What's the best metal sawblade?

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Rock

CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
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Jul 15, 2004
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Frankfort, IN
That is, to cut aluminum. I just order chops for metal moulding, but I have a collection of Neilson that are wrong sizes, wrong this or that, and would like to cut them down to make a few frames instead of them just sitting around taking up space. I've never attemped to cut any metal moulding, but don't see a problem in doing it as long as it's clamped down. Just need the correct sawblade to do it. I use a Dewalt 12" double miter saw on my wood mouldings, so that's the one I would be using. Any opinions on metal blades and suppliers to buy them from?

Rock
 
You can get the right blade at your local Home Depot type store. You are looking for a "High Speed Steel" blade it will look like a hand saw as far as the teeth are concerned. My advise would be to read the saw package and see what they list can be cut. You can goto one of the big blade suppliers ( Valley Machine, Northeast saw and Carbide, Specalty Saw) they will be more expencive but will last longer.

No matter what you use be sure to get some good blade lube. The heat of Aluminum will dull the blade quickly. You can get it in both stick (wax) form and spray at a HD type store as well. Lube the blades every 2nd 3rd cut.
 
I use carbide blades from UltraMiter that are specifically designed for cutting non-ferrous metal. I also use a blade lubricant.
 
Rock, I'd use a Freud LU90M; it's an excellent non ferrous blade and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. BTW, Freud is the largest maker of woodworking tooling in the world and they're good at it. You'll also want to get a wax stick.
 
Call Larry at CTD Machines if you really want the best. He set me up with a pair of aluminum cutting blades about three years ago. These blades are unbelievable. The cut an absolutely perfect miter every time, and we have yet to need them sharpened, and we cut a lot of metal.

His number is 213-689-4455

John
 
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