Cutting Aluminum

WmTasker · 05/09/2010, 11:53 AM

Does anyone know what type of blade I would use on a table saw to cut aluminum. I am working on making a fixture for a LED fixture and I was wanting to make it out of aluminum.

Thanks

serpentman · 05/09/2010, 12:06 PM

I just completed a very similar project for LEDs.

Although just about any blade will cut it, I would go with something with 150+ teeth on to prevent bucking and chipping. Blades designed for melamine work pretty good for non-ferrous metals. It'll also wear your blade down so you may want to go with a cheaper blade.

WmTasker · 05/09/2010, 01:06 PM

I am wanting to take 4 x 6 aluminum retangle and cut the bottom out to make a light fixture to mount the LEDs in side of. Maybe it time for some google ScetchUp.

WmTasker · 05/09/2010, 01:07 PM

What about one of the blades that you use for cutting ceramic tiles?

WmTasker · 05/09/2010, 04:14 PM

This is what I am going to buy. 4 x 6 x 0.25

And this is what I am wanting to cut out.

geo · 05/09/2010, 04:47 PM

I would suggest you pick up a blade with a triple chip tooth grind used for cutting non ferrous metals.

szwab · 05/09/2010, 06:29 PM

Make sure it's a carbide tipped blade not just steel.

jh2pizza · 05/09/2010, 08:13 PM

And I know this goes without saying, but I have done it myself. Wear glasses. Got wood dust in the eyes many of times, you do not want metal in them.

WmTasker · 05/09/2010, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jh2pizza

And I know this goes without saying, but I have done it myself. Wear glasses. Got wood dust in the eyes many of times, you do not want metal in them.

It time to talk shop safety with Norm from The Yankee Workshop.

I was just working with my router the other day thinking about how I need saftey glasses.

jh2pizza · 05/10/2010, 06:54 AM

Quote:

It time to talk shop safety with Norm from The Yankee Workshop.

Norm always has his guards on the saws! They are just removed for photography purposes only.

szwab · 05/10/2010, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jh2pizza

Norm always has his guards on the saws! They are just removed for photography purposes only.

uh huh shuuuure. What ever you say Joe.
But seriously, it only takes an instant for an accident to happen. Not lecturing but, I have seen first hand (not mine) what a table saw can do to fingers. I have also had plenty of things bounce off my safety glasses.

cward · 05/10/2010, 06:04 PM

I've cut aluminum sheet before with a circular saw. It helps if you use a wax on the blade to reduce friction. Not like a candle wax, a type of blade lubricant. The blade will get unbelievable hot and want to grab, so be careful.

05/09/2010, 11:53 AM	#1
WmTasker JBJ 45g Rimless Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Crestline, Ohio (central Ohio) Posts: 1,574 Blog Entries: 2	Cutting Aluminum Does anyone know what type of blade I would use on a table saw to cut aluminum. I am working on making a fixture for a LED fixture and I was wanting to make it out of aluminum. Thanks __________________ The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

05/09/2010, 12:06 PM	#2
serpentman part time superhero Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Deep in the Heart of the Snowbelt (NE OHIO) Posts: 5,698	I just completed a very similar project for LEDs. Although just about any blade will cut it, I would go with something with 150+ teeth on to prevent bucking and chipping. Blades designed for melamine work pretty good for non-ferrous metals. It'll also wear your blade down so you may want to go with a cheaper blade. __________________ BS in Marine Bio ('96), First SW tank in 1992. Current Tank(s) 300g SPS with 90g frag tank and 40 anemone tank - decommissioned 46g LPS/Softy Cube 300g FOWLR under construction - decommissioned

05/09/2010, 01:06 PM	#3
WmTasker JBJ 45g Rimless Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Crestline, Ohio (central Ohio) Posts: 1,574 Blog Entries: 2	I am wanting to take 4 x 6 aluminum retangle and cut the bottom out to make a light fixture to mount the LEDs in side of. Maybe it time for some google ScetchUp. __________________ The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

05/09/2010, 01:07 PM	#4
WmTasker JBJ 45g Rimless Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Crestline, Ohio (central Ohio) Posts: 1,574 Blog Entries: 2	What about one of the blades that you use for cutting ceramic tiles? __________________ The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

05/09/2010, 04:14 PM	#5
WmTasker JBJ 45g Rimless Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Crestline, Ohio (central Ohio) Posts: 1,574 Blog Entries: 2	This is what I am going to buy. 4 x 6 x 0.25 And this is what I am wanting to cut out. __________________ The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

05/09/2010, 04:47 PM	#6
geo RC Mod Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: St. George Island, FL Posts: 19,512	I would suggest you pick up a blade with a triple chip tooth grind used for cutting non ferrous metals.

05/09/2010, 06:29 PM	#7
szwab RC Mod Join Date: May 2002 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 15,225	Make sure it's a carbide tipped blade not just steel. __________________ Mark "I got a fever, and the only prescription, is more cowbell" ~ Christopher Walken Current Tank Info: AGE 240 Flatback Hex

05/09/2010, 08:13 PM	#8
jh2pizza Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: zanesville, ohio Posts: 3,439	And I know this goes without saying, but I have done it myself. Wear glasses. Got wood dust in the eyes many of times, you do not want metal in them. __________________ Joe and Jeni Friends don't give Friends kenya trees! Current Tank Info: Oceanic 180 in wall, 100 sump, Geo Kalk Reactor, Tunze 9415 skimmer, Geo Media Reactors, Geo 624 CA Reactor

05/10/2010, 06:04 PM	#12
cward Premium Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Granville, Ohio Posts: 5,006	I've cut aluminum sheet before with a circular saw. It helps if you use a wax on the blade to reduce friction. Not like a candle wax, a type of blade lubricant. The blade will get unbelievable hot and want to grab, so be careful. __________________ ~~~Having a high post count doesn't automatically give you a high reefing IQ.~~~

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