Can You Use Woodworking Tools On Metal – A Carpenter’S Guide To Safe &
Quick Answer: Yes, you can use some woodworking tools on soft, non-ferrous metals like aluminum, brass, and copper. However, you must use specialized blades or bits designed for metal and follow strict safety protocols.
Never use woodworking tools on hard, ferrous metals like steel or iron, as this is extremely dangerous and will destroy your equipment.
You’re in the zone, deep into a project. The finish line is in sight, but there’s one small hurdle: you need to cut a piece of aluminum angle for a custom jig or trim a brass inlay for a tabletop.
Your trusty miter saw is sitting right there, ready to go. The thought crosses your mind, “Can I just… make a quick cut?” It’s a question every woodworker eventually asks.
I promise you’re not alone in wondering this. The good news is that the answer isn’t a simple “no.” The real answer is more nuanced: “Yes, if you do it the right way.”
In this complete can you use woodworking tools on metal guide, we’ll walk through exactly which tools can pull double-duty, the non-negotiable blades and bits you’ll need, and the critical safety steps to protect yourself and your equipment. Let’s get you making those cuts safely and confidently.
The Golden Rule: Not All Metals (and Tools) Are Created Equal
Before we even touch a power switch, we need to understand the fundamental difference between wood and metal. Woodworking tools are engineered to slice through organic fibers, while metalworking tools are built to abrade or shear a much harder, denser material.
Ignoring this difference is where disaster strikes. The key is to only attempt this crossover with the right kind of metal.
What You CAN Cut: Soft, Non-Ferrous Metals
Your woodworking tools, when properly equipped, can handle soft metals that don’t contain iron. These are called non-ferrous metals.
- Aluminum: This is the most common metal woodworkers cut. It’s soft, light, and easy to machine. Think aluminum extrusions, flat bars, and angles for jigs and fixtures.
- Brass: Often used for decorative inlays, hardware, and accents. It cuts cleanly but is a bit denser than aluminum.
- Copper: Softer than brass, you’ll find it in pipes and decorative sheets. It can get “gummy” when cut, so a lubricant is helpful.
- Plastics: While not a metal, materials like acrylic (Plexiglas) and polycarbonate can often be cut using the same techniques and blades.
What You CANNOT Cut: Hard, Ferrous Metals
This is the danger zone. Ferrous metals contain iron and are far too hard for woodworking equipment. Attempting to cut them will, at best, destroy your blade. At worst, it can cause a catastrophic failure, tool kickback, or a fire.
Stay away from cutting these with woodworking tools:
- Steel: This includes angle iron, steel studs, rebar, and sheet steel. Absolutely not.
- Iron: Cast iron, wrought iron—don’t even think about it.
- Stainless Steel: It’s incredibly hard and tough on even dedicated metal-cutting tools.
The biggest giveaway is that ferrous metals are magnetic and often throw orange sparks when cut or ground. Soft, non-ferrous metals do not.
Which Woodworking Tools Can You Use on Metal? The “Yes, With Caution” List
So, you’ve got a piece of aluminum and you’re ready to go. Which tool do you grab? Here’s a breakdown of the possibilities, from most common to most advanced. This is the core of our how to can you use woodworking tools on metal section.
Miter Saws & Table Saws: The Right Blade is Everything
Your saws can be surprisingly effective for making clean, straight cuts in aluminum extrusions. But you cannot use your standard wood blade.
You need a blade specifically designed for cutting non-ferrous metals. Look for these features:
- High Tooth Count: You want at least 80 teeth (TPI) for a smooth finish.
- Triple-Chip Grind (TCG): This tooth geometry is designed to “chisel” through metal without grabbing.
- Negative Hook Angle: This is the most critical feature. A negative hook angle prevents the blade from climbing into the material too aggressively, which is a major cause of dangerous kