Blade for Makita mitre saw

[NOTTNICK]

I am pretty sure that this is a pretty obvious question, but I'd hate to make a mistake here.
I have a Makita LS1018 Chop saw.
It takes 260mm blades
I need to cut some aluminium tubing.
250mm blades are inexpensive.
260mm blades are expensive.
I only need to make about 10 cuts, so don't want to spend lots of cash.
I am guessing the 250mm blade will be ok?
I realise I might need to raise the tubing up a touch.
Is my assumption correct?
Nick

 

[Mar_mite]

I reckon you will be ok. I have been cutting loads and loads of 1.5mm zinc sheets with a normal wood blade in my track saw, and table saw. no adverse effects so far. Goggles a must though.

 

[Mike.S]

Not done it myself but most chop saws can cut Alu (usually with specific fine tooth saw blades) and I don't believe the 10mm diff in diameter matters (given you've identified the need to raise the work piece).

FWIW, I've heard that it's better to 'chop' than to slide; clamping and eye protection are important; lubrication (e.g. WD40) is optional (thicker section= greater need for lube/cooling). There's a few tips by Youtubers who've done it - search away; is your current blade near the end of it's life? If so, use that and buy a new 260mm one?

Let us know how it goes.

 

[Racers]

You need a negative rake blade that won't pull its self into the work piece.

I have cut metal on my band saw its safer than a chopsaw, how big is your tubing?

I could cut it for you if you haven't got a bandsaw.

Pete

 

[NOTTNICK]

You need a negative rake blade that won't pull its self into the work piece.

I have cut metal on my band saw its safer than a chopsaw, how big is your tubing?

I could cut it for you if you haven't got a bandsaw.

Pete

Hey Pete - thanks for the offer, and for the info too.
The tubing is 20mm 10 guage.
I can see specific blades for aluminium on Ebay for about £6 or so - and as I don't have many cuts, I'll go that way I reckon.
Also - as the tubes are going to be for a large outdoor Tubular Bell structure, I may need to do some fine tune cutting and the Makita is great for that.

I do have a band saw - so if cutting isn't as straightforward as I hope, I'll invest in a metal cutting blade for that.

I see you're in Nottingham too.
I'm in West Bridgford.

Nick

 

[NOTTNICK]

FWIW, I've heard that it's better to 'chop' than to slide; clamping and eye protection are important; lubrication (e.g. WD40) is optional (thicker section= greater need for lube/cooling). There's a few tips by Youtubers who've done it - search away; is your current blade near the end of it's life? If so, use that and buy a new 260mm one?

Let us know how it goes.

Thanks for the advice here.
I'll be doing it in a couple of weeks. A large outdoor Tubular Bell structure.
I'm quite excited about it.
I'll post pictures (and maybe video) when it's finished.

Nick

 

[Racers]

Hi Nick

Just make sure you have the tubes clamped well the blade can catch and spin them round, not fun!

I am in Sherwood.

Pete

 

[Dutch]

If the blade is only 10mm smaller you probably only need to pack the material away from the fence. But as its tube you need a good way to clamp it.

 

[NOTTNICK]

Hi Nick

Just make sure you have the tubes clamped well the blade can catch and spin them round, not fun!

I am in Sherwood.

Pete

I hope I would have thought of that. I certainly will now.
Cheers