Saw Suggestions

[TravisR100]

I currently have a 7" horizontal/vertical bandsaw. It's one of the chicom models you see in all the catalogs. It actually works just fine for larger (3" to 5") stock when the accuracy or squareness of the cut doesn't need to be that great. Many times however I need to cut smaller stock (1/2" to 1.75") and I need it to be accurate and square.

The saw I have just doesn't seem to cut it. Even with the blade guide moved to it's narrowest the unsupported portion of the blade is about 4". Getting a square cut seems to be tough. I like the fact that it has the hydraulic/gravity feed when cutting so I don't have to feed something through like I would on a vertical.

Should I just try different blades? Is there a small, precision saw for cutting this type of stock that I'm not aware of?

[Geof]

My 'small precision saw' for small cross section aluminum cuts is a miter saw with a triple chip blade. Fabricate a little clamping lever to hold the stock firmly with your fingers well away from the blade and 1" square is a 1 second cut.

[TravisR100]

Not having variable speed isn't an issue? What size miter saw do you use? Any particular blade you recommend? Going to be cutting only aluminum.

[Geof]

Variable speed is not needed, just try to find the slowest speed miter saw available; we have a 10" DeWalt that runs at 4500 rpm (I think).

Here is a good picture of a triple chip blade:

http://www.tctsawblades.com/tctblade_6.htm

I buy Freud at The Home Depot.

For occasional cuts just brush on a bit of coolant or rig up a little mister.

If you are cutting off multiple pieces and want to use a stop at the end of the material make it a removable stop that swings out of the way. Otherwise the cut off piece can jam between the blade and stop creating a bent stop, a destroyed blade and a very scared operator who has suddenly discovered a feeling of being very stupid and lucky.