metal / wood work experts.

[Meketrefe]

So here is the deal... I have a design for a nice stock for the savage mark II but I need to make some cuts throuh nylon and aluminum. Anything in the lathe no problem, also dome small milling no problem but when dealing with larger cuts I want to know if you have cut nylon and aluminum with the regular bench saw. I have been told by a couple of folks for small ocassional jobs and using carbide tipped blades on the aluminum is not a problem, also going slowly. I assume the same can be said for the router table for the ocasional slow cut. Probably something one doesnt want to do a lot. But what is your opinion. I know plastic can be messy but my biggest concern is the aluminum but also carbide is ok vs any aluminum. Any opinions are highly appreciated.

[RayKnobs]

bench saw, Is that a miter saw / chop box?

[thughes]

Used to use a circular saw with a carbide blade when doing repair work on campers, cut through some pretty thick aluminum (up to 1/8') no problem. Just makes sure you have a firm hold of the saw (or workpiece, in your case).

[camper4lyfe]

What is it you're trying to do? I'm a little lost.

[RayKnobs]

AIRSOFT STOCK MOD?

[GUNSICK]

Use a good carbide blade and go slow. Saw or router with 1/2" shank bits. I've cut through aluminum rods and angle iron with no issues. Use some lube and it sounds horrible when doing it so be prepared for the noise.

[Meketrefe]

AIRSOFT STOCK MOD?

I am trying to cut a totally new stock and design with an aluminum rib and bed and then a couple of nylon layers for cosmetics, ergonomics and 'warmer' stock.
that airsoft knockoff mod doesn't look so bad. Where did you buy that one? Is there a center rib and can be easily bedded?
Anything is better than the wood of the stocky's or some other alternatives.

[Meketrefe]

Use a good carbide blade and go slow. Saw or router with 1/2" shank bits. I've cut through aluminum rods and angle iron with no issues. Use some lube and it sounds horrible when doing it so be prepared for the noise.

Thanks everyone for the answer. I do have some nice tools including the lathe and mill but cannot do certain long cuts w/o investing a lot more and these are really occasional things, not the norm. So in a pinch, I know it can be done. So I just wanted to know the experiences cutting with the table circular saw. And the saw nor the router are that super nice high quality but also don't want to ruin anything. Plus if this works fine we might do a low budget, bolt and nut, AR lower just for DIY sharing type of project.

[Meketrefe]

What is it you're trying to do? I'm a little lost.

There are other needs in the future but essentially something like this but better, with some improvements.

http://www.nyshenaniguns.com/forum/r...e-savage-mk-ii

[RayKnobs]

Plus if this works fine we might do a low budget, bolt and nut, AR lower just for DIY

I would NOT use a table saw for a project like this. You need a band saw.
I would not try to cut small pieces on a table saw.


Any table saw blade you use on your aluminum is going to be ruined for doing any fine wood cuts in the future.
I have a 10" table saw blade I just took off you can have.

[Meketrefe]

Plus if this works fine we might do a low budget, bolt and nut, AR lower just for DIY

I would NOT use a table saw for a project like this. You need a band saw.
I would not try to cut small pieces on a table saw.


Any table saw blade you use on your aluminum is going to be ruined for doing any fine wood cuts in the future.
I have a 10" table saw blade I just took off you can have.

You are right for small cuts I have a small one with a metal saw (small teeth).
Thanks for the offer. At the moment I have a few carbide ones I can use.
They are still holding pretty well and again this is a one off type of deal for a stock.

For actual metal work I have the proper setup ..lathe, mill, drill press, etc...

[camper4lyfe]

My gut says you need a band saw for something like this, not a table saw. It's really not safe to use a table saw, and the idea just makes me cringe.

There are some jobs that you can work with what you have, but jobs like this really require the right tool for the job, or else you risk serious injury to yourself or others.

[Meketrefe]

My gut says you need a band saw for something like this, not a table saw. It's really not safe to use a table saw, and the idea just makes me cringe.

There are some jobs that you can work with what you have, but jobs like this really require the right tool for the job, or else you risk serious injury to yourself or others.

As you heard from others cutting aluminum is nothing new, it has been done before. Carbide with a fine thread and small pitch is almost as good as anything.
I just want to know from those who have done it and any tips suggestions. I know this has to be done much slower for a large piece and with a good grip on the work.
But I don't think it is much worse than also cutting Palo Rojo or Jakaranda from Brasil. When it gets to the nuts those woods are harder than the aluminum I am trying
to cut anyway.

[GUNSICK]

The aluminum will be like butter compared to Ipe or Jatoba. I've cut it that way before and brass also. It makes a horrible sound but leaves a perfect clean cut. Eye protection obviously is also good.

[Cgrutt]

I've got an 18" industrial band saw and a new 1" carbide blade designed for fine resawing in wood. Would give it a try if you wanted to. Only thing is 1" blade on a bandsaw is meant for strait cuts no a lot of precision for curves. I've also cut small aluminum on table saw without any issues.