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Cutting Urethane Alumilite

V

vale46

Apprentice Member
Joined
May 31, 2020
Posts
3
Location
Essex
First Name
Tom
Hi Everyone,

Firstly I'd like to say hello as I'm new to the forum and wanting to gain more knowledge on turning, cutting and resins.

Hope everyone is keeping well at the minute given the circumstances.

Been reading the forum as theres a lot fo great information on here so will certainly be posting regular.

Question if any of you guys have any answers. I have some resin blocks of Alumilite Clear Cast urethane resin and a 1bhp Axminster trade band saw. I normally use epoxy resin and find this band saw on a 12mm wide 3-4 vari tooth band saw blade from tuff saws perfect for cutting. However with the alumilite urethane it just doesn't cut one bit and blunts the blade after just a 160mm of cutting.

Would you have any helpful tips or any blades that would be suitable for cutting this urethane resin at all?

Thanks for your time,
Tom:goesred:
 
F

Frederick

Registered
Joined
Apr 8, 2018
Posts
871
Location
Chatham
First Name
Frederick
Hiand welcome

I have cut massives amount of Aluminite. i find that cutting polyurethane clogs the blades teeth very quickly giving the impression that it is blunt. I clean my blades regulary with Acetone which seems to help. Other than that, I can't be of much help....

Cheers etc
Frederick
 
Penpal

Penpal

Grand Master
Joined
May 26, 2013
Posts
25,342
Location
Canberra AUSTRALIA
First Name
Peter
The only blades I use on the main bandsaw are the tough ones,more expensive but in Australia the burl is fearful heavy and makes for me necessary first step. Also letting the feed speed to be determined by the cut you get.

Peter.
 
Phil Dart

Phil Dart

Moderator
Executive Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2014
Posts
5,491
Location
Colebrooke, Devon
First Name
Phil
Hi Tom - welcome to the forum.

I use a "skip blade". I agree with Frederick that a clogged blade can make it seem blunt, and that is possibly what's causing your problem, however, a skip blade has alternately set teeth and every 5th tooth missing, so it clears the swarf more easily and has less tendency to clog. You might have to ask your supplier for one if they don't have them on their website, but most can supply them - or change your supplier if they can't help.
 
C

Curly

Graduate Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2019
Posts
441
Location
RM of Aberdeen, Saskatchewan, Canada
First Name
Peter
Curious if anyone has tried to put a light coating of wax on the blade to keep it clean. Back spin the blade with the wheel by hand and rub the blade with paraffin wax or paste wax and rag. It might be enough to keep the plastic from sticking to the blade.
I haven't tried it myself.

Pete
 
V

vale46

Apprentice Member
Joined
May 31, 2020
Posts
3
Location
Essex
First Name
Tom
Thanks Phil. I now have some blades on order from Ian at tuff saws. Will give these a go then look into a skip blade.

Thanks Tom
 
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