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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2019
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    14

    Default Best way to cut Aluminum

    Hi all


    I have a aluminum project I need to do. I'll be using mainly 1 1/2 x 1/8 and 1 x 1/8 aluminum tubing. I have on hand a 12" Hitachi chop saw and one of those Harbor Freight Vertical/Horizontal band saws.


    I think I'd like to use the chop saw. I'm reading that a high tooth blade will work or a non-ferrous metal blade for the Hitachi. Any recommendations?


    Thanks

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2019
    Location
    Revesby - Sydney Australia
    Age
    56
    Posts
    1,183

    Default

    I have used an 8" Ozito(*) chop saw, with the original Tungsten Carbide tipped wood cutting blade, on Aluminium extrusions. Over time, a few teeth have broken off, but as long as the job doesn't twist or move around, it cuts OK. You just gotta chop slowly.

    1) A little candle wax on the blade will help - both on the teeth and the side.

    2) A proper blade would be a little better, and a slower rotation would be a lot better.



    * (Ozito is a very cheap Australian brand)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    York, North Yorkshire UK
    Posts
    6,439

    Default

    Hi NGrimberg,

    As Nigel says, "A little candle wax on the blade will help - both on the teeth and the side." is needed.

    I have a dedicated saw with a 10" TCT fine (80 teeth) blade on mine, but it runs at 2800 rpm which is still a little fast for thin tubular sections. I do use WD40 sprayed onto the blade, both sides, so it gets spun out to the teeth when cutting.

    If you are not careful the work can get hot and grab the blade particularly with thick sections. I have cut 3" or 4" solid round and square sections with mine, but its easier to use the bandsaw. You don't get burnt fingers that way.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  4. #4
    BobL is online now Member: Blue and white apron brigade
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    7,183

    Default

    I use a regular wood work table saw with a negatively raked 96 toothed blade. Works great no wax needed with this blade and it won’t grab the work. I leave that blade on my saw as the standard blade as I mainly cut Al, plastics with it.

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