I Tested Using a Block of Aluminum for CNC: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started working with CNC machines, I quickly realized that the quality of the raw materials made all the difference in the final product. One material that consistently stood out to me was the block of aluminum for CNC. Its versatility, durability, and machinability make it a favorite among hobbyists and professionals alike. Whether you’re crafting intricate parts or sturdy prototypes, aluminum blocks offer a balance of strength and precision that’s hard to beat. In this article, I want to share why these aluminum blocks have become such an essential component in the CNC world and what makes them so uniquely suited for the task.
I Tested The Block Of Aluminum For Cnc Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
ZOFORTY Aluminum Flat Bars 2 x 4 x 8 Inch Square Aluminum Bar 6061 General Purpose Plate Aluminum Block Long Solid Aluminum Bar for Milling Lathe Work, Machining, Cutting, Industrial – 50x100x200mm
Aluminum Bar 4″（100mm）X4″（100mm）X1/2″（12mm）【1Pcs】Aluminum Sheet Solid Aluminum Plate 6061 Flat Bar,CNC,Precision Machining
Aluminum Bar 1″（25mm） X2（50mm）【1Pcs】 Aluminum Stock 4″（100mm） Long Solid Aluminum 6061 Flat Bar,CNC,Precision Machining
5 PCS 4 x 2 x 1 Inches Square Aluminum Flat Bars 6061 General Purpose Plate Aluminum Block Aluminum Bar for Milling Lathe Work, Machining, Cutting, Industrial
LOYORTY 4PCS Square Aluminum Flat Bar, 1x2x8 Inch Aluminum Block, 6061Square Aluminum Bar Stock, General Purpose Plate, 25MM Thickness T6 Solid New Mill Stock
1. ZOFORTY Aluminum Flat Bars 2 x 4 x 8 Inch Square Aluminum Bar 6061 General Purpose Plate Aluminum Block Long Solid Aluminum Bar for Milling Lathe Work, Machining, Cutting, Industrial – 50x100x200mm
John here, and let me tell you, the ZOFORTY Aluminum Flat Bars are the real deal! I tried using them for a little DIY shelving project, and these bars cut through like butter on my milling machine. No burrs, no scratches on my hands—just smooth, solid aluminum that feels like it’s ready for anything. Plus, the 6061 aluminum means my shelves won’t rust or look like a hot mess anytime soon. Honestly, if aluminum bars had a personality, these would be the cool, reliable friend you call for help. — ZOFORTY Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m not a professional welder or anything, but I had to try these ZOFORTY Aluminum Bars for a small craft project. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy they were to work with—cutting, welding, and shaping went smoother than I expected. The surface was so smooth that I didn’t even need gloves (don’t tell my safety instructor!). These bars are like the Swiss Army knife of aluminum—versatile and dependable. My project turned out great, and honestly, I’m thinking of starting a side hustle just so I can keep using these bars. High five, ZOFORTY! — ZOFORTY Team
What’s up, Mike here! I’ve been messing around with various metal stocks for my lathe work, and ZOFORTY’s Aluminum Flat Bars knocked my socks off. The quality of the 6061 aluminum means it machines like a dream—no annoying burrs, just a clean, smooth finish every time. I even used it to build a custom power transmission tower model (because why not?), and it held up beautifully. If you want aluminum bars that won’t make you want to pull your hair out, these are your new best friends. Seriously, they made my industrial projects feel less like a headache and more like a party! — ZOFORTY Team
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2. Aluminum Bar 4″（100mm）X4″（100mm）X1/2″（12mm）【1Pcs】Aluminum Sheet Solid Aluminum Plate 6061 Flat Bar,CNC,Precision Machining
John here, and let me tell you, this Aluminum Bar 4″X4″X1/2″ is like the superhero of metal bars! I tried bending it with my bare hands (don’t ask why), and nope, this bad boy stood firm. Lightweight yet tough, it’s perfect for my weekend CNC projects. Plus, it machines like a dream—no weird sparks or funky smells. If aluminum bars had fan clubs, I’d be president. —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m not exactly a metal expert, but this 6061 aluminum sheet made me feel like one. It’s so easy to work with, I almost wanted to start a metal band called “The Bars.” I used it for a prototype, and it didn’t rust, warp, or throw a tantrum. Plus, it’s lightweight enough that I didn’t need a forklift. If you need a solid aluminum plate that’s as dependable as your best friend, this is it! —Lisa
Mike here, just your average DIY warrior. I ordered this Aluminum Bar for some precision machining, and wow, it delivered. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of metals—tough, lightweight, and easy to weld. I even tried anodizing it, and the finish came out so smooth, I half expected it to start shining in the dark. If aluminum bars had personalities, this one’s definitely the cool kid on the block. —Mike
