plate that has a more vintage-friendly texture like fins or perpendicular grooves (like old gun stocks) or something.

If not I have a half-baked plan to do a backyard "milling machine" job by setting up a jig and running a router with a v-groove bit across an aluminum plate in a pattern but that won't be easy to get uniform -if the material is available that would be better.

[Roadsters.com]

It sounds like what you're looking for is an extrusion.

Did you try looking under Aluminum in the Los Angeles Yellow Pages?

Don't mill aluminum in a router. There should be several tall bridges in your area that could provide a simpler, easier, and less-painful way for you to do yourself in.

Dave
http://www.roadsters.com/

[geemann51]

bttt, I'm interested as well.

Have you PM'd Dennis O'bryan?

[praisethelowered]

yeah, I just did. . . scary.

I asked him if I made up the pieces out of a softer material if he could cast it in aluminum and how much it might cost.

After all I don't want to die trying to run a router on aluminum! By the way- more specifics on the cause of death would be appreciated- I regularly use woodworking tools on aluminum, but I haven't fired up the router on it yet. I do appreciate the warning though.

[Tman]

You can router aluminum just fine. In factr there have been several tech pieces in rod mags over the years just dealing with this. Didnt justSteve make the aircleaner for the big Olds this way?

[DrJ]

They usually have some at Cal Aero in Paramount on Paramount just south of the 105 Frwy.

[Flatdog]

Dave I relive my blocks with a router.I am still alive .I think.

[praisethelowered]

I'll check it out DrJ- what am i looking for finned or diamond pattern or what- does it look good in your professional opinion?

[DrJ]

They usually have "remnants" of sheets, tubes, rods and blocks of aluminum and steel.
Last time I was there they had diamond plate aluminum, it was so shiny it might have been clear anodized.
They have bolts and machining tools that they sell by the pound.
Go there.
It's a big kid's toy store. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

What do I think of it?
I think it looks 70's Mullet mobile, but I wore a mullet (actually a "shag") in the 70's! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
It also looks "industrial" and if the truck actually gets used as a truck it's entirely appropriate.
If it's an old Ford I have a couple of them Model A cast step plates somewhere around here I'll make ya a deal on. (1/2 the going list price)

[praisethelowered]

Oh man- I think you aree describing checker plate.


I'm not even contemplating that.

Diamond plate has v-grooves running in perpendicular directions so you have a million little pyramids- kind of like the background on those factory 50's Ford step plates.

And finned, well, it should look like speed parts-like an old finned 235 side plate.

here's checker plate- no f'n way

[praisethelowered]

Oh and I have Industrial Metal Supply closer in Burbank- sounds like the same sort of place.

I love that place, stainless tube for fuel lines can be had there too, and even billet bars!,come tio think of it there is nothing that is cool that you can't get on San Fernando Road.

[DrJ]

[ QUOTE ]
Oh and I have Industrial Metal Supply closer in Burbank- sounds like the same sort of place.

I love that place, stainless tube for fuel lines can be had there too, and even billet bars!,come tio think of it there is nothing that is cool that you can't get on San Fernando Road.

[/ QUOTE ]

I went to a place like that with Enjenjo in Burbank a few years back and they were having a going out of business sale...did the change their minds and stay in business or is it a different one?

[stealthcruiser]

hey ptl,
if ya' have a firm in town that repairs escalators,check with them and see if they have any tread plates they removed from service.
i believe all they do with them is recycle them(read sell for scrap value),they would prolly' part with a couple.
"ribbed for her pleasure"

[dusty]

PTL,
Never thought about using the router as a mill on alum but it should work great. Prolly will experiment with that a little myself. Use a good bit and have a helper use a squirt bottle with a mix of water and dish detergent(not magic stuff just available in the kitchen) and squirt right into the bit and alum. We cut sheets of 1/8" all the time on the table saw using this method. Makes a nice clean cut that takes almost no cleanup for welding. You also may want to consider using a circular saw set at a depth of your liking to cut the grooves in your piece. Good luck and post pics please!

[Ragtop]

Do you use an end mill in the router or what? Slow the RPMS? I'm interested.