[ATM] re: Slotting steel

["Ellen Mackenzie" <mackenzieconsulting@sympatico.ca>]

Die sinking is the method of drilling as much material out of your part and
then cutting out the center and bringing the cut-out to size with a file.
You might want to consider using what is referred to as a Sabre saw. I have
had a great deal of success with one using a blade rated for cutting steel (
usually made from M2 HSS). I use a variable speed type set at very slow and
make sure there is a constant stream of water played at the cutting
interface. I have cut a lot of 1/4 plate mild steel using this method. You
still have to clean up the edges with a good file using SLOW firm strokes,
but if you have spent several months grinding and figuring your mirror why
not apply the same patience to your mount. For me the greatest time is spent
on the mount with the optics representing less than 25 % of the work.
Ellen
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