How about .............
grab the can at the two ends.
Spin the can up to 10,000 RPM.
Can should want to maintain roundness.
Apply a cutter.
Watch for flying debris.

Perhaps spinning can slowly and then slowly lowering a dremel cutter disc .=
.....
I have done this when "rounding" the shaft of a motor.
99guspuppet

> On 18 Jun 2011 at 16:13, RussellMc wrote:
>=20
>> Looking for a way to most easily, cheaply, quickly, ... cut
>> alumin[i]um  softdrink cans (Coke, Pepsi, ...) into two pieces with a
>> "vertical" cut. ie left with two U shaped pieces when viewed from top.
>> No specs on amount of deformation or roughness of edge etc. Target -
>> two half barrels which are not obviously rough edged or deformed.
>=20


--=20
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist
.