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Posted: 2/10/2021 12:10:56 PM EDT
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.
Link 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.
Link 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.
Link 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.
Link Posted: 2/10/2021 1:38:47 PM EDT
[#4]
I went ahead and ordered this blade.

https://www.amazon.com/TOMAX-10-Inch-Aluminum-Non-Ferrous-8-Inch/dp/B01LXDARMZ/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=aluminum+blade+10%26%2334%3B&link_code=qs&qid=1612978060&sourceid=Mozilla-search&sr=8-2&tag=mozilla-20

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.
Link Posted: 2/10/2021 1:45:41 PM EDT
[#5]
With the right blade, cut away.
Link Posted: 2/10/2021 1:51:08 PM EDT
[#6]
I did it. Went slow and some lube but no issues.
Link Posted: 2/10/2021 3:14:03 PM EDT
[#7]
Youll lose some teeth depending on what style kerf it has
Link Posted: 2/10/2021 6:11:45 PM EDT
[#8]
I use these blades constantly for aluminum.  
Attachment Attached File


Use this for lube
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My only complaint is that the chips are a pain to clean up.
Link Posted: 2/10/2021 6:20:22 PM EDT
[#9]
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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.
Link Posted: 2/10/2021 6:24:33 PM EDT
[#10]
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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.
Link 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.
Link Posted: 2/11/2021 1:48:47 AM EDT
[#12]
I'd use wd-40 or kerosene for lube cutting aluminum.
Link 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
Link 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.

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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.

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Link Posted: 3/2/2021 7:17:56 PM EDT
[#15]
Nice!

I’m going to try one of those blades.
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