Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Im about to skin the Front Tow Box with Aluminum..

And my intention to cut with my Jigsaw to get the proper size from a near full sheet..In my Black n Decker Jigsaw I received a blade that Im not sure if I can use..

It is a normal wood cutting blade.. Will it work or should I go purchase another blade and if so what kind must it be..

Best regards Heikki

Heikki-

Wood cutting blades generally have coarse (few) teeth. Cutting with this type blade will cause a lot of swarf (wavy, jagged edges).

Get yourself a fine (many) toothed Metal cutting blade. Trial cut a piece of scrap to determine best speed...

Cheers,

Coop

goldcoop wrote:Heikki-

Wood cutting blades generally have coarse (few) teeth. Cutting with this type blade will cause a lot of swarf (wavy, jagged edges).

Get yourself a fine (many) toothed Metal cutting blade. Trial cut a piece of scrap to determine best speed...

Cheers,

Coop

Thank You Coop .. Understood.. On my way for a blade.. Photos to follow.

Heikki,
When in doubt - always use a hatchet!!! Don't forget, to use masking tape around the edges so the jig saw doesn't leave scratches, grooves and other things that make you want to throw something against the wall.

Sierrajack wrote:Heikki,
When in doubt - always use a hatchet!!! Don't forget, to use masking tape around the edges so the jig saw doesn't leave scratches, grooves and other things that make you want to throw something against the wall.

...a very good suggestion indeed...while a new fine toothed blade will work, most AL can be cut/worked with any(almost) woodworking tools...a fine toothed blade may load up with AL cutting, a coarser toothed blade would not load up as bad...the above are just random thoughts...testtesttesttest...YMMV
madjack

Sierrajack wrote:Heikki,
When in doubt - always use a hatchet!!! Don't forget, to use masking tape around the edges so the jig saw doesn't leave scratches, grooves and other things that make you want to throw something against the wall.

Sorry Sierrajack this ol boy dont own a hatchet but I do have a collection of good knives.. but I think it would take a looooooooong time to carve out aluminum wit them..

But yes for sure Ive got the tape ready for the area to be cut out..
I,ll practice with the aluminum on the front box... then proceed with the big stuff...this will be a new experince for me...

Thanks
Classic Finn

madjack wrote:

Sierrajack wrote:Heikki,
When in doubt - always use a hatchet!!! Don't forget, to use masking tape around the edges so the jig saw doesn't leave scratches, grooves and other things that make you want to throw something against the wall.

...a very good suggestion indeed...while a new fine toothed blade will work, most AL can be cut/worked with any(almost) woodworking tools...a fine toothed blade may load up with AL cutting, a coarser toothed blade would not load up as bad...the above are just random thoughts...testtesttesttest...YMMV
madjack

Okidoki here is what I went and picked up from my favorite local store
A 3 packer...set of blades..

good for 1.5mm - 3mm aluminum...



They told me to use the low cutting setting on the jigsaw... I guess I,ll find out in a few when I go and play with it.. many of you have cut aluminum or stainless hundreds of times but this ol sailor will be doing his 1st in a few minutes.. gots to go play...

Do I need to use any oil on the metal or not required?

Classic Finn

Finnster,

No need to oil up, the alumin(i)um is too thin to build up a lot of heat. BTW, Coop, I thought that swarf was just the shavings, not the edges. Are you referring to kerf?

Greg

GregB wrote:Finnster,

No need to oil up, the alumin(i)um is too thin to build up a lot of heat. BTW, Coop, I thought that swarf was just the shavings, not the edges. Are you referring to kerf?

Greg

Okidoki Mr. GregB

Thank You ..

Finnster?

Heikki,
Just have good support for the aluminum or you'll be doin' the jitter bug across the shop - wappa, wappa, wappa.

Sierrajack wrote:Heikki,
Just have good support for the aluminum or you'll be doin' the jitter bug across the shop - wappa, wappa, wappa.

Your a lil late on that ... I felt like shake rattle n roll there a few seconds till I had it properly supported but gee it cuts like butter..
I did the taping as you said ...COOL .. Nice clean run..

I may be old but I learned sumtin new again... So the sayin that You cant teach an ol dog new tricks??? sheeeeeeet its not true..I say..

I do intend on receiving my Graduation Diploma from the International School of TT and T ...

Classic Finn

Pending the thickness you have... I've been able to lay aluminum flat on the ground, score w/ a new sheetrock blade and snap it.. nice clean cut... but it needs to be purdy thin stuff.