Hey everyone!
I have a 10" table saw and I'm trying to cut some thin aluminum pieces. I've got two types of aluminum:
1. A 90-degree angle stock that's 3/4 inch x 3/4 inch and 1/8 inch thick. I need to cross-cut this down since I have a 3-foot long piece.
2. An aluminum flat bar that's the same width but thicker, up to 0.375 inches. I need to do some small rip and cross cuts with this as well.
Before I invest in a dedicated aluminum cutting blade, I wanted to ask if I can use the woodworking blades I already have. Both are high-quality carbide blades:
1. Sawstop bts r 40atb
2. Diablo 1080x TiCo blade
Is it safe to use these for cutting aluminum, especially for the smaller cuts I'll be making? If not, I'd rather just get the right blade for the job. Thanks for your help!
- Avi
3 Answers
It's crucial to keep precautions in mind while cutting aluminum. Use a face shield and mask for safety. Aluminum shards can be sharp and tricky. Also, make sure to clean your blades with a wire brush afterward; they can trap bits of metal. Plus, be careful of kickback, as it can be more intense with aluminum than wood!
You can definitely use carbide-tipped blades for cutting aluminum; just remember to take it easy and go slower than you would with wood. Those blades should handle the material well!
Thanks for the tip! I’ll make sure to take my time.
Both of your blades sound good for this job! The Sawstop has 40 teeth, and the Diablo has 80, which is great for cutting aluminum. The Diablo is especially suited for finer cuts, so it should work well for what you need!
Good call on the safety gear! Sweeping up thoroughly afterwards is also a must. Those little pieces can be rough.