oh yea cutting it , take it somewhere that has a power shear, you will thank yourself, and maybe save $$$$$$$$

Hi tech options
 

It might be a litTle more spendy but the results will be worth it- find a waterjet shop than can cut all your features using a CNC waterjet

or

Bigger sign shops work with 1/8 aluminum all the time, have a big table and basically a cnc router that will produce first class results. The stuff bends in a brake easy unless you go thicker than 1/8 then you need bigger presses. Good luck:D

While we ae on the subject of diamondplate, what is the best way to finish out the edges? example I am cutting plate to replace the walkarounds on my trailer, do I just radius and polish until smoth and even or is there some other type of trim I can ad to look a little more finished?:confused:
jrocket

Any good places on line to get the diamond plate? Do the big home improvement stores carry it?

Craig

Traviss,
When you have it bent do not let them use a bend radius thats smaller than the material thickness (tread thickness + plate thickness). If the radius is too small you're guaranteed to crack it.
If you bend it parallel to the grain you'll possibly get what look like small cracks on the surface at the bend radius. They aren't really sracks, not deep enough, more like material separation along the grain. Happens all the time. If you use a bend radius larger than the material thickness chances are it won't happen at all.
If the material is 6061 it's some tough stuff but you can bend it, we do it here all the time with no problems. Just watch your radius.
If you do cut it yourself wear ear protecton. If you have any neighbors that are talking to you now, they won't be after you're done cutting it. It will be LOUD! Better off finding a sheet metal shop to shear it for you.

also if your putting it in a corrosive enviroment, i would get it anodized or painted/powdercoated. if water can be trapped underneath it dont ever pull it up you will not like what you will see:(

Menards sells it.

Try one of my favorite places, the scrapyard, buy it by the pound!