Cutting Alum.

[Vulcan1]

Hi guys,
I have been cutting alum. with a hacksaw for a long time. The other day in Cdn.Tire I saw a metal blade that fits my old cheapy BD band saw. After I installed it I tried it out on my retract blocks. They are 1 1/4" solid and if you take your time it does a fairly good job. Cut out a new set in 1 night and made me very happy.
John

[AJCoholic]

John,
I regularly cut aluminum on our wood band saw, but I use my metal band saw for cutting off barstock, I use the wood one for free hand cutting 1/8 ands 1/4 plate into shapes. I just hate when the parts heat up and you have to let go or burn your fingers!!! ;)

[deano]

At work I do a lot of aluminum work and we either cut it by band saw,carbide tipped skill saw or plasma cutter..With the first two use a lot of WD-40 to keep the teeth clean.The only problem is the WD will swell the rubber on the drive wheels of the band saw.(after time) :lol:

[AJCoholic]

Yes, I also use WD40 for parting off on the lathe, and to lube the blade on the metal band saw. Nothing works as good for aluminum in my experience!

[Peter Gordon]

The guys in the machine shop here use plain old windex to lube and cool the parts that they cut. Is there a silicone portion in this stuff? Dead cheap anyway...

Peter

[Nuker]

I've been using Sandaro DriCote for a number of years on the bandsaw. Got it at LEE Valley (where else :) ) Works for wood laminates and metal :oha: (and no I don't just cut balsa wood :mrgreen: )