Glen-L.com

New member - never built a boat before but I've purchased the Scrambler plans and my son and I would like to get started. We've found everything in the bill of materials except 3 x 1-1/2 x 3/16 angle. Can 3x2 or 3x1 be substituted and what are the implications or does anyone know where I can order 3 x 1-1/2 angle?

Larry

I checked mcmaster, but didn't see that size.
What about just buying an oversize piece and ripping one edge down to 1 1/2?
Might sound crazy, but I've done it before on my table saw. Carbide blades cut very nicely through aluminum.

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Jeff

My Celerity build.

Seems odd they would specify a non production size?
What lengths are req'd? Could you use 10' lengths that are formed at a metal shop?
Otherwise I'd go with the 3 x 2 and rip it if need be.
Doug

Thanks for the replies guys. 25' total is the total length required but I don't know about specific lengths yet. Since you both suggested ripping 3x2, I think we'll give that a shot - want to get started before fishing season rolls back around.

Larry

I have ripped a lot of aluminum both angle and flat stock and a 4' x 8' sheet or two on my table saw with no problem. You will definitely want hearing protection because it makes a bunch of noise. Also, if you don't have the blade guard on the table saw (I know, I know) you will want a full face shield and long sleeve shirt. Other than that not a big deal.

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So Many Rivers,
So Little Time....

Don't forget a little cutting oil!

Bill

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Mini -Tug, KH Tahoe 19 & Bartender 24 - There can be no miracle recoveries without first screwing up.
Tahoe 19 Build

Try these guys. I don't see the size listed, but I've found them to be helpful on the phone...
http://www.discountsteel.com/

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Paul Miller in Memphis, TN
"Yeah, I had lunch with him last week at the Cracker Barrel out on I-40."

wernerlr, stock mill sizes are not necessarily stock vendor items. A mill may produce a given size extrusion but the local vendor may not have much call for that item- so they don't stock.

Extrusions on the west coast are usually in 25' lengths for 6061-T6 angle. Unequal legged angle 3x1-1/2"x 0.187" may be an odd size where you're buying?

As the guys already mentioned you can use a Freud Non-Ferrous blade, (Diablo product) on a table saw, use Pam or some generic brand spray frying pan lubricant on the blade regularly during the cut and set up a guide and fence clearance of the width of the cut and rip a 3x2 if one is available for sale. When you're done clean with acetone and constantly rotate the wiping side of the rag, then do it again.

If the edge of the cut is rough, or has burrs, then use a Vixen file held along the cut edge like it was a jointer plane and that will finish the edge. If you have a long bed belt sander that will fair the cut as well, but typically a table saw cut will be pretty clean.

You can rip better and just as well on the bandsaw if you have enough power and a 1/2" or wider blade and are willing to rig a fence and supports at that height. [I prefer to rip on the band saw but I'm using a 5hp 20" saw too.]

Another approach is to substitute the entire 3x2 depending on where the extrusion is called for in the plan? I'm not aware of the plans so I can't say if the larger leg will hinder your work? Further along the line of substituting is to substitute a thicker angle but it will depend on the use of the extrusion as to how you can modify the scantling.

Availability of given extrusions will depend on your geography, and substitution will depend on the purpose of the extrusion you're hunting.

Cheers,
Kevin Morin
Kenai, AK

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Kevin Morin

OK, call me crude - I use a cheap 7 1/4" thin kerf carbide blade in my 10" table saw. I consider the blade as a disposal item even though it will cut a good amount aluminum before it is dulled. I don't use any oil. I don't want it on my table as I am concerned about contaminating the wood. Don't want to use cleaners to remove the oil from the table because they normally remove the wax which would have to be reapplied. (Yea, I am lazy too ) Usually, the sharp edges of the cut are relieved with by a quick pass or two with a file and I then dress the edge with a belt sander and light pressure. Small pieces are cleaned up on my stationary sander.

Like I said, crude but it works for me.............

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So Many Rivers,
So Little Time....

Hi wernerlr,

I'm also building a aluminum Scrambler. I wasnt able to find the 3x 1-1/2 x 3/16 either. I went with the 3 x2 x 3/16 and didn't cut it down. Best of luck on your project.

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Charles Brammer