Replies

1. 
   SawdustSteve | Oct 30, 2004 09:06pm | #1

   Bob... Most bandsaw blades will tear up the edge something awful. Invest in a pair of 'tin snips'. They are the scissors used to cut metal. If you really want to use the bandsaw, put on the finest (high tooth count) blade you have. Next, sandwich the metal between two pieces of wood and cut through the whole sandwich. the lower board will properly support the metal so it does not bend or rip. SawdustSteve

1. 
   bobpowers | Oct 30, 2004 10:04pm | #2

   I have some tin snips, but past experience says I usually end up with kinks and bends when I use them. Do you think I am better off with snips as opposed to using the bandsaw with the copper held between a couple of pieces of 3/4" plywood?

2. 
   robkelly | Oct 30, 2004 10:23pm | #3

   Cutting copper will not hurt the blade. Just cut slowly. Draw your cut line on the copper, and support it with 3/4 or 1/2" wood or plywood. Then hold a piece of wood/plywood right next to the cut line on top of the copper and start cutting.  That  way you can see what you're doing, and the copper sheet will not move around. I do this all the time with copper, brass and aluminum. Remember--cut SLOWLY; otherwise the blade will grab the metal and tear it.

1. 
   bobpowers | Oct 30, 2004 10:34pm | #4

   Thanks for the advice. I had another thought and tried it on some scrap copper. I made a sandwich of a straightedge, copper and plywood. Then I scored the copper along the straightedge about ten times with a utility knife. After that, I put the edge of the copper to be cut off in a vise, which happened to be the same length as the piece of copper, and snapped it off. It worked quite well. Now I'll try the wood/copper sandwich in the bandsaw.

   Isn't it interesting how often that discussing a problem with somebody else helps, even though you may not use the advice received?

2. 
   bobpowers | Oct 30, 2004 11:15pm | #5

   Thanks #2. I tried the plywood, copper sandwich and it worked like a charm. I was able to cut an eighth of an inch off each side, leaving a very smooth cut. Now, as to the condition of my Timberwolf blade, I guess I'll find out the next time I try to cut a piece of cherry with it.

   Regards,

   Bob

3. 
   alias | Oct 31, 2004 12:09am | #6

   how about that sandwich and a router and a flush trim bit??

   .

   "expectations are premeditated resentments"
1. 
   bobpowers | Oct 31, 2004 04:48pm | #7

   That would probably work too, but I avoid things that go around at 20,000 RPM whenever possible, and it's possible. Maybe when I grow older.....

1. 
   alias | Oct 31, 2004 08:49pm | #8

   point taken. good luck regardless, ....bear

   .

   "expectations are premeditated resentments"

4. 
   BarryR | Nov 02, 2004 12:05am | #9

   You can cut copper, aluminum and brass with woodworking tools.  Won't damage the tools but might not give you the best cut.  Cutting non-ferrous sheet metal between pieces of ply will almost always give a good cut, regardless of the tool used.

1. 
   bobpowers | Nov 02, 2004 02:16am | #10

   Thanks for your thoughts. I did just as you suggested, made a plywood sandwich, and sliced an eighth of an inch off each side with a very smooth cut. Just a quick touch up with 120 grit sandpaper was all that was required.