using a bandsaw to cut aluminum etc

FED 387 · 10-01-2008, 12:14 AM

Anybody know ????----Have the use of a bandsaw for free however it has only been used to do woodworking projects---The blade speed is NOT adjustable one speed-----With the correct metal cutting blade can I cut thin aluminum under 1/4 to 3/8 inch or thin steel under 3/16 inch to make some pieces for tabs -brackets etc without ruining the saw??? Thanx Comp387

larry dowty · 10-01-2008, 01:30 AM

Try and change the pulley on the motor if you can, try and slow it down, i did the same thing to mine get a bi-metal blade workes ok for home use 3/8 alum is about all it will want.

Larry Munk · 10-01-2008, 07:27 AM

Circular saw with a fine tooth carbide blade will handle the aluminum. You will need a gear drive saw for over 1/2" or so aluminum. Variable speed sawzall with a fine tooth blade for the steel. Works for me.

Larry Munk · 10-01-2008, 07:28 AM

Oh and a GOOD pair of saftey googles and a face shield.

bobby · 10-01-2008, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larry dowty

Try and change the pulley on the motor if you can, try and slow it down, i did the same thing to mine get a bi-metal blade workes ok for home use 3/8 alum is about all it will want.

Actually, aluminum is more forgiving thatn steel. You can run the blade at just about any speed you want. Use WD40 to keep the blade from loading up with shavings. When you cut steel, you need to slow the blade speed down.

FED 387 · 10-01-2008, 09:07 AM

thanx for the replies kinda what I was thinking too--Comp387

10-01-2008, 12:14 AM	#1
FED 387 VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,400 Likes: 482 Liked 320 Times in 172 Posts	using a bandsaw to cut aluminum etc Anybody know ????----Have the use of a bandsaw for free however it has only been used to do woodworking projects---The blade speed is NOT adjustable one speed-----With the correct metal cutting blade can I cut thin aluminum under 1/4 to 3/8 inch or thin steel under 3/16 inch to make some pieces for tabs -brackets etc without ruining the saw??? Thanx Comp387

10-01-2008, 01:30 AM	#2
larry dowty Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: chewelah wa Posts: 283 Likes: 0 Liked 11 Times in 4 Posts	Re: using a bandsaw to cut aluminum etc Try and change the pulley on the motor if you can, try and slow it down, i did the same thing to mine get a bi-metal blade workes ok for home use 3/8 alum is about all it will want.

10-01-2008, 07:27 AM	#3
Larry Munk Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 135 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: using a bandsaw to cut aluminum etc Circular saw with a fine tooth carbide blade will handle the aluminum. You will need a gear drive saw for over 1/2" or so aluminum. Variable speed sawzall with a fine tooth blade for the steel. Works for me.

10-01-2008, 07:28 AM	#4
Larry Munk Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 135 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: using a bandsaw to cut aluminum etc Oh and a GOOD pair of saftey googles and a face shield.

10-01-2008, 09:07 AM	#6
FED 387 VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,400 Likes: 482 Liked 320 Times in 172 Posts	Re: using a bandsaw to cut aluminum etc thanx for the replies kinda what I was thinking too--Comp387