Ripping aluminum

[Spareparts]

Did you get the job done

 

[kaymccampbell]

Feed it slowly. It will reduce the chance for the saw and metal to do something untoward.

 

[Rod N]

Did you get the job done

Will be pulling the table saw out soon and tackle this. I'll take pics.

 

[Rod N]

Feed it slowly. It will reduce the chance for the saw and metal to do something untoward.

Oh ya!

 

[Rod N]

I made up a carrier to run through the table saw.
What can go wrong!? Lol
How high should I run the blade?

 

[Rod N]

My plan worked great! No issues at all. I. In Fact I think this was the tool for the job.

 

[The Cobbler]

that back up board was a great idea . I'm sure it helped to smooth the cutting action too.

 

[SlowPoke-Canada]

Good job! Now go apologize to your neighbours for that blood curdling noise!

 

[Rod N]

Good job! Now go apologize to your neighbours for that blood curdling noise!

All my fingers are there! Lol
Although I wore ear muffs, it wasn’t much louder than wood.
I kept the blade as low as I could. Maybe that is why.

 

[Spareparts]

You asked a question about blade height, I was cutting some plywood and had the blade about an inch higher than the plywood, my youngest son came in and said "You are doing it way wrong", that blade should never be more that 1/8" above what you are cutting. Then he continued to tell me if you do accidently hit the blade it will be a small cut and your finger wont be laying on the saw table. I need to start listing more to him, he was 16 at the time and taking wood shop.

 

[tulowd]

You asked a question about blade height, I was cutting some plywood and had the blade about an inch higher than the plywood, my youngest son came in and said "You are doing it way wrong", that blade should never be more that 1/8" above what you are cutting. Then he continued to tell me if you do accidently hit the blade it will be a small cut and your finger wont be laying on the saw table. I need to start listing more to him, he was 16 at the time and taking wood shop.

I believe keeping it low also reduces tearout on some materials

 

[BombShelter]

Nice job, scary cut, I cut aluminum all of the time on my miter saw with a carbide tip blade, besides the flying hot chips it's pretty easy, I'll do field work on 1" Al angle and a jigsaw, that's a pain with out a good set-up.

As far as the blade height, I think it also has to do with cutting geometry. With a blade extended far above the work piece, the carbide cutting edges are hitting flat against the work piece. It the blade is extended under 1/4" the edges cut more like a scissor does and you get a cleaner cut with less strain on the motor.

 

[Rod N]

Yes. I found with the blade a hair past the surface it worked well.
I didn’t try it any higher.
Here’s before and after. The wifie said I should have just bought handles.
But, I have lots of time on me on my hands these days! Lol

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Given the small size, this was my knee jerk reaction as well. I assume that you'll be drilling holes in the extrusions to mount them? If so, drill the holes now and l fasten it to a wider piece of sacrificial wood to give you something to hold onto. Cut through both then remove the extrusion

That will also make the job a LOT quieter.

Tommy