swt61
Dr. Wood
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2005
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Quote:
You're correct and I won't argue it, but the aluminum is very soft and I've not found it to be a problem. I would however move the plate slightly forward from center before raising the blade, so that you can cut all the way to the back of the cut by raising the blade, and then only have need to move the plate forward to finish it. Just applying downward pressure has worked quite well for me though when I did need to cut backwards. But I'd always suggest using the tool you're most comfortable with.
Originally Posted by kuroguy /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've done this with wood many times and am very comfortable around a table saw. I'm not sure I'd have the guts required to try this with aluminum. Here's why.... When cutting while feeding the material in the standard direction the blade cuts from the leading edge of the blade which is on the down stroke. this tends to hold the material down against the table. When cutting while feeding the material in the reverse direction, THE BLADE CUTS ON THE UP STROKE. This action tends to lift the material off of the table. Lift it enough and it will bind and be thrown out the front of the saw - really bad if you are cutting a sharp piece of (hard) metal as it will typically be thrown out the front of the saw and back at you. If you listen while cutting in the reverse direction you can hear the blade chatter as it lifts the material as each tooth hits the material. It is a distinctly different sound that the one produced when feeding in the proper direction. I'm not saying it can't be done, and I'll pretty much make any cut with a table saw as I have a great deal of experience with them, but if you make even the slightest mistake, you're gonna be in deep doggy. |
You're correct and I won't argue it, but the aluminum is very soft and I've not found it to be a problem. I would however move the plate slightly forward from center before raising the blade, so that you can cut all the way to the back of the cut by raising the blade, and then only have need to move the plate forward to finish it. Just applying downward pressure has worked quite well for me though when I did need to cut backwards. But I'd always suggest using the tool you're most comfortable with.