Could someone please recommend a hacksaw that can cut an aluminum rod (about 3-3cm in diameter, it's a roller blind rod)? Thanks.
Hacksaw recommendations please
sunshinenz on 02/12/2020 - 15:52
Comments
Thanks so much for your help. Could you recommend a deburring tool please? (Do I need one, after cutting the rod? Btw your assumption about my lack of a drop-saw is correct.)
Use a file and then finish with sandpaper
To deburr the end of the rod after cutting it - if it's a bit rough or needs it - just grab a bit of fine sandpaper - Aluminium is soft and a bit of wet'n'dry fine paper should do the trick. Maybe the wifes Emery board even ?
Thank you all for helping out a novice. If you have any more tips and tricks please share. (Many things you mentioned up here might be obvious to you but are completely foreign to me. My man will do the work if I line up the tools and possibly a YouTube clip; he's just too busy to do research.)
If you want a straight cut you could also buy a mitre box https://www.bunnings.co.nz/craftright-mitre-box-and-saw-set_… a clamp could also help if you don't have one already, something like: https://www.bunnings.co.nz/craftright-quick-action-clamp-300…
Do a practice cut on a piece you will be cutting off to get a feel for it.
Almost half a year after seeking advice, I finally got round to buying roller blinds and the tools to cut. A mitre box and clamps, as recommended by @Toddy47, are essential for making a quick and straight cut. As advised by @Arsonist and @Drcspy, sandpaper is good for deburring. Thanks again for helping a dummy.
Did you use the Craftright Mitre Box And Saw Set from bunnings to cut it? Having the same issue with an alumnium bit too. Hmm.
Yes, bought those exact 2 tools as recommended above. Without the clamps it's still quite hard to cut. Used this hacksaw. https://www.bunnings.co.nz/stanley-tension-hacksaw-305mm_p02….
The important part about the hacksaw is the blade and most hacksaws use the same size/fitting blade. Only go for a fancy hacksaw to improve ergonomics (for example if you are using it quite often or doing cuts that require a lot of effort.
If you have a drop-saw (I assume you don't) that is fine to cut aluminum too.
Aluminum is super easy to cut so even something like this https://www.bunnings.co.nz/craftright-hacksaw-300mm-adjustab… will be fine with the supplied blade.