Stock Kapex blade, safe for Aluminum?

[aprikh1]

I need to make about a dozen cuts in some aluminum stock that’s about 1/12” thick. I was planning to use my stock blade for this task. Is this a bad idea? Will cutting aluminum damage the blade? I was planning to cut slowly, and set the saw speed control to 2.

I don’t cut aluminum very often, so getting a dedicated aluminum blade would be a huge overkill, hence my question.

Thanks in advance

 

[skids]

I need to make about a dozen cuts in some aluminum stock that’s about 1/12” thick. I was planning to use my stock blade for this task. Is this a bad idea? Will cutting aluminum damage the blade? I was planning to cut slowly, and set the saw speed control to 2.

I don’t cut aluminum very often, so getting a dedicated aluminum blade would be a huge overkill, hence my question.

Thanks in advance

Yikes! Yes I believe you will destroy that blade, it's for wood. You might be able to wax it for a lube, and clamp the heck out of it, but I personally wouldn't risk it. I ran into this recently and I just brought it to a local fella who had a saw set up for it.

 

[awil66]

I have cut very thin aluminum before and did not notice the blade dulling.  I did however sandwich the aluminum between two wood boards near the cut. I find this prevents the blade from catching and distorting the metal.

 

[wh500special]

You'll be fine.  Aluminum cuts easy and if you're only cutting something 0.080" thick you'll buzz right through it.

Just feed at a sensible rate so you don't get a kickback.  If your stock geometry allows, lock out the sliding feature and just "chop" it.

I cut aluminum every day on a Dewalt CMS with carbide tipped blades from Lowes (I think they're Irwin).  Even in 1/4" thick angle and tube the blade lasts a long, long time.  It's not a cold saw, but saws like this and standard woodworking blades do an acceptable job machining aluminum.

Steve

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

The stock blade will cut right through the aluminum fence on the Kapex, which is much thicker than 1/12".  [blink]

While not the optimal blade, it should do the job as long as it's fairly thin. However, it may cause your blade to need sharpening or placement more frequently.

 

[aprikh1]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I think I am going to give it a whirl, and carefully monitor the results to make sure I don't blow anything up. Wish me luck!

 

[Brice Burrell]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I think I am going to give it a whirl, and carefully monitor the results to make sure I don't blow anything up. Wish me luck!

You'll likely be fine but as Shane said you might have to resharpen.  Another option is the Oshlun non ferrous metal blade.  At $50 it's reasonably priced and you can also cut plastics and other materials that dull ATB blades.  Might not be worth it for you, however, I'm someone out there is interested.