Shopsmith Forums

I know that some band saw blades can be used to cut non-ferrous metal. What I don't know is how to look at a blade and tell if it is appropriate for use cutting non-ferrous metal.

This is a good reason for not storing used blades on a wall hook in the shop. I have long ago discarded the containers that would have answered my questions here.

I will not do this in the future or I will otherwise identify these blades.

dusty wrote:I know that some band saw blades can be used to cut non-ferrous metal. What I don't know is how to look at a blade and tell if it is appropriate for use cutting non-ferrous metal.

This is a good reason for not storing used blades on a wall hook in the shop. I have long ago discarded the containers that would have answered my questions here.

I will not do this in the future or I will otherwise identify these blades.

Small teeth. No rake. Small set. Like a hacksaw blade(without the ripples).

And don't do like I did and install the blade inside-out (teeth pointed up instead of down). Made such a racket while cutting aluminum, and it took forever.

Fine tooth blades are used for metals, ferrous or non ferrous.For aluminum you can use less tpi, than for other metals because it is a soft gummy metal that needs less teeth for the chips to clear. If you are sawing thin sheet aluminum use more tpi. All band saw blades should have a set.

PS: If you have fine tooth blades they are good for metal, the less tpi is for soft material.

Most wood type blades work well on aluminium and if you use a little oil or bees' wax you won't have to keep stopping to pick the aluminium out of the teeth. Bees' wax also works on grinder discs with aluminium.

Paul M

Bi metal, 4tpi, min. set.
I buy mine from Suffolk.
Works on mesquite, too.