Cutting Aluminum on Delta Wood Bandsaw - Printable Version +- Woodnet Forums (https://forums.woodnet.net) +-- Thread: Cutting Aluminum on Delta Wood Bandsaw (/showthread.php?tid=7334241) Pages:
1
2
|
Cutting Aluminum on Delta Wood Bandsaw - Israel - 10-24-2017 So, I need to cut a piece of aluminum, a block actually that is something like 4 inches high and 2 inches thick, and I'm wondering if there is anyway to safely use my Delta 14 inch wood bandsaw. I realize the blade goes way too fast, and I don't think there is any easy way to slow it down. But I hate to buy a metal cutting saw because I don't do this often.....any ideas? (before anyone says it...yes, I do have a hacksaw ...) Is there a blade that would work--if so, which one? Thanks for all help- Israel RE: Cutting Aluminum on Delta Wood Bandsaw - Delta007 - 10-25-2017 Do it, was always our Technical reply to someone wanting to cut aluminum on a wood saw. Aluminum can be safely cut on a wood-cutting bandsaw. A block like you want to do would require a very slow feed rate AND some sort of lube. I'd probably use a very light oil, maybe 3n1...and it may get a little warm... RE: Cutting Aluminum on Delta Wood Bandsaw - CARYinWA - 10-25-2017 You can do it..... It will make a mess with the lube and all. You will get Aluminum embedded in the tires. I would try to work it out on the table saw before I tried it on a band saw. RE: Cutting Aluminum on Delta Wood Bandsaw - ez-duzit - 10-25-2017 I have cut large blocks of aluminum on my 20" Agazzani with its 3/4" carbide blade. Comes out looking like it had been machined. RE: Cutting Aluminum on Delta Wood Bandsaw - mike4244 - 10-25-2017 (10-24-2017, 10:13 PM)Israel Wrote: So, I need to cut a piece of aluminum, a block actually that is something like 4 inches high and 2 inches thick, and I'm wondering if there is anyway to safely use my Delta 14 inch wood bandsaw. I realize the blade goes way too fast, and I don't think there is any easy way to slow it down. But I hate to buy a metal cutting saw because I don't do this often.....any ideas? (before anyone says it...yes, I do have a hacksaw You can cut aluminum with practically any blade. I generally use a blade with 10 or more teeth. Be aware that the work will get very hot. Aluminum transfers heat easily. See if you can make a carrier from scrap wood that you can push thru the blade, will save your finger tips. You may have to retract the work and dunk it in a vessel of water from time to time. I cut aluminum often and when possible use a hand screw to hold the work. You do not need to lube the blade. Vacuum any saw dust from the lower wheel and cover before you start. mike RE: Cutting Aluminum on Delta Wood Bandsaw - Delta007 - 10-25-2017 (10-25-2017, 03:48 AM)Delta007 Wrote: "AND some sort of lube. I'd probably use a very light oil, maybe 3n1." NO, I wouldn't- sorry fellas, had a senior moment...do NOT oil the blade on a 14 Delta bandsaw...the blade will start popping off the wheels... Sorry... RE: Cutting Aluminum on Delta Wood Bandsaw - castguy2003 - 10-26-2017 (10-25-2017, 08:33 PM)Delta007 Wrote: NO, I wouldn't- sorry fellas, had a senior moment...do NOT oil the blade on a 14 Delta bandsaw...the blade will start popping off the wheels... Use a "wax stick" type lubricant. If the aluminum is rolled (ie 6061) should work with a carbon steel blade. If its cast (ie Mic 6) you may need a bimetal blade. We did this all the time in our pattern shop on a 20" Delta wood saw. You will need to clean your tires after and the blade should be kept just for aluminum. RE: Cutting Aluminum on Delta Wood Bandsaw - Ray Newman - 10-26-2017 How about calling any local machine shops or metal fabricators if they would do it? Or, asking them if they know anyone doing small side jobs? If there is a local machine shop supply house, ask them? RE: Cutting Aluminum on Delta Wood Bandsaw - Bob Vaughan - 10-26-2017 Looks like this just after a quick cut or two. [attachment=5289] RE: Cutting Aluminum on Delta Wood Bandsaw - retfr8flyr - 10-26-2017 It can be done bit I wouldn't do it, as shown it makes a mess and ruins the tires. I would cut it on my TS with a ferrous metals blade. I have cut several aluminum pieces on my TS without any problems with this blade. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Diablo-10-in-x-50-Tooth-Steel-Demon-Cermet-II-Carbide-Blade-for-Ferrous-Metals-and-Stainless-Steel-D1050CF/302206439 |