Cutting aluminum trim question.

[dano]

Hi I have a question about cutting the aluminum trim that goes on the top, sides, back, table ex...
I made a cantilevered table to attach to the galley table for my wife. Put Formica on top and trimmed it with aluminum. I needed to make 45Dig. cuts. I have a miter saw and miter box but its a little big for the trim.
Id sure like to make cleaner cuts. What are you guys using to make cuts on 3/4 aluminum sides and table trim?

Thanks
Dano

[Rhino Ray]

I have been using a chop saw with a carbide blade and a router for cutting all if my aluminum. Hope this helps.

[Woodbutcher]

Place a strip if trim under the metal angle ( just like it sits on the roof) and cut through the metal and the trim strip all at once. You will get a perfect cut. Leave enough of the trim strip sticking past the cut to avoid the saw throwing the cut offs.

[dano]

Wood butcher, Are you using a miter box or a chop saw? I also put some trip under the AL. but the thing never cuts straight. I think its the operator.
Dano

[asianflava]

I used a Horizontal metal cutting bandsaw. It was on sale plus I had a coupon so I got it pretty cheap.

[aggie79]

I used a miter saw too. For cutting aluminum t-molding and aluminum angle, I made a jig out of two thicknesses of 3/4" mdf. The two pieces were glued together. Then I cut a 3/4" deep slot on the table saw. The slot helps to capture the aluminum keeping it aligned and keeping it from being "grabbed by the miter saw blade. When I cut the trim, I only lowered the blade enough to go through the trim and not the bottom 3/4" mdf. I cut the pieces "fat" and then trimmed them to fit with a file.

(click on picture for a larger image)


To cut the RV edge molding, I used a single piece of 3/4" mdf and held the molding with on leg of the molding facing down.