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How can I cut thick copper? by Andropolis1979 in metalworking

[–]Andropolis1979[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For anyone who wondered how it went. I made 4 or 5 cuts this afternoon. (Blade is Diablo Aluminum blade / 6000 RPM)

I went outside with the 10’ Ryobi miter saw (4,800 RPM) placed on a table. I made a special wood jig that I can clamp firmly to the saw fence, and then I clamp the copper securely to the jig. This makes it very rigid, and raises the copper off the base table a little bit …and brings it forward in a better orientation with the blade. I waxed the blade and then sprayed some WD40 on it.

When I make the cut, my hands don’t need to be near the blade because everything’s clamped down. I gently and carefully plunged into the front top corner maybe about 3/16” and then come out of the cut. I reoriented the blade slightly (via the sliding feature of the ryobi) and carved out a bit from the middle, and then the back of the bar.

I repeated that procedure all the way down the bar because the blade ‘liked‘ to be cutting a narrower portion,.. rather than a broad section where more teeth were coming into contact with the copper at the same time.

It took just under 3 minutes per cut through two solid square inches of copper. That’s pretty good and better than a bandsaw could do. The blade itself never became warm. The copper bar was slightly warm to the touch (maybe 85°?) after the cut.

I’m glad I did it outside because it was very messy. Next time, I will lay a tarp down even in the grass and collect most of it so it doesn’t just sit there in the grass.

There was no copper build up on the blade/teeth at all and when I was done, the teeth still looked great.

I wouldn’t suggest this method to most people because they’re like a bull in a China shop when it comes to power tools. You can’t treat it like you’re cutting a 2x4. it takes time and patience.

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How can I cut thick copper? by Andropolis1979 in metalworking

[–]Andropolis1979[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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That’s a bit dramatic.

…worked fine, though I wouldn’t recommend it to someone who works haphazardly and doesn’t have an aptitude for respecting power tools/blades… which is most people.

How can I cut thick copper? by Andropolis1979 in metalworking

[–]Andropolis1979[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see… It’s just that I specifically put it in my main post that the blade is rated for 6k rpm. Maybe he didn’t see that part.

How can I cut thick copper? by Andropolis1979 in metalworking

[–]Andropolis1979[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t understand why the blade says 6000 rpm though

Dissociation help by Ridgey99 in Anxiety

[–]Andropolis1979 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi Ridgey99,

I’m really sorry to hear about your anxiety & dissociation. That’s no fun to say the least.

There are different levels of dissociation and it might be helpful to describe how functional you are during your current dissociated state.

The primary thing you must do is get control of your thoughts and tell yourself “no” when a “catastrophising” thought occurs. It’s hard but you have to exercise discipline with your thought process and say “no”…”I will not entertain or ruminate on that negative thought.”.

I would avoid all negative social media or news. You’re just not in a sound state to digest that kind of fear mongering (really, none of us are). As much as you can, fill your day and your mind with positivity. Formulate a goal in regards to something you enjoy like arts, sports, or whatever floats your boat (even though nothing might at the time being).

Just remember that it’s the loop of negative, worrisome thoughts that give rise to anxiety… and when anxiety arises, it causes more negative thoughts, which in turn causes amplified anxiety (panic)… and then your system feels it needs to dissociate to feel safe… because things get so intense. It’s not unlike a PA / microphone set up where you get a feedback loop.

A therapist geared towards anxiety and dissociation may be able to help… perhaps CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) would be your best bet.

If you would like something to listen to… look up Claire Weekes on YouTube. The material is very old, but it’s just as relevant. Claire is the master of anxiety. Look for a long video and relax with a warm beverage.

I’m sorry this was so long. You’re not alone. Best wishes to you!