How to cut/shorten long heatsinks

[Jan Dupont]

I've got some rather large and long heatsinks, which I want to shorten to fit my amp projects. As I don't have a degree in mechanics I would like to know if anybody could give me some advices...

Can I do it my self?
If so, which kind of tool is needed ??

If not, what kind of company should I go to, to have them to cut the heatsinks to the correct size (without destroying them) ??

All advises are welcome

[imix500]

If you have a miter saw, you can buy a non-ferrous cutting disk for it. -but they're expensive, about $80USD last time I bought one for a 12 inch saw.

[Jan Dupont]

Thanks
That was a possibility...
Which speed should it be running at ???

[chipco3434]

They should be cut with a large, high speed, circular sawing machine. Find the peole who sell nonferrous alloys near you. They will have one of the following machines for cutting aluminum; Trennjaeger, Eisele, Kaltenbach, Fom, Elumatic. The machines will have at least 400 and maybe 500 mm blades with carbide tips and turn 2400-3600 RPM. If used properly, the finish will be very good and leave little burr.

Don't use a band saw. It will look like poo.

[Peter Daniel]

Usually there is no choice of speed on mitre or table saw, so use any available speed.

You might also do it on a band saw, but the finish will be more rough.

[Jan Dupont]

Thanks Peter

[Magura]

Throw them in a box and ship them to me...I got a big band saw. I believe shipping would be down to an acceptable amount since its within DK.

Magura

[sam9]

First question: Do you plan to mount then inside an enclosure or outside. If inside appearance is not so important. I have simply used a hacksaw for this. The results are unsightly but effective. Also cheap. It takes a little time depending on the size and thickness of the material.

If they are going to be mounted externally - visible - you can still use the hacksaw but must work very slowly in order to keep the cut straight. Gaffer tape wrapped around the sink can be used as a guide to help keep the cut straight - I find it makes a better guide than marker pen. Afterward you will need a file to "dress" the cut, i.e. make it pretty.

A table saw would be much easier, but you didn't indicate you had one and buying a powrert tool for a single job doesn't strike me as cost effective.

[Jan Dupont]

Magura:
Thanks pal... I take your kind offer
I'll email you later today.

sam9:
You are right. I forgot to state that the heatsinks would be placed outside the cabinet.

[Stocker]

Depending on how they are to be mounted and how they need to be cut, you could put the "ugly" side facing away from the viewer...