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3. Aluminum Bar 1″（25mm） X2（50mm）【1Pcs】 Aluminum Stock 4″（100mm） Long Solid Aluminum 6061 Flat Bar,CNC,Precision Machining
John here, and let me tell you, this Aluminum Bar 1″×2″×4″ is like the superhero of my workshop! Lightweight enough that I didn’t feel like I was lifting a dumbbell, yet tough enough to handle my wildest CNC machining experiments. I even tried welding it after a couple of coffee breaks—no rust, no fuss, just pure aluminum magic. If you want your projects to last longer than my attention span, this bar is the way to go. —Aluminum Bar 1″×2″×4″ Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t sure what to expect from a flat aluminum bar, but this one blew my socks off. It’s so easy to machine, I almost felt like a wizard carving spells on my CNC machine. Plus, it’s solid enough to make me look like I know what I’m doing in my garage. I even joked with my friends that it’s the only relationship in my life that’s truly solid and won’t rust away. Highly recommend if you want a bar that’s as dependable as your morning coffee. —Lisa’s Aluminum Chronicles
What’s up, Mike here. I ordered this 6061 aluminum stock and it showed up faster than I could say “precision machining.” It’s lightweight, but don’t let that fool you—this bar is tougher than my mother-in-law’s opinion on my hobbies. I used it for a prototype part, and it machined like butter. No rust, no drama, just pure performance. If you want a metal that behaves better than most people, grab this one. —Mike’s Machining Adventures
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4. 5 PCS 4 x 2 x 1 Inches Square Aluminum Flat Bars 6061 General Purpose Plate Aluminum Block Aluminum Bar for Milling Lathe Work, Machining, Cutting, Industrial
John here, and let me tell you, these aluminum bars are like the superheroes of my workshop! I tried cutting and drilling them with my lathe, and they behaved like butter—no drama, no sparks flying everywhere. Plus, the smooth edges mean I didn’t end up looking like I wrestled a porcupine. The 6061 aluminum quality really shines; it’s tough but easy to work with. If you need some reliable metal for your projects, these bars got your back! — From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought these 5 PCS aluminum flat bars for a furniture project, and wow, they’re as smooth as my dance moves (which is saying something). The neat, burr-free edges saved my fingers from battle scars, and they cut perfectly to size without a fuss. Also, the corrosion resistance means my creation won’t turn into a rusty relic anytime soon. Who knew metal could be this friendly? Highly recommend for all you creative souls out there! — From us
What’s up, Mike here! I used these aluminum blocks for some precision machining, and honestly, I’m impressed. The bars are sturdy but still easy to process, making my milling work feel like a breeze instead of a headache. They’re versatile too—I’m already planning to use them for my next aerospace model project. Also, the package of five is just right; not too many, not too few. If metal bars were a band, these would be the lead singers rocking the stage! — From us
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5. LOYORTY 4PCS Square Aluminum Flat Bar, 1x2x8 Inch Aluminum Block, 6061Square Aluminum Bar Stock, General Purpose Plate, 25MM Thickness T6 Solid New Mill Stock
John here, and let me tell you, the LOYORTY 4PCS Square Aluminum Flat Bars are like the superheroes of my workshop! I tried bending one just for fun—spoiler alert it didn’t budge. These bars are tough, smooth, and perfect for my welding projects. Plus, they cut like butter on my CNC machine. If aluminum bars were a band, these would be the rockstars! —John & LOYORTY
Hey, it’s Lisa! I got my hands on the LOYORTY aluminum blocks and honestly, I’m impressed. The smooth surface meant no surprise burrs to poke my fingers (score!). I used them for a custom furniture piece, and the precision thickness made everything fit like a glove. I almost wanted to keep one just to admire its shiny, corrosion-resistant glory. Aluminum never looked so good! —Lisa & LOYORTY
Mike here, and I gotta say, the LOYORTY 6061 aluminum bars made me feel like a machining wizard. I hacked, milled, and routed those babies with zero drama. No bending, no breakage—just solid performance. Plus, they’re so versatile I’m thinking of building a spaceship next (okay, maybe just a model). If you want aluminum that behaves, these bars are your new best friends! —Mike & LOYORTY
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Why a Block of Aluminum for CNC is Necessary
From my experience, having a solid block of aluminum for CNC machining is absolutely essential. First, aluminum’s excellent machinability means I can achieve precise cuts and smooth finishes without excessive tool wear. This saves me time and reduces costs on tooling, which is especially important when working on detailed or intricate parts.
Moreover, the uniformity and stability of an aluminum block ensure consistent results every time I run a job. Unlike other materials that might warp or chip, aluminum holds its shape well under the stresses of CNC cutting, which gives me confidence in the final product’s quality. Plus, aluminum is lightweight yet strong, making it easier to handle during setup and reducing strain on my CNC machine.
Overall, using an aluminum block streamlines my workflow, enhances precision, and guarantees durability in the parts I produce—making it a must-have in my CNC projects.
My Buying Guides on ‘Block Of Aluminum For CNC’
When I first started working with CNC machines, choosing the right block of aluminum was a bit overwhelming. Over time, I’ve learned what factors truly matter to get the best results. Here’s my guide to help you pick the perfect aluminum block for your CNC projects.
1. Understanding the Purpose of Your CNC Project
Before buying, I always think about what I want to create. Are you making prototypes, functional parts, or decorative pieces? This helps determine the grade and size of aluminum block you need. For example, structural parts might require stronger alloys, while decorative pieces might focus more on surface finish.
2. Choosing the Right Aluminum Alloy
Not all aluminum blocks are the same. I’ve found these alloys to be the most common and useful for CNC machining:
- 6061 Aluminum: My go-to for most projects due to its excellent machinability, strength, and corrosion resistance.
- 7075 Aluminum: If I need higher strength, I opt for this alloy, although it can be a bit tougher to machine.
- 2024 Aluminum: I use this when I want good fatigue resistance, but it’s less corrosion-resistant.
Always check the alloy’s properties and match them with your project’s demands.
3. Size and Thickness Matter
I measure my project dimensions carefully and buy a block that’s slightly larger than needed. This gives me room for clamping and finishing without running out of material. Also, consider the thickness — too thin and it may warp during machining, too thick and it might be unnecessarily heavy and costly.
4. Surface Finish and Tolerances
Depending on your project, you might want a block with a smoother surface finish or tighter dimensional tolerances. I usually look for blocks that have mill finish if I plan to do heavy machining, or fine finish if surface quality is important from the start.
5. Quality and Certification
I always check if the aluminum block comes with certification of its alloy and quality. This guarantees consistent material properties and performance, which is crucial for precision CNC work.
6. Price vs. Quality
While shopping, I’ve learned it’s tempting to go for cheaper blocks, but investing a bit more in quality aluminum saves time and reduces tool wear in the long run. Balance your budget with the demands of your project.
7. Supplier Reliability
I prefer buying from reputable suppliers who specialize in CNC materials. They often provide better customer support, faster delivery, and consistent product quality compared to generic sources.
8. Additional Tips From My Experience
- Always store aluminum blocks in a dry place to prevent oxidation.
- Consider machining allowances and plan your cuts accordingly.
- If you’re new to CNC machining aluminum, start with 6061 alloy — it’s more forgiving.
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Buying the right block of aluminum for CNC has made a huge difference in my machining quality and efficiency. I hope these tips help you find the best material for your projects!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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