Best blade to cut 8020 aluminum extrusions

[harry11733]

Hi

I need to cut some 8020 extrusions (1545) to length. I have a good quality 10" miter saw. I initially used a Dewalt 60 tooth fine crosscut construction blade. This worked but the results were rough. This is not entirely surprising since there is a note of the blade saying explicitly not to use on aluminum.

So, I need a better blade. Which of these two blades would be best?

"http://www.amazon.com/Freud-LU89M010-10-Inch-Nonferrous-Cutting/dp/B00004T7AA/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2ANTFAHM8NQQZ&colid=24I0BZR05TSJY"]Freud LU89M010 10-Inch 72 Tooth TCG Nonferrous Metal Cutting Saw Blade

"http://www.amazon.com/Freud-TK706-10-Inch-Non-Ferrous-Cutting/dp/B00006407O/ref=pd_cp_hi_1"]Freud TK706 Avanti 10-Inch 80 Tooth TCG Non-Ferrous Metal Cutting Saw Blade

Are there any other better choices?

Thanks for any suggestions.

[TSJ]

From one of the web suites when you search for LU89M010,

"Designed for cutting nonferrous metal such as copper pipe, aluminum extrusions, and brass plate "

The LU89M010 blade looks to have a 5 degree negative hook angle, the TK706 is a wood working blade with a positive hook angle.

Cut slowly and I think you will be pleased with the results of the LU89M010.

[harry11733]

At least according to the web site both blades are designed for aluminum cutting and both blades have a negative hook.

The TK706 is significantly cheaper than the LU89M010, which is why I am undecided. I have heard that the LU89M010 is a good blade.

Also do you use WD-40 or another lubricant during the cuts?

[Drools]

This thread might be useful
Cutting .250+ Aluminum

[martinw]

Dear Harry11733,

My mitre saw is a De Walt. DW301 (I think). For cutting aluminium, I use a 316mm diameter blade which DW say is good for non-ferrous metals, and has a negative hook angle. The saw is elsewhere right now, so I cannot give you the model number of the blade, apologises.

Anyway, it works incredibly well, even on thin al. extrusions. Here is some advice.

1) Please wear eye protection. I know how painful a piece of aluminium swarf can be when it hits your eyeball.

2) You do not want aluminium swarf to get into the motor through the motor ventilation slots. Beg, borrow or steal some stockings or panty-hose from a loved one, and slip them onto the motor. Failing that, go out and buy some, and get some strange looks from the lady at the check-out. The nylon mesh will stop the swarf invading the motor.

3) Never attempt to cut a really thin slice off the end of the workpiece. It may jam in the throat of the saw and will come back quite surprisingly fast.

4) It is never a bad idea to clamp the workpiece firmly. You will probably be OK without doing so, however.

The same blade gives incredibly good cuts on timber as well, BTW, although it is not designed for that purpose.


Good luck,

Best wishes,

Martin