NOT WITH A WOOD CUTTING BLADEWould I be able to cut aluminium plate up to 1/2quot; with a RYOBI 9Inch Bandsaw? If I lubricated the blade, fed the metal through slower than normal, used a metal cutting blade, and let the blade rest and cool after each cut, would I be able to cut aluminium?Thanks
Andrew, If you employ a metal-cutting bandsaw blade, then using a woodbandsaw should not pose a problemThere is really no difference, as far as the bandsaw is concerned, between metal and woodThe key is the saw bladeIf you're using a metal saw cutting blade, you'll be fine, up to the limits imposed on a metal-cutting bladeI don't even think there's such a thing as a metal bandsawThe metal-cutting blade should have instructions and guidelines on the reverse of the package to help guide you on what limitations may exist for the bladeTo better explain, my jigsaw cuts wood when I use wood-cutting bladesIt will cut metal when I use metal-cutting bladesThere's no such thing as wood-cutting jigsaws or metal cutting jigsaws, per se I wouldn't lubricate the blade, unless you're instructed to do soUsually when one cuts metal, the blade isn't lubricatedAlso, feed your metal according to any special instructions, and the blade will be able to cut aluminum metal in thicknesses indicated on the saw blade packaginggood luck Okay, an edit: yes there specialty saws designed for metal vs wood, but within the context of the question asked, I don't think such a distinction was necessaryOne can find a metal bandsaw designed to cut or work with tough metals (for example) and a host of other situationsBut cutting a soft metal like aluminum using a typical Delta or Craftsman bandsaw (off the shelf) with a metal saw blade shouldn't be a difficult problemHalf inch aluminum cuts easily, maybe heating a bit too much if fed slowly, but one could spray wd-40 or even an over-cleaner like Off,during the process If one is planning to cut a 40-foot ship hull four inches off at the bottom, then yes, it's more involved.
