I just bought a set of 113 heads that I would like to port and polish...I have a ryobi spiral saw http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...34+1688+502106 and I was wondering if I could use this tool with a summit porting kit and have good results? Ive found some good websites about porting heads but theres no mention of differences from aluminum to iron,anything to stay away from...ie heavier grits because of aluminum or speeds of the tool? thanks

 

I doubt it. It's made for wood. Not sure the porting shanks would even chuck up.

Carbide bits work well on aluminum. Lubrication helps keep them from gumming up.

 

They make carbide bits specifically for AL also, they have a wider cut vs an iron one. Or in a pinch you can dip your bit into chassis grease or grinding grease first, but it makes a hell of a mess and you still end up digging AL out of the teeth of it.

Huh, spiral saw. New one on me. I also doubt it'd work. Probably not strong enough, and would be very difficult to move around. oh, 18V? Yea, I doubt it has enough jam.
You can use lots of sandpaper, I imagine it'll cut through AL faster than iron, so just be aware of that.

 

thanks,,the model I have is plug in but I couldnt find a link...but doesnt matter anyway I guess...just a regular dremel than?

 

I have a craftsman roto tool which is similar. I used it for porting my heads and its more then powerful enough. I actually had to build a rheostat assembly to turn it down.

 

Dremel no good, 1/8" collet, low power. Made for fine, small work.

Electric die grinders are also available.

 

like chevymad im using a black and decker rotary tool porting my heads now. it only fits 1/8" bits but its getting the job done and fits in some good areas. you can buy it at walmart and it has 3 variable speeds 32k, 24k, 12k rpms.

 

You can port with a Dremel, but it's going to take considerably longer than a real die grinder. Not bad if you're new at it, though, as it takes more work to overport.

 

The craftsman tool I have has a 5amp motor turns 20 or 30k rpm. It also has both 1/4" and 1/8" chucks, And a flexible adapter that takes dremel type bits as well. More then enough power. Plus it works as a grinder, cut off tool, router, etc.