I recently inherited an old table saw that uses a thin (3/32") throat plate made from aluminum. I'm going to make a "low clearance" version. Now I've read that you can cut aluminum with carbide saw blades. Would you use a good blade to do that? Can I raise the blade into an aluminum throat plate blank just like you do to make a zero clearance insert? Should I try to use the saw to cut out the aluminum blanks?
Thanks! JeffB
Aluminum cuts well with regular carbide blades on a table saw, it also saws easily on a bandsaw with normal wood blades, I use WD40 as a lubricant. I normally use a full face plate when cutting on the table saw because the chips really fly and are HOT.
I do have special non ferrous blades for both my table and hand held circular saw, but now days I use the regular day to day blade.
Bernard R
True zero clearance plates ARE out there...can't remember off hand where I got mine, but I think it was Amazon.
Mike
Most carbide blades designed to cut non-ferrous materials or aluminum have a negative or very low rake. Wax is generally used to keep the aluminum from sticking to the blade tooth. This is important when cutting thicker materials, however, aluminum sheets, thin extruded parts can be cut with a regular carbide wood cutting blade.
I won't go into using a router to cut aluminum.
Just make one from wood or buy one. Dave
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I often cut aluminum with a standard 80 tooth carbide wood blade with no problems. Whatever blade is in the saw at the time! I would go for it. Greg
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