Stage 1 Porting

[LGAFF]

I would not use a large bit on the head, the alum seems softer

[Eric870]

Originally Posted by LGAFF

I would not use a large bit on the head, the alum seems softer

Yes, Aluminum is very soft and gummy. I use a piece of steel to clean the bits when they get gummed up.

[LGAFF]

Are you using something to lube the area you are porting, if you spray WD40 or put grinders grease on the surface, the alum will not stick and the metal comes of like BUTTA!

[Eric870]

Originally Posted by LGAFF

Are you using something to lube the area you are porting, if you spray WD40 or put grinders grease on the surface, the alum will not stick and the metal comes of like BUTTA!

No, I have just been cutting DRY. It's is a bad habit from work. I work in a clean room environment and we can't use oils. I just by bits by the gross.

[LGAFF]

I have heard of some using Dish soap but have not tried it.

[Eric870]

Originally Posted by LGAFF

I have heard of some using Dish soap but have not tried it.

Soap does not work well. But Wax works in a pinch.

[Paul Workman]

I started a thread a while back on the subject of favorite porting tools. It proved quite interesting, I think.

http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread....hlight=Porting

As for the bits fouling, plain ol WD40 on the work and on the bit worked extremely well for me - far as cutting and keeping the bur clean.

After trying a variety of tools, both electric and pneumatic - cheap and better quality, I guess it is no surprise that the good stuff is waaaaaay better than the cheapo stuff, IMO.

My favorite tool is the long Snap-On pneumatic. It is relatively light weight, and very controllable when using both hands, speed is infinitely variable continuously, and is instantly on or off. By draping the hose over my shoulder and using both hands on the tool, locking elbows and using my legs and hips to move me and the tool as one...worked very well for me.

For certain "easy does it" jobs, especially at lower speeds, I found the electric grinder has its place as well. But, I almost gave them up because using them in conjunction with a speed controller, the torque left a lot to be desired, and the speed would drop under load.

However, the Makita mentioned in the thread is a whole different animal! It is a constant speed tool, and even at low speeds there is tons of torque and speed is constant under load. Quite a tool, to be sure.

Have a look. Anything you want, I can get less than 10 minutes from my work at Fleetwood tool in Addison, or the Snap-On dealer practically next door to Fleetwood.

P.

PS I tried using the Harbor freight speed controller on a modest quality electric