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I'm fixing to start messing with some 16ga aluminum pipe and I need to know what cuts aluminum the best. I have heard that most wood cutting blades will cut aluminum, is this true? Is there something that cust better than that, is there a specific tooth count blade that works better?Really old (&faithful) Lincoln SA-250 Diesel, &Longevity 200P
Reply:I use a regular old skillsaw with a carbide tipped blade.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:I use a cheap Milwaukee chop saw equiped with a 12 DeWalt carbide tipped blade made specially for the purpose of cutting nonferrous materials. Works pretty darn good.If you use a blade with excessive number of teeth it will have a tendency to clog up the tooth root and make for some nasty cuts. If the blade has too few teeth it may bite and tear the 16 gauge material you say you have. Some WD- 40 on the blade will help keep teeth clean but has to be removed if you are going to weld the cut joint.A hacksaw or porta-band saw will make fast work of your 16 ga. material. A tubing cutter may be slower but makes some square cuts. Ive been told some carpenters would cut thin aluminum soffit and fascia with their circular saw by mounting a normal fine tooth blade backward. I have tried that and the cut left sharp somewhat jagged edges. Be careful and wear your safety glasses.
Reply:Originally Posted by TozziWeldingI use a regular old skillsaw with a carbide tipped blade.
Reply:Just to add a vote to the above posts,A timber drop saw with a SHARP timber blade will be fine.I prefer timber blades on thin wall ally and aluminium blades with the negative rake and 90 deg. face on wall over 2mm, The teeth will load up . WD is fine but watch it on tiles like Terra Cotta as it will stain them. There is wax in a cardboard liner that is just as good and less messy.Be careful with cutting tube , hold it carefully and cut firmly but not too fast. On a timber saw you will not have the clamping of a chop saw.BrettA good guess is better than a bad measurement
Reply:Originally Posted by OMSIve been told some carpenters would cut thin aluminum soffit and fascia with their circular saw by mounting a normal fine tooth blade backward. I have tried that and the cut left sharp somewhat jagged edges. Be careful and wear your safety glasses.
Reply:Originally Posted by OMSIve been told some carpenters would cut thin aluminum soffit and fascia with their circular saw by mounting a normal fine tooth blade backward. I have tried that and the cut left sharp somewhat jagged edges.
Reply:Originally Posted by BrettI would not recommend putting any saw blade in backwards
Reply:Originally Posted by BrettI would not recommend putting any saw blade in backwards |
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