>In terms of smoothness of cut, the more teeth the better.
On 10/30/2009 8:53 AM oparr@hotmail.com spake thus:
>> In terms of smoothness of cut, the more teeth the better.
>
> Agree. However, the 24 tooth (2.3 T/I) carbide is what the attached
> recommends for aluminum thicker than 1/16";
>
> https://www.micromark.com/html_pages/instructions/80463i/arbor_saw.htm
OK. I'd at least consider their recommendation.
> I also asked Micro-Mark tech support what were their thoughts and they
> recommended the following abrasive cut off disk;
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> My experience with abrasive disks for cutting has never been good.
> ISTR sparks flying, an obnoxious odor and the process taking forever.
I wouldn't use an abrasive disk for cutting aluminum. Too soft, and
leaves a *really* jagged edge. Works OK for ferrous metals.
> I'm leaning towards the 168 tooth (17 T/I) jeweler's blade which is
> recommended for soft brass up to 1/8"...What do you think?
Aluminum's softer than brass, or about as soft, so it *should* work. I'd
try it, so long as the blade's not super-expensive.

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oparr@hotmail.com - 31 Oct 2009 01:42 GMT
>I'd try it, so long as the blade's not super-expensive.
Actually, it's $10.00 cheaper than the carbide blade. Thanks!
On Oct 30, 10:53 am, "op...@hotmail.com" <op...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> >In terms of smoothness of cut, the more teeth the better.
>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> I'm leaning towards the 168 tooth (17 T/I) jeweler's blade which is
> recommended for soft brass up to 1/8"...What do you think?
I agree with you Opar that the 168 tooth blade is the way to go. My
father was an industrial arts teacher and I learned from him some 54
years ago. In the time since then I have cut all types of metals and
woods and the rule has always been to use higher number of teeth per
inch or centimeter, however you want to measure, if you want a fine
cut.
John Hubbard
oparr@hotmail.com - 05 Nov 2009 01:03 GMT
>I agree with you Opar that the 168 tooth blade is the way to go.
Got the machine and the 168T blade yesterday. It cut through the .1"
alu like butter leaving a mirror looking finish as though it was
milled. Exactly what I was looking for. BTW, for those in the USA,
MIcro-Mark has a sale on the Proxxon FKS/E "clone" (doesn't look as
impressive but made by Proxxon using same parts and spec) for $259.95,
that's $90.00 off their usual price of $349.95. Even at $259.95 it's
overpriced IMO but I needed something small, quiet, with variable
speed and a finished cut.