How to Cut Anodized Aluminum

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Things You'll Need

  • Straight edge

  • Marker

  • Clamps

  • Candle

  • Table saw

  • 7 1/4 inch carbide saw blade

Cut anodized aluminum with traditional woodworking saws.

Anodizing is a process where aluminum is treated using chemicals to oxidize the surface. The oxidation process changes the color of the aluminum slightly, but it also hardens the outer shell, thus making the aluminum more durable. Anodized aluminum is used for everything from cooking pans to satellite dishes and motorcycle parts. Although the process of anodizing hardens the aluminum, you can still cut the metal fairly effortlessly using traditional woodworking and cutting saws.

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Step 1

Place a straight edge on the location of the anodized aluminum where you want to cut it and mark the location with a marker.

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Step 2

Place the anodized aluminum part on a work table so that the end you will cut overhangs the table by at least two or three inches. Secure the item in place with table clamps.

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Step 3

Insert a 7 1/4 inch carbide blade in to a standard table saw using the saw's instruction manual.

Step 4

Lubricate the marker line on the aluminum with a thin coat of candle wax by rubbing the candle firmly onto the aluminum. This will prevent the aluminum from clogging up the saw teeth as you cut.

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Step 5

Put on safety glasses and turn the saw on. Begin cutting the aluminum along the marker line. Feed the aluminum into the saw at a slower rate than you would if you were cutting wood. Continue until you have cut all the way through the piece of anodized aluminum.

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