Cutting Aluminum

[WmTasker]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[WmTasker]

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]

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

 

[szwab]

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

 

[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.

 

[WmTasker]

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]

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]

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]

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.