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Cutting Aluminium Profiles
Cutting aluminium Cladix profiles can be a precision job, especially for do-it-yourselfers. To make sure your profiles are cut straight without damage or accidents, there are a few important things to take note of. In this blog, we discuss the best materials and methods for a clean and straight cut, plus we have added some important safety advice.
Do’s: What you should do
- Choose the proper saw blade
The choice of your saw blade is crucial for a clean, straight cut. Use a saw blade suitable for aluminium. Look carefully for specifications on the saw blade itself: it often says what materials it is suitable for. The diameter of the blade should also be the right fit. - Use a chop saw
For cutting aluminium Cladix profiles, a chop saw is the optimal tool. Although this can be somewhat of an investment, you can often rent one, in Belgium from the Brico or Gamma, for example. Make sure you always measure the profiles precisely before you start cutting. A well-measured profile ensures a straight and neat cut. - Use clamps for short pieces
Be extra careful when cutting short pieces (shorter than 30 cm), It can be fatal to try and hold such short profiles without tools. Use a clamp to secure the profile. This prevents your hands from getting too close to the saw blade. - Protect yourself
Safety above all. Always wear safety glasses, gloves and hearing protection. Aluminium can have sharp edges and cause slivers, and the saw makes a sharp, very loud noise. So hearing protection is an absolute requirement.
Don’ts: What is better avoided
- Do not use a jig saw
A jig saw may seem practical, but for aluminium profiles such as those made by Cladix, it is not suitable. The complex cross-cut of Cladix profiles makes it difficult to create a neat, straight cut with a jig saw. The result will be unsatisfying. - Do not use an angle grinder
Although an angle grinder 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. - Do not use a Multitool
A multitool works with vibrations and is therefore not a good idea for cutting aluminium profiles. As with the jig saw, the cross-cut of Cladix profiles makes it difficult to achieve a clean cut with this tool. - Careful with handsaws
In principle, using a handsaw is possible, but it is difficult to produce a neat, straight cut with it. It is time-consuming and the result is often not as straight as with a chop saw.
The chop saw is your friend!
Cutting aluminium Cladix profiles can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right tools, all the while using caution, you can do it yourself. Always make sure you use the proper saw blade and always work safely, especially on short cuts. And remember: a chop saw is your best friend for this kind of job!