I want to cut my SF4000 in half

[pwnytailjoe]

and use half like a SF 2000.
By the time I have my 5x back up and running I'll either use both sides with a bit of space between the two for better coverage or I'll have replaced it entirely.

So what's the best way to cut 22 inches of 1/8 aluminum without damaging the board too much.
I plan on disassembling the entire board for this process.

I used to have a ton of resources for crap like this but everyone has moved or is doing other stuff now.

 

[Sugar Pops420]

I’m still pushin HPS, so I have no idea, I do wonder though, would you then need two drivers? Or would you still be able to run them both off the one?

 

[pwnytailjoe]

I’m still pushin HPS, so I have no idea, I do wonder though, would you then need two drivers? Or would you still be able to run them both off the one?

It has two separate drivers. It's essentially 4- SF1000's on a 22x ?? slab of aluminium.

 

[Sugar Pops420]

Cool!. And I see your point in wanting to space them too, It’s funny that there is still such a huge hole in market when it comes to L.E.Ds for 5x5 tents/areas, compared to 4x4’s
It seems that extra foot is worth a grand somehow!.. I dunno…lol

 

[Caddis]

If it’s like a qb, leds fixed on the boards, score it with a sharp tool and snap?
I cut heatsink sheets with a plasma, but don’t think that’s an option?

 

[pwnytailjoe]

Cool!. And I see your point in wanting to space them too, It’s funny that there is still such a huge hole in market when it comes to L.E.Ds for 5x5 tents/areas, compared to 4x4’s
It seems that extra foot is worth a grand somehow!.. I dunno…lol

For the next year, at least, I'll be confined to a 2x4. I have the SF4000 and two Viparspectras[xs1000, xs1500]. The original plan is to use the 1500 or both but honestly, I like the buds from under the Spider Farmer waaaay more than the Viparspectras. I think that itteration of the viparspectras leans a lot bluer that the SF and they both flower fine but the plants that got only SF were a lot warmer and fuzzier.

If it’s like a qb, leds fixed on the boards, score it with a sharp tool and snap?
I cut heatsink sheets with a plasma, but don’t think that’s an option?

The actual led's are on a film that is screwed into the board. I'm going to assume there's something between the film and board like a glue or something. If that's the case, it will still cut but with a little more care involved.

 

[Sugar Pops420]

Cool! That’s good to know! I can see the benefits of both color spectrums, but that totally makes sense with the warmth actually!
I’ve been hearing lots of good about Spider Farmer lately too!
Thanks for that man! ( got me thinking!)

 

[Willie]

How long is the cut?

Something with a carbide blade cuts alum the cleanest...skilsaw, tablesaw, chopbox all make clean cuts. A finer tooth blade is better and blade is set to the minimun depth you need to make the cut. A shot of WD-40 wouldn't hurt as a lubricant.

 

[Skunky Dunk Farms]

Check a local hardware store for 1/16" wide cut off disc's, they go on an angle grinder and make a great, straight cut.

100 Pack 4-1/2" x 1/16" x 7/8" Cut-off Wheels Discs Stainless Steel & Metal | eBay

A proprietary aluminum oxide grain combination yields fast, burr free cutting with long tool life. Suitable for cutting stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, copper, plastic, and more. Reinforced with 2 full fiberglass sheets for safety.

www.ebay.com

 

[Desert Rose]

Can you get everything off the heat sink and just be left with the slab?

Edit: just saw you think they might be glued on. I’d see how far you can strip them down and then take it to a machine shop I bet they’d cut that thing in half for you for $40 or less and would do a bangin job compared to buying equipment and having a wing at it yourself. I had a machine shop cut my heat sink for my 2x4 and they did it for $80 including all the holes and the aluminum itself.

 

[DopeDaniel]

Can you get everything off the heat sink and just be left with the slab?

Edit: just saw you think they might be glued on. I’d see how far you can strip them down and then take it to a machine shop I bet they’d cut that thing in half for you for $40 or less and would do a bangin job compared to buying equipment and having a wing at it yourself. I had a machine shop cut my heat sink for my 2x4 and they did it for $80 including all the holes and the aluminum itself.

If you don't have a jigsaw I'd hire it out. Put some painters tape over the leds to protect them.

 

[pwnytailjoe]

How long is the cut?

Something with a carbide blade cuts alum the cleanest...skilsaw, tablesaw, chopbox all make clean cuts. A finer tooth blade is better and blade is set to the minimun depth you need to make the cut. A shot of WD-40 wouldn't hurt as a lubricant.

It's about 25 inches. Seems like a fairly easy cut but I no longer have anything that will make a nice straight, clean cut.

Check a local hardware store for 1/16" wide cut off disc's, they go on an angle grinder and make a great, straight cut.

I'll do this probably after a quick scan of local resources that can possibly do this. I think I have a few options but the biggest hurdle will be convincing one of the business' that there's no liability for a bad cut. A lot of places around here won't touch stuff like this unless you know someone that works there.


At the end of the day, if I can't find anyone, I'll build a jig and dremel it part with the carbide blade, I guess.

 

[Frimpong]

Jigsaw w a fine metal blade . ?

 

[Brokehoe]

Don't talk about it, cut that bitch up without thinking about it. Be a MAN!

 

[Frimpong]

Don't talk about it, cut that bitch up without thinking about it. Be a MAN!

Lmao watch your fingers tho

 

[pwnytailjoe]

so it turns out that the guy that used to make the duffel bags for our business also has a machine shop. When I have time later today I'll see how far I can disassemble the light and then I'll contact mr. machine Next Tuesday[only "free" day and I'm busy moving stuff this week].

If he can't/won't do it, I'll attack it with the dremal and a jig.

 

[pwnytailjoe]

Fun fact: Mr. Machine shop used to make Martin Yan's Pet wok... if you've ever heard of him...

 

[Frimpong]

Fun fact: Mr. Machine shop used to make Martin Yan's Pet wok... if you've ever heard of him...

View attachment 134061

Yan can cook ! ???

 

[Sugar Pops420]

Even has its own cook book!! How cool is that!?