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Thread: Best way to cut Aluminum
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9th Apr 2020, 06:30 PM #1Novice
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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
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9th Apr 2020, 06:50 PM #2Diamond Member
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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)
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9th Apr 2020, 09:45 PM #3
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.
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9th Apr 2020, 10:39 PM #4Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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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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