Want a perfect saw for cutting metal? Or, Facing problems while making cuts on metals?
A table saw is a perfect solution for cutting metal as it includes a high-powered motor and laser-cut steel blades that can easily go through aluminum and other non-ferrous material.
Now, cutting metal with a table saw to make a square or straight line needs the technical handling of blades and fences. If you make any mistake, you won’t get a fine edge and the blade expands, which may increase the risk of kickback.
To get rid of such issues, we are here to give you a proper idea of how to cut metal with a table saw. If you’re still confused, scroll down to get a quick clarification.
Here is an in-depth table outlining the different types of blades commonly used for cutting metal on a table saw, including their tooth count, tooth configuration, and suitable metal materials:
Blade Type | Tooth Count | Tooth Configuration |
Suitable Metal Materials |
Abrasive | N/A | N/A | Ferrous and non-ferrous metals |
Carbide Tipped | 48-80 | ATB or TCG | Mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum |
High-Speed Steel | 18-24 | ATB | Aluminum, brass, copper, mild steel |
Diamond | 60-80 | Continuous Rim | Hard metals, such as tungsten carbide or titanium |
Can I Use a Table Saw to Cut Metal?
Yes, you can use a table saw to cut metals. Just need to fit a blade perfectly to the machine at a proper speed and adjust the metal to the fence. Then, push the metal slowly across the blade to get a precise cutting. Let’s have a look at the best table saw blade for cutting metals.
Best For Metal: TOMAX 10-Inch 80 Teeth TCG Aluminum Saw Blade
- Ideal for cutting Plastic, Aluminum and Non-Ferrous Metals
- Construction grade carbide teeth provide maximum resistance for longer life
- Electrophoretic Coating reduces the rusting and corrosion
To introduce you to a stunning table saw blade, we have brought the 10-Inch 80-Teeth TCG Aluminum and Non-Ferrous Metal Saw Blade. Due to the laser-cut steel material, this saw blade can ensure smooth and clean cutting. Let’s look at the best specs of this saw blade that might help you to make a quicker decision.
Specifications
- Laser-cut anti-vibration technology
- Comes with an electrophoretic coating
- Comes with 80 triple chip grind carbide teeth
- Made with premium-quality carbide materials
- Includes sharper edge with a precise formulation.
Prior to the other parts, let’s focus on the Triple Chip Grind teeth of this saw blade that helps to initiate a square cutting. In fact, you can get the finest angle while cutting metals. With the premium grade angle, the steel blade makes your cutting smoother and cleaner.
On top of that, the Non-stick Perma Shield coating reduces rusting, gumming, and corrosion. Hence, this saw blade offers long-lasting durability with years of service. Also, the anti-vibration technology traps noise and vibration. So, the blade remains cool for hours and reduces warpings while working on metals.
Moreover, the construction grade carbide teeth provide maximum resistance that keeps the saw sharp for a longer time. As a result, this table saw blade is ideal for cutting plastic, aluminum, and non-ferrous metals. That’s why you can easily complete your longer cutting projects without any hassle.
Can You Cut Glass With a Table Saw?
Unfortunately, it’s a big “No”. You can’t use a table saw for cutting glass materials. But, when it comes to plexiglass which is a clear and hard acrylic substance. It is also an alternative to glass and ideal to cut by using a table saw.
Can You Cut Polycarbonate With a Table Saw?
Yeah! Polycarbonate sheets can be easily cut by a table saw if you can maintain proper thickness. But, the sheets need to be more than 0.5 mm thick for smooth cutting.
How Do You Cut Aluminum With a Saw?
You can easily cut aluminum by the technical setting of different parts of a table saw. If you want perfect and risk-free cutting, you should first choose a blade that is made for cutting nonferrous materials. To confirm the cleanest cutting, you need to adjust the blade properly in the machine.
Then, use premium lubricants so that the aluminum doesn’t stick with the saw blade. Further, you should turn off the dust collection port as a heated aluminum excess can fall there and create a dangerous explosion. Thus, you can cut aluminum with a saw.
Can You Plunge Cut on a Table Saw?
Yes! You can make a plunge cut with a table saw if you are skilled enough in raising the saw blade. Additionally, instead of placing the workpiece in the moving blade, you should clamp it down.
How Do You Cut a Perfect Square on a Table Saw?
Firstly, you have to keep at least one edge of your board flat and straight. Secondly, place your board on plywood that is 1/ 2 inch wider than the board with screws. Then, after adjusting the rip fence, push the board combination through the blade.
Finally, make the parallel edges of your workpiece setting the miter gauge at 90°, and get your square cutting. So, cutting a perfect square on a table saw is possible but you have to be skilled and technical enough to complete this task.
How Do You Cut a Straight Edge With a Table Saw?
As you cannot get a straight and precise cutting with other saws, you need to complete your cutting with a table saw by using a jig to reduce wood warping. But, the jig type differs from wood to wood. That’s why you need to choose a perfect jig for your smooth cutting.
Though the fence of the table saw always makes the cut clear-cutting, place a jig on one edge of the wood with screws and complete your cutting in a straight line.
What Should You Not Cut On a Table Saw?
Some specific metals should not be cut on a table saw like plastic, PVC pipe, iron or ferrous metals, etc. Whenever you go for a PVC pipe or plastic cutting on a table saw, it will be deformed in the blade. As a result, you can’t get absolute and smooth cutting.
Besides, the ferrous metals create sparks with every hit of the blade while cutting which will burn your machine and destroy it. Again, bevel cutting or angled cutting on a table saw may enhance the risk of kickback which may create an accident. Even curved or backward cuttings are also unsuitable for cutting on a table saw.
What Is a Contractor Table Saw?
A contractor table saw comes with a powerful contractor-grade motor along with a heavy-duty rail system that cuts straighter lines and makes smoother cuts on a small and longboard. If you want professional cuttings on larger projects, the contractor table saw is ideal for you.
Now, as the contractor table saw is heavier than the other ones, the roller wheels are included in the stand. As a result, these saws offer easy portability. Delta, Sawstop, and Rikon are well-known brands of contractor table saws.
Final Thoughts
Finally, we have made it to the end. As we tried to cover all the necessary information about cutting metal with a table saw, we hope this guide will help you a lot. Also, we have covered some related queries on cutting metals that can help to get clean and efficient cutting.
If you take some precautions while cutting metal, you can get some precise cuts quickly. Even the table saw can handle your large cutting projects of non-ferrous metals. So, get the right table saw today to get clean & precise cuts in seconds!