If you look at the description on the aluminum oxide (this is the material they're made for) it states STAINLESS STEEL as the only material they actually named. And it'* not easy to find.

It may be stated on the packaging. I couldn't tell you that.

I CAN tell you that every machinist and professional welder in the world knows this as common knowledge and safety practice.

In fact, here at HP, and at our two local colleges, every grinder in each shop is clearly posted in this manner. DO NOT GRIND ALUMINUM, BRASS, OR OTHER NON-FERROUS METALS.

Most of these stones are aluminum oxide or silicon carbide.

You can all remain fixated on Dremel'* data (they're French if memory serves me) or you can research this yourself to see if I'm blowing smoke up your .

http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/grinding.htm

http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/afl...ch_grinder.htm

US NAVAL SAFETY CENTER WROTE:

I don't have time to find 20 more links to convince you. I'm doing my best to express a very grave concern aboutg the safety of our members who may use the wrong tool for aluminum.

Please take the time to search on terms for yourself such as 'safety non-ferrous metal grinding' or other related terms.

No one in their right mind would use a grinder on non-ferrous metal.
Note that Dremel limits the speed to 40%. My bet is they can't stop people from using the wrong tool so they try to keep it spinning slow enough to prevent disintegration.

If you don't have a Dremel yet, there are many available on Ebay along with accessories. I second the opinion on the flex shaft...it can be very useful. Read ads carefully, expecially if you buy accessories. There are many cheap imitations listed. Try to buy genuine Dremel.

Keep in mind though that the Craftsman "Dremel" IS a Dremel-made unit. It has to be, as identical they are (though I can't prove it anymore...). Not sure if they are a bit cheaper or not.

The cheaper ones look the same, but do tend to go up in smoke rather quickly.

I’ve had great success with those aluminum oxide stones, never had one blow up on me. When I did my Gen5 LIM I used one of those stones on the entire LIM to rough out most of the material with ease and had no problems with it loading up. TJ asked for opinions I gave mine based from my experience with my Dremel.

I also forgot to mention make sure you have a good pair of safety glasses and a dust mask at least while you P&P.

Ed

Safety glasses will protect your eyes. Not your whole face and neck.

You can continue to use them on the premise that you've never had one blow, or you can listen to the warnings in this topic from those of us that do this kind of work on a daily basis.

If you run them as slow as Dremel says to you probobly never will. They do not cut very efficiently at that slow of a speed but the stress on them is low.

If you speed them up to where they actualy cut well, you will have a time bomb in your hand.

Ok, so far i have got. Get a true demel and not a cheap knock off brand. And get a carbid bit with a rounded edge lol.

http://cgi.ebay.com/14-carbide-drill...QQcmdZViewItem


Something kinda like those?


Keep the ideas, comments, ect coming. This is helping. I am knew to what kind of bits to get, ect. Any links and pictures would help alot (carbid bits, and polishing wheels). Thank guys

SOMETHING like those, yes. THOSE? No. Cheap chinese knockoffs. You get what you pay for.

Buy Dremel or Craftsman brand. You don't need a whole set. There are 2 or 3 that I use the most.

I'll post 'em up later when I have more time.