About Us

Alternative Cutting Methods

Alternative Cutting Methods uses High Pressure Water Jets to precisely cut a variety of materials.

Our unique set of technical skills can guide you from idea to reality.

If you can get your idea down on paper, we can get that idea into a form a computer can understand, and then let the computer guide a high pressure stream of water and sand to carefully and precisely cut your parts.

John Peckham
CEO/President
B.S. Chemical Engineering
MBA

Hi, I’m John. I spent years working in the chemicals industry improving processes, quality, and safety. From designing distillation columns to mixers, dryers, and custom equipment, I’ve had my hands on all types of metals, plastics, and other materials, and I’ve been working with the best machinists and fabricators across the country to solve problems and make things better.

Now, at Alternative Cutting Methods, I use all of the technical skills and experiences I’ve developed to help you have the best experience possible with your projects.

FAQ

How much does it cost?

Cost is dependent on the machine time (which is a factor of material, thickness, total length of the cut, along with set up and take down) and service time.

We have a shop minimum of $150.

We also offer additional services like deburring, marking and etching, and we work with a number of other professionals to be able to finish your parts as needed. We want you to be successful and we have the contacts to get your job completed beyond just the cut.

Can you cut it?

The answer is yes.

Our tables can handle sheets as large as 12 x 6 ft. We can cut materials as soft as foam and as hard as titanium and ceramic.

How long does it take?

Our standard lead time is 10 business days (2 weeks) from material received, but if you need something sooner, let us know, and we’ll see if we can expedite it for a fee and squeeze it into the schedule earlier.

Certain large jobs may require a longer lead time.

Do you provide the material or do I have to bring it to you?

Both are options.

If you already have the material or have a way to get it easily, bring it over and we’ll work on your material.

We also work with a number of suppliers for metals, plastics, fiberglass, carbon fiber, rubber, foams and other materials. If you need a specific material, we can probably get a hold of it. If we’re ordering the material for you, we’ll require a deposit.

Do you deliver?

None of our quotes include shipping, crating, or delivery.

We can ship if needed, using your preferred carrier.

What kind of precision are you able to get?

Our tolerances range from 0.005” to 0.03”. Without getting too technical, we reach tighter tolerances with preparation work and reducing the speed of the water jet, which both increase the price.

Our typical taper (difference between the top and the bottom of the cut) is as low as 1% of the depth of material thickness. Reducing the taper is achieved by slowing down the cut, which, again, increases the price.

Edge quality is also affected by the speed of the waterjet. By slowing down the speed of the cut, we can get a fine, smooth edge, or we can speed things up with a rougher edge.

We want to work with you to get the right balance of cost and precision.

817-927-3332

[email protected]