old git

I recall using what was referred to as a "Friction Saw" to cut Aluminium. This was about 40yrs ago, before I had ever used or even seen a WOOD chop saw but as I recall it looked identical except for having a vice to hold the material.

I THINK that the saw blade had a NEGATIVE rake but ask a good tool supplier for the data. Use the blade at the recommended cutting speed/rotation. Support the material to be cut behind the kerf or very very close if using thin material. Use LUBRICATION, Parraffin in UK, maybe called Kerosene in USA. The usual recommendation is to have at least three teeth in contact with the material or it will fall between the teeth and snatch. Remember when you hand saw thin metal, you use the saw at a fine angle to the surface of the metal or it snags. WEAR GOGGLES OR A FACE MASK.

Having said all that I do think you should consider the safety aspects of whatever you do, I don't believe there are many one handed modellers.

I own a "Cut Off" machine that uses an Abrasive Reinforced Cutting wheel. It is suitable for brick, concrete etc with a Masonry Cutting wheel or steel with a Steel Cutting wheel. It has a work vice and I have considered what else I can use it for BUT NOT WITHOUT THE EXPERT ADVICE OF SOMEONE WHO CAN BE RELIED ON.




old git - - - - - - -aka John L.