saw blades for metal

Vladimir · Post by **Vladimir** » Sun Aug 05, 2001 12:45 am

So I pick up this little jig saw today. This thing is supposed to be able to cut 16 guage steel with the right saw blades. I'm using that till I can save up for a beverly shear or something. Anyway I just needed to cut some aluminum today, so I pick up two packages of two blades each. I went through all 4 blades just cutting an 8 inch diameter circle in the aluminum. (btw, it is one of those dished aluminum shields, I was cutting the hole for the boss) I kept gumming up the blades, even though it listed aluminum on the blade package. The blades were 24 teeth per inch. How many teeth per inch am I looking for next time I need to cut aluminum? I'm assuming less than 24.

Ideval · Post by **Ideval** » Sun Aug 05, 2001 3:04 am

Yes, twenty-four teeth is on the finer end of things. I use twenty-four for mild steel sixteen guage. I would try a coarser blade.

It could be that the convex shape has something to do with it. Is it tempered aluminum?

Were you oiling as you cut? I don't know if it makes a difference with aluminum, thruthfully.

But on a different note, what are you covering the aluminum with?

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IdÃ«val
The Huntsman of
I-NossÃ« LÃºmÃ«vanwa
My mind opens wide when I roar

Otto · Post by **Otto** » Sun Aug 05, 2001 8:34 am

Just about the only jig saw blades I use (and I have run my armoury for over a decade using only a jig saw) are 17 teeth per inch. They are just cheapy things I get at a local hardware.

If you went through 4 blades that quick, I'm guessing that either you're pushing too hard or perhaps twisting a little. The saw will cut just fine, ease up a little and you will have greater sucess. And make sure you press the saw DOWN firmly... this removes most of the shaking most folks complain about. Oil the blade every 6 inches of cutting or so (a drop will do) and don't try to force it through the metal... let it cut.

(I normally expect a single blade to do at least a couple helms, you just need a little more practice)

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Otto's Armoury
(home of one HIGHLY overworked armourer!)

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Vladimir · Post by **Vladimir** » Sun Aug 05, 2001 9:13 am

No, I wasn't oiling. I didn't think I would need to for aluminum.

I'm covering it with canvas. Evenutally I may get some brass work on it and some thin steel bands. But, I'm having trouble finding long thin strips of steel. The only stuff the hardware store has is bar stock and the craft store only sells one foot lengths.

Ideval · Post by **Ideval** » Sun Aug 05, 2001 2:29 pm

Vladimir,
I have exactly what you need.
I worked at a Lumberjack out in the yard for a while when I was out of high school. When pallets are bound together, a special banding crank is used. When the pallets are opened, the banding is tossed.
It is thin enough that it won't add much weight, and runs from 5/8" to 2" wide.
Before I quit, I grabbed a few lengths of the stuff. I recently found them in my trunk. I had always thought of using them for shield edging.

Check the nearest lumberyard. They will definitely have scrap or waste, and it should be free.

The banding that I have is treated somehow; it looks like darkened brass, smokey over burnished gold. Very neat.

IdÃ«val

Vladimir · Post by **Vladimir** » Sun Aug 05, 2001 4:13 pm

That is a GREAT idea! I wish I had thought of it.

Krag · Post by **Krag** » Sun Aug 05, 2001 5:04 pm

Aluminum, brass, copper...all the soft metals load up blades and belts. For blades, use a fine oil, for belts, use wax.

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Krag von Berghen
KragAxe Armoury

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