Cutting Non-ferrous metal on woodworking bandsaw
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I’ve been interested in this process for a while but not attempted it. I was lucky to see a demo with Garry Bennett and I’ve seen the videos on this site. Mr. Bennett uses tallow as a lubricant and I’m not interested in spending an afternoon cleaning up my saw after a few minutes of cutting. A friend recommended wax paper on the blade back which seems less messy. Not sure if that’s enough lubricant. I was hoping you folks would have some recommendations or direct experience with this process and be willing to share your joys and grief at doing so.
t.j.
Replies
I've cut plenty of 1/8 brass plate on a bandsaw using a regular 1/4 inch woodworking blade. Worked great. I tossed the blade when I was done, as I didn't trust it for wood. And I vacuumed out the innards after as well. No problems at all. I wouldn't hesitate to do the same for brass or aluminum in the future.
I used no lubricant, or did anything different. Went from cutting wood to brass.
Thank you John.
I regularly cut brass plate (3-4 mm) on a regular, pretty small bandsaw with a normal blade, i.e. one intended for wood. No problem, just cut slowly. I do use a blade with plenty of tpi as you do when cutting thinner stock. No lubrication whatsoever. I was given to understand that brass does not require lubrication or cooling when cutting (drilling, sawing, lathe).
Same with aluminum although that material can bunch up on a cutting blade. No lube needed though.
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