I've got some 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 1/4 aluminum angle to cut up. Has anyone ever done it? What is the difference with the non-ferrous blades vs. a wood blade? I have a very fine carbide tipped blade that I can use, if it's just the pitch.
Posted: 2/10/2021 12:44:49 PM EDT
[#1]
I have done it, both with the blade reversed and properly mounted. Without the blade reversed and using a standard wood blade you go very slowly.
Posted: 2/10/2021 12:49:31 PM EDT
[#2]
Awning shops do it all the time.
Don't try to cut hardwood afterward with the same blade, unless you have a fire extinguisher handy.
Posted: 2/10/2021 1:09:23 PM EDT
[#3]
I have a milwaukee metal cutting circular saw. I use the metal blade from that saw on my Makita miter saw to cut aluminum.
I didn't realize they were so cheap. The videos I watched talked about how expensive they were. Maybe they were older videos, and more companies are selling them. Whatever, this one was only $25, and since it's going to cost me a blade no matter what, it's a no-brainer to get the right one. Anyway, I'll report back. I hope to start my project this weekend. I'm building a 4x4 shop table. Aluminum frame, plywood top.
Posted: 2/10/2021 1:45:41 PM EDT
[#5]
With the right blade, cut away.
Posted: 2/10/2021 1:51:08 PM EDT
[#6]
I did it. Went slow and some lube but no issues.
Posted: 2/10/2021 3:14:03 PM EDT
[#7]
Youll lose some teeth depending on what style kerf it has
Posted: 2/10/2021 6:11:45 PM EDT
[#8]
I use these blades constantly for aluminum. Attached File
My only complaint is that the chips are a pain to clean up.
View Quote
I got one coming. It's not red, but it was less than half the price of a red one.
I have some tap magic I figured I'd try for lube. A stick like that would probably be better.
Posted: 2/10/2021 6:24:33 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Quoted:
I got one coming. It's not red, but it was less than half the price of a red one.
I have some tap magic I figured I'd try for lube. A stick like that would probably be better.
View Quote
I might give that blade a shot.
The liquid lube goes everywhere because of the blade speed. Not a big deal for a small job.
Posted: 2/11/2021 1:28:05 AM EDT
[#11]
I’ve used my circular saw to cut old aluminum beams from a pool enclosure and it worked just fine. I was hesitant but it cut easily as long as I went somewhat slow. It did make a bunch of chips. Regular plywood Diablo blade, not reversed. It was less than a dozen cuts though.
Posted: 2/11/2021 1:48:47 AM EDT
[#12]
I'd use wd-40 or kerosene for lube cutting aluminum.
Posted: 3/2/2021 12:14:08 AM EDT
[#13]
I’ve cut 1/4” plate with a standard dewalt miter saw with the stock blade No problems at all, and cut wood after no issue. I expect it did wear out faster
Take off the sawdust pouch if it has one, and I suggest cutting the angle upside down
Posted: 3/2/2021 3:04:21 AM EDT
[#14]
The blade I bought did a great job. I made somewhere around 16 cuts, most of them at 45 degrees, so I had to cut them flat. No teeth lost. Here's how well it cut. This is 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 1/4" angle.
Here's the almost finished project. 4' x 4' on top. It's getting two layers of 3/4 hardwood ply on top, and a shelf underneath. I got the aluminum from the scrap yard in 12' lengths for $1.40 a pound. That's probably less than a hundred bucks there.