Q for metal cutting with table saw

[cnc2k]

What's the best blade to be use for cutting 6061 3/4 aluminum? i'm thinking about 80 or 100 tooth blade.

thank you

[Mr.Chips]

I used a 80 tooth carbide blade on my table saw, and it did a good job. But there are a few precautions.

When you are cutting it will be throawing hot bits of metal, so caution is dictated

FULL face mask
gloves
long sleeve shirt

Have a solid stance.
Grip the piece being cut solidly
Use a steady pushing force

Be careful, think safety.

Lots have people have cut metal like this, in this forum.

Good luck

Hager

[Ken_Shea]

Definetly carbide and definetly triple chip blade. It is not as bad a job as it sounds.

[cnc2k]

what's difference between 80T triple chip blade and normal 80T blade.

thanks for the tips

[Chagrin]

It's a difference in the shape of the carbide teeth on the blade. The two basic types:

Alternate Top Bevel (ATB): The tops of the teeth alternate with an approximately 30 degree angle to the right and left (when looking in-line with the blade). The most common type of woodworking blade, they're designed for shearing action on the sides of the cut to produce less chipout.
Triple Chip Grind (TCG): Three teeth while be essentially rectangular with the fourth tooth having the corners chamfered off. The teeth are more durable when designed this way.

[ger21]

MOst blade companies make blades specifically for aluminum. Like everyone else says, they're triple chip teeth, usually with a negative rake angle to prevent the blade from grabbing. Make a sliding cutoff table if you don't have one. Much easier and safer than cutting with the fence.

[cnc2k]

Will this blade work?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...355421283&rd=1

[Dogsione]

I used a Freud LU89M 8" blade on a powermatic 64A contractors saw to cut the stock for my router (see the photo at the very bottom of the page):
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4536

I cut 3/8" very easily - like cutting maple - and even some 1" stock with a taper (took a few passes to cut and then a thin "clean-up" pass). The finish on the cuts was very nice.

I didn't use any WD-40 as they recommend. That would have helped prevent the build-up on the blade that I experienced when cutting the thicker stuff.

The aluminum does fly everywhere and will embed in your arms and face if not covered.

Please be careful and make sure that your saw is well tuned and square.