Miter saw for solid ALU bars?

[PEU]

I was offered one of these: http://www.makita.com/menu.php?pg=pr...det&tag=LS1040 at less than half local market price, what do you guys think about cutting solid aluminium bars with a 100 teeth blade?

The blade is also Makita, marketed as an aluminium blade, the bars I want to cut are most of the time under one inch diameter.

I know it can cut extrusions like a charm, my doubt is solid bars.

Thanks!


Pablo

[HuFlungDung]

Sure. Use a triple chip carbide blade. I have used a Makita sliding compound saw to hack my way through 1.75" plate, 12" long. Its a bit of work, but it will do it. A bit of lube is required to prevent chip jamming the tooth gullets. Of course, hot lube is stinky smoky, so you might like adequate ventilation in the area.

[Geof]

Ditto.

Figure out a good way to clamp the material down and you can get very accurate very quick cuts. I have used a 12" Dewalt to go through 2" by 4" aluminum bar in a few seconds using the triple chip blade.

[automizer]

I have a 12" Dewalt and I use a stick lubricant when cutting Alum, cuts like butter. I have seen small misters used but I find them to messy. I agree with Geof you need to clamp you material, there is no way you can hold it by hand. Either way its a great thing to have in the shop and at that price jump on it.

[martinw]

Dear peu,

Mine is a Dewalt. My advice is to put a pair of tights/stockings/pantyhose over the motor ventilation slots. It stops the Al. swarf from getting into the motor and wrecking it.

Best wishes,

Martin

[DareBee]

I agree and also suggest a much coarser blade for cutting solids.