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Aluminum & Non-Ferrous Carbide Burrs
Aluminum cut (NF) carbide burrs: wide open flutes that will not clog on aluminum, brass, copper, magnesium or zinc. 12 Walter shapes on a 1/4" shank, $39.34 to $174.02. Start with the 01V054 1/2" cylinder.
Choosing a carbide burr for aluminum
An aluminum cut carbide burr, also called non-ferrous or NF cut, has a few wide open flutes instead of the dozens of small crossed teeth on a double cut burr. Soft metal chips throw clear instead of welding into the tool, so the burr keeps cutting. Use it on aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, magnesium, zinc, carbon fiber and fiberglass.
Why not double cut? Aluminum melts at about 1,220°F. The heat of cutting softens the chip and it packs the small gaps of a double cut burr within seconds. The burr then rubs, heats up and stops cutting.
Pick a shape. SA cylinder for flats, edges and weld blending; SB end cut for square shoulders; SC ball nose for inside corners; SD ball and SE egg for hollows; SF tree for contours; SL cone for chamfers and tight angles. All 12 are Walter solid carbide on a 1/4" shank.
Running them. Light pressure, keep moving, and touch stick wax to the burr often. Never use an aluminum cut burr on steel or stainless, where the large teeth chip. Need several shapes? The carbide burr sets include two aluminum cut sets.
Free shipping on orders over $200, or call (833) 438-6657.
Common questions
What carbide burr is best for aluminum?
An aluminum cut (non-ferrous) burr. Its wide flutes clear soft chips so it does not clog. A 1/2" cylinder such as the Walter 01V054 is the most useful single shape.
Why does my carbide burr clog on aluminum?
A double cut burr's small crossed teeth pack with softened aluminum within seconds. Switch to an aluminum cut burr, use light pressure and stick wax. Soaking a loaded burr in lye drain cleaner dissolves the aluminum.
What does NF mean on a carbide burr?
Non-ferrous. An NF burr is the same as an aluminum cut burr, made for metals without iron.
Can I use an aluminum cut burr on steel?
No. The large teeth take too big a bite in steel or stainless and chip. Use a double cut burr for ferrous metal.
What speed should I run an aluminum cut burr?
Fast, inside the rated maximum for the head size: 66,000 RPM at 3/8" and 50,000 RPM at 1/2". Use a die grinder, never a drill, which turns far too slowly.
Know-how for Aluminum & Non-Ferrous Carbide Burrs
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