How to cut an aluminum can? (smoothly) ;)?
Question:I had the idea that if I cut the top and bottom off a Coke can, and slice it down the side, then I can slip it over any (beer) can that I want, and it will be an effective mask. ;)
I've seen it done before, and I'd like to do it myself. I need to know, however, what tools I can use to cut the can accurately and smoothly along a cylinderical surface without mangling the can.
Answers:
I had to jump in on this because some of these suggestions are dangerous.
Partially pop the top to vent the can, dump the soda out and refill it with water. Freeze the can with its contents in a bowl (to catch the overflow). Make a few extra for spares.
Clamp the frozen can w/contents in a vise and saw with a hacksaw using a fresh blade turned backwards (32 tooth blade if you can find one, if not use what you have. It's only a can).
Have a shop towel handy to protect your gear from melting ice.
The frozen contents support the flimsy can, and the backwards saw teeth will cut smooth with no chatter.
One more thing - Pack some bandaids until you get used to it.
Bottoms up.
Get the thinnest circular saw blade that you can get and cut it down the middle.
Mind your fingers!
not sure but maybe this thing about building a model airplane from cans will give you some ideas on what to use -- http://www.allaboutbeer.com/features/235... Materials:
Utility knife
Tin snips
Pliers
8 empty, clean beer cans
1 wire hanger
Awl or long nail
Ballpeen hammer
Block of scrap wood
1 bottle cork
a small length of 4 mm tubing, or insulation stripped from a 4 mm wire
I work for cutco, which sells high quality knives. Our shears would cut the crap out of a can. If you want a very presise cut you should just use an exacto-knife; $3 at any craft store.
A carbide blade on a table saw, Cut two cans, slightly bigger than exactly half, Use the cutting fence,, Push slowly
Use the two slightly bigger halves to go around beer can
You can figure attachment method, (glue, Doublesided Tape Etc)
Actually Now that I thhink about it , With table saw, Gently cut off top and bottom of can, then the cylinder left needs to be cut lengthwise, along a non lable part but only cut 1/8 inch deep, one cut only
this leaves sleave, with no top or bottom that is cut on one side and can have a beer can inserted through missing top, held there with one hand and beer can be drunk with no special glue to hold fake in place and new beer can be substituted without ruining the fake can.
dude they sell, magnets that say like pepsi and something along that line, just put them on, i think spencers sells them at the mall just a couple of bucks, but if you do try to cut the can, send pictures, good luck,
A new blade on a utillity knife. The large size "olfa" knife works best. Or a dollar store knife will do the job.. I usually pour my beer into a coffee mug. I also recomend a couple shotguns or beer bongs before you leave the house.
Just pour your beer into the Coke can.
Everyone knows the only way to cut an aluminum can is with a world's best GINSU knife.
You can even slice the thinest tomato slices after you're done with the can!
You go Ron Popiel!
Otherwise go with good quality tinsnips.
laser of course would be the cleanest.
but the sharpest blade with slight pressure should work
Try placing some masking tape around the area you are going to cut. Go around it three to four times, and then use that six dollar x-acto knife again. Let me know if that works.
A DREMMEL TOOL WITH CUTTING DISC WILL GIVE YOU A NICE CLEAN CUT, YOU SHOULD FIRST TRY THE EXACTO METHOD BUT FIRST FILL THE CAN WITH WATER AND FREEZE IT.
you can use a file or grinder for the top and bottom. for the sides i use scissors
If were me I would find me a band saw with fine teeth and cut away safe and easy I have don it several times, good luck.
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