> A friend in NZ notes that 40mm x 1mm abrasive cutoff blades rated to
> run at 10,000 rpm are available here.
> Would probably be even more exciting than a Dremel abrasive disk if
> loaded sideways while cutting :-).


When all else fails do the experiment...

I had the same thought with abrasive discs, tried it and the results are
rather good.

The Dremel-ish ones I used were 25 x 0.9mm, these aren't big enough (and th=
e
tool gets in the way) to fully cut the can as I couldn't cut the dome in th=
e
bottom.  That's about 12mm or deep.

And yes, they do shatter if looked at the wrong way.  I only broke one whic=
h
I consider an excellent result.

A larger disc would work well, especially if you can set it up table saw
style with a jig for the can.  You've been able to get angle grinder discs
(100-125mm) at 1mm or thinner, eg
http://www.specialabrasives.com/finecut.htm for some time, so that was next=
..

As expected it made short work of the can, with a slightly poorer edge
finish (clinging swarf etc), but nothing a quick swipe with a file or the
like won't solve.  That could be reduced by slower speeds or a finer grit
disc (which may not exist).

Or you can wait for the magic 1W IR laser.

Tony

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