I have several little projects that would benefit from quick "roughing" to shape by a bandsaw. The shapes are cut from aluminum plate ranging from 1/4" to 1/2". Would a cheapy 12" bandsaw, with very slow feed rates, cut this metal? Or would I be better off saving for one of the bigger rigs that tilt and cut pipes, too? Are there any other ways to cut profiles from plate aluminum (without breaking my student's budget)?

Anything has to be better than the hacksaw I've been using...

Thanks

I do all the time alum is as soft as wood.

Thanks, I'll pick one up this weekend at Harbor Freight or Sears. Do you use lubrication on the blade while cutting?

Yes,
you should pick up a wax stick for metal and apply it to the blace every once in awhile. It helps to keep the chips from sticking to the blade. I use it on my bandsaw and my power mitre box when cutting aluminum

The fastest way I have found to cut aluminum and copper is with a power mitre saw with a carbide tipped blade. I've got a 7" saw that works well for most barstock under 4" wide, and a 14" for larger stuff.

I purchased a metal cutting blade for my band saw at Sears and it works just fine. Never tried the wood cutting blade.
Hager