Can You Cut Aluminum With a Miter Saw? Factors, Tips, & FAQ

Miter saws are designed for cutting wood, but you can use a miter saw to cut aluminum as well. Due to its design, miter saws are designed to clamp down on the material, including aluminum so that you can make precise cuts using the handle. As a result, you can accurately and safely cut aluminum using a miter saw.

Before you go get any miter saw for cutting aluminum, it’s important that you know what blades cut aluminum fast and how to do so safely. This guide fully explains how you can cut aluminum with a miter saw in a safe and effective manner. Let’s get started.

Can I Use a Miter Saw to Cut Aluminum?

If you need to cut aluminum, you might feel as though you don’t have many tools that can do the job. However, you can use a miter saw to cut aluminum. As long as you have the right blades, you will be able to cut aluminum effectively and safely.

The best blades for cutting aluminum using a miter saw include circular blades, sharp-cut blades, razor blades, and coarse-cut blades. These blades are all good for safely and effectively cutting aluminum, but they are better suited for different types of cuts.

How to Pick the Best Miter Saw Blades for Cutting Aluminum

Most miter saws are capable of cutting aluminum. Still, you will need to carefully consider the blade on the miter saw when making your cuts. As a rule of thumb, you want to select blades that have a high number of teeth or a high TPI. The more teeth there are, the smoother the cut will be.

Furthermore, you want to select the different blade types based on the cut you want to make.

So, select a blade based on TPI and your intended job. If you consider these two factors, you will be able to find a miter saw blade that properly and safely cuts the aluminum the way you want it to be cut.

How to Cut Aluminum With a Miter Saw

Now that we’ve learned that you can use a miter saw to cut aluminum and how to pick the best blade based on your need, let’s dig into how to cut aluminum using a miter saw.

What You’ll Need

1. Put on Protective Gear

Begin by putting on your protective gear. Because you will be cutting aluminum, the last thing you want is for fine metal pieces to injure you. Wear eye goggles, gloves, ear protection, pants, and long sleeves to keep yourself protected.

2. Mount the Blades

Once you are thoroughly protected, mount the blades. Remember, select blades based on the intended job and the size of your aluminum. In order to mount the blades, remove the blade that is currently mounted by opening the blade guard. Insert the new blade in its place.

3. Secure the Aluminum

Next, clamp the aluminum metal down. This will ensure that the aluminum stays in place so that the blade only cuts where you want it to cut. It also ensures that you stay safe during the process. Ensure that the clamps are secure before getting started.

4. Start Cutting

Now that the aluminum piece is clamped down, you can begin cutting it. Make sure to align the blades in such a way that they will cut the intended area. Hold one hand on the aluminum and lower the miter saw handle down so it begins cutting the material. As you are cutting, add lubrication to the aluminum piece so it cuts a little bit easier.

Go slow and steady until you have completely cut the aluminum piece to its desired size and shape.

Tips

Here are some tips to make the cutting process even easier:

Our Recommendations for a Miter Saw in 2024

Evolution S380CPS – Heavy-duty 15 Inch Metal Cutting Chop Saw – Best Overall

The Evolution S380CPS – Heavy-duty 15 Inch Metal Cutting Chop Saw is the best overall miter saw for cutting aluminum. It is a 45-degree miter saw and it is specifically designed for cutting metal, resulting in an accurate, heavy-duty, and professional finish. It offers dry cut, cool touch, and Burr-free cuts. It even has many blade options so you can get the exact blade you want for the job.

The only downside of this model is that it is fairly expensive. At least it has a fantastic rating and comes with a 3-year warranty to ensure it is well worth your price. Not to mention, this is the best overall miter saw for cutting aluminum, making its price tag worth it in terms of output.

Evolution Power Tools RAGE4 7-1/4-Inch TCT Multipurpose Cutting Chop Saw – Best Value

If you are on a budget, then we recommend the Evolution Power Tools RAGE4 7-1/4-Inch TCT Multipurpose Cutting Chop Saw instead. This miter saw is highly affordable, compact, and portable, but it is powerful, has high-quality construction, and does not heat up too bad when cutting steel.

Although this product is great for a budget buy, it isn’t as effective or heavy-duty as our best overall pick. Still, it cuts well and is fantastic for its price. This is a great option in terms of its value as a result.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a way to cut aluminum and have a miter saw, you are in luck. It is perfectly safe to cut aluminum with a miter saw, as long as you use it properly and wear protection. The only trick is making sure to select the right blade based on your cut and the size of the aluminum piece.

In the case that you do not have a miter saw on hand, we recommend one of the two options above. The Evolution S380CPS – Heavy-duty 15 Inch Metal Cutting Chop Saw is a great option for individuals who want the best overall miter saw for cutting aluminum, but the Evolution Power Tools RAGE4 7-1/4-Inch TCT Multipurpose Cutting Chop Saw is a good alternative for those on a budget.

Featured Image Credit: Aleksei Kariukin, Shutterstock