cutting aluminum on a table saw

[Mike Robinson]

Hi All

I would like to cut some checker plate aluminum on my table saw. I've done this before and was told to use an old carbide blade which I did. It worked but the aluminum I cut was thinner than the stuff I have now and it pretty much destroyed the blade. Several of the carbide tips broke off.

Any hints or sugggestions? Are there blades specifically made for this purpose?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[marlboro180]

Re: cutting aluminum on a table saw

This is one that I have used:
Freud LU89M Non-Ferrous Metal Cutting Blade from Rockler or whoever.At $82.99 it gets kinda hard to justify unless you're making a lot of cuts. I have used fine cut carbide tipped blades (80T) with some wax on them with good results. Cut through an old candle for each cut you want to make.

BTW it is a really good to use a zero tolerance table insert for this practice. Thinner materials have a tendency to get sucked into the gap next to the blade.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: cutting aluminum on a table saw

I use the same blade that I use for cutting wood. Works like a charm. I've cut up to 1/4" aluminum that way and never a problem.

 

[Bondo]

Re: cutting aluminum on a table saw

Ayuh,.... I was cutting up some 1" aluminum plate the other night with nothing but a decent carbide tipped Wood blade...
I do it All the time....
Heat is the Problem... When the metal gets Hot, it binds to the tips of the teeth...
I use bees wax to Lube the blade...
In the winter,...
Put some snow on the plate to draw the heat away,+ you can cut to beat 'ell....
Otherwise, Ice cubes will work, or even cold water...

 

[dr_bowtie]

Re: cutting aluminum on a table saw

a good carbide blade works well...as stated lube the blade with wax...

DONT use and old dull blade this is where you get the issues...go buy a new blade even the 20.00 carbide blades work well... cut slow...cut SLOW..

Carbide loves metal...I have cut steel with mine a few times...slower for less heat...

 

[madgadget]

Re: cutting aluminum on a table saw

Agree I have a TCT blade and have cut through half inch steel with it. Its an evil blade!!

 

[RICHARD5]

Re: cutting aluminum on a table saw

Rate of feed and/or binding is the culprit if the blade aint working. Use a plywood blade if you are cheap.

 

[i386]

Re: cutting aluminum on a table saw

Don't forget your ear plugs.

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: cutting aluminum on a table saw

Thanks for your help guys. What does TCT mean?

 

[marlboro180]

Re: cutting aluminum on a table saw

Thanks for your help guys. What does TCT mean?

tungsten carbide-tipped, resharpenable circular saw blade:

 

[Knightgang]

Re: cutting aluminum on a table saw

I have used my Carbide tipped blade to cut aluminum as well. i did not think about the wax lubrication guys, thanks... Learn something new everyday...

I the wife says that reading here is a waste of time...

 

[The_Kid]

Re: cutting aluminum on a table saw

Don't forget your ear plugs.

I don't worry too much about ear plugs, but I make sure I have safety glasses on especially when I'm cutting aluminum.

 

[Allmand Boats]

Re: cutting aluminum on a table saw

you can use Tungsten Carbide Tipped blade for cutting aluminum, depending on the width of the plate.

 

[madgadget]

Re: cutting aluminum on a table saw

Agree with the goggles and ear defenders. Its an absolute MUST. I have never used any lube either. It seems that the way the TCT blade cuts metal (at least for me) it doesn't even get warm really.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: cutting aluminum on a table saw

BTW, I find this to be really handy.... especially working with sheet steel or aluminum

 

[Mike Robinson]

Re: cutting aluminum on a table saw

I don't worry too much about ear plugs...

What?

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: cutting aluminum on a table saw

Don't forget your ear plugs.

I don't worry too much about ear plugs, but I make sure I have safety glasses on especially when I'm cutting aluminum.

What?

I used to cut heat sink material with a carbide tipped blade in a radial arm saw. I used both earplugs and headphones to help prevent hearing loss ( the fins really "sang" ). I would highly recommend form fitting goggles as those aluminum chips fly everywhere.

Some type of blade lubrication is a must too.

Most of all, a consistent feed rate will make your life easier and help the blade last longer.

Be safe and be aware of kickbacks.

Jeff

 

[EsoxRanger]

Re: cutting aluminum on a table saw

I use a teflon coated Freud triple chip grind. For material thicker than 1/2" I will make two passes to keep the heat down and chips clearing the kerf well.

 

[gee cee]

Re: cutting aluminum on a table saw

I would like add, If you do smaller cuts, Dewalt sells 4.5 inch Aluminum cutting blade for their cordless saws(I got mine at Lowes), for about $20, and I use a 4.5 thin metal cutting blade on my angle grinder, It cuts clean, (I have only cut 1/4" Aluminum). but as for as the table saw blade and if you have a lot long cuts, and going to continue needing to cut, go ahead and invest in good blade designed for aluminum, they run cool and vibration free

 

[WizeOne]

Re: cutting aluminum on a table saw

....I the wife says that reading here is a waste of time...

If mine ever thought that, she no longer does. Too many things around the estate have been fixed and much money has been saved, due to information gathered on this site.

She's a real believer now!