15TPI for alum?

[prkaye]

I was told by another builder that a 15TPI bandsaw blade is perfectly adequate for cutting aluminum. I've been using an 18TPI blade, but have been having trouble finding a replacement locally for the specific size I need, and i need one now.
Has anybody else used a narrow 15TPI blade for aluminum with success?

[TerryWighs]

Phil: I had been using a 14TPI (for non-ferrous) and it worked fine...However I have not been able to find a replacement as well. The saw is a craftsman brand, and they no longer carry the blades. Unfortunately, the length of the blade is 56 7/8 " and difficult to find as well. I found a replacement blade for non-ferrous 32TPI through Ace Hardware (special order). I am picking it up today, and anxious to see how things turn out.

[jmartinez443]

15 TPI should be fine. I used a 14TPI on my Riobi and it works just fine. Don't thry to cut steel with it though, fine for alum.

Check out these guys, they have a huge selection of blades: http://www.toolcenter.com/BLADES_TO_SIZE.html

[AllanC]

I thought that the TPI had a relationship to the thickness of the metal actually being cut, with a requirement that at least 3 (or more) teeth be actually cutting the material at one time. Obviously then, less TPI with thicker material, more TPI with thinner......is this premise different with Al????

Allan

[Tony Partain]

Lowes Aircraft Supply! Vermont American is the company

http://www.vermontamerican.com/Produ...s.htm?G=190888

[Ted RV8]

AllanC is correct. The number of teeth per inch is related to the thickness of the material. The material the saw blade is made from is related to the material you're cutting.

Cutting aluminum you can get away with a basic carbon steel blade. Don't try and cut steel with it because teeth will probably fly of the blade or dull in a very short order.

I use matrix or bi-metal steel blades. These will cut steel with no worries and can still cut aluminum. They last the longest and are more money in cost. I think well worth the extra cost.

I use a variable pitch of 14/18. In other words the pitch varies through the length of the blade. This allows you to cut thin and thick material all with one blade. I find this variable pitch works well with everything you will need to cut building a Vans aircraft.

As far as getting odd length blades look in your yellow pages for a local tool supply, industrial supply, and saw shops. They usually have the blade stock by the roll and custom make them to the length you need.

If its a standard length most of the mail order tool supplies like MSC, J&L Supply,or even McMaster carry stock sizes.

Hope this helps.

ted

[prkaye]

with a requirement that at least 3 (or more) teeth be actually cutting the material at one time

Wow, so that means I shouldn't even be using an 18TPI blade to cut .063" sheet metal! (18TPI means each tooth is .055"). Even a 32 TPI blade would only give 2 teeth in .063" alum at once. I haven't had a problem using an 18TPI blade though... however I should look into finding these "bi-metal" blades, because I tend to go through blades VERY quickly.

By the way, should a bandsaw blade be oiled with a cutting/tapping oil?

[jmbaute]

Originally Posted by TerryWighs

Phil: I had been using a 14TPI (for non-ferrous) and it worked fine...However I have not been able to find a replacement as well. The saw is a craftsman brand, and they no longer carry the blades. Unfortunately, the length of the blade is 56 7/8 " and difficult to find as well. I found a replacement blade for non-ferrous 32TPI through Ace Hardware (special order). I am picking it up today, and anxious to see how things turn out.

I use the same blade on an older Craftsman saw. I can get them at my local sears, but I also ordered two the other day when I bought my digital level mentioned in another thread. $8.99 each. At least, so far, I haven't gotten anything saying they don't carry them anymore.

1/4 x 56-7/8 in. Band Saw Blade, 14 tpi, Non-Ferrous

Item #: 00926655000

[Norman CYYJ]

I use a wood cutting blade and have been for years they work great and never plug up. The blade is 3/8 inch wide .020 thick hook style and set is raker and 4TPI. You can use wood blades on AL but not steel. The shop I use to work in this is all they ever used. I thought they were crazy till I tried it myself.

[TerryWighs]

John B....
I tried local Sears, and also online....was listed as non-available for non-ferrous blade???