How to saw aluminium profiles?

Sawing aluminium Cladix profiles is a precision job. To make sure your profiles are cut to size without damage or accidents, there are a few important things to watch out for.

Do's: what you DO have to do

1. Choose the right saw blade
   The choice of your saw blade is crucial. Use a saw blade that is suitable for aluminium. Look carefully on the saw blade itself for specifications: it often says which materials it is suitable for. The diameter of the blade should also be appropriate.
2. Use a crosscut saw
   For sawing aluminium profiles, a crosscut saw is the best tool. Don't have this lying around and find it too pricey a purchase? Then we recommend renting this equipment from a DIY shop, for example.Make sure you always measure the profiles accurately before you start sawing. A well-measured profile ensures a tight and clean cut.
3. Use clamps for short pieces
   If you have to cut short pieces (less than 30 cm), be extra careful! It is dangerous to hold such short profiles without tools. Use a glue or clamp to secure the profile. This will prevent your hands from getting too close to the saw blade.
4. Protect yourself
   Safety comes first. Always wear safety glasses, gloves and hearing protection. Aluminium can have sharp edges and cause splinters, and the saw makes a sharp, loud noise. So hearing protection is an absolute must.

Don'ts: what to avoid better

1. Do not use a rocker saw
   A rocker saw may seem like a convenient option, but for aluminium profiles such as those made by Cladix, it is not suitable. The complex profiling makes it difficult to make a neat, straight cut with a rocker saw. The result will be sloppy.
2. Do not use a grinding wheel
   Although a grinding wheel can theoretically cut aluminium, we strongly advise against doing so. It is almost impossible to get a straight cut and you risk damaging the profile.
3. Multitool avoid
   A multi-tool works on vibration and is also not a good idea for sawing aluminium profiles. As with the rocker saw, it is difficult to achieve a nice cut with this tool.
4. Take care with a handsaw
   Using a handsaw is possible in principle, but it is very difficult to get a straight cut with it. This takes a lot of time and the result is often not as tight as with a crosscut saw.

The crosscut saw is your best friend!

Sawing aluminium can be done perfectly by yourself with the right tools and caution.

Always make sure you use the right saw blade and work safely, especially on short pieces. And remember: a crosscut saw is your best friend for this kind of project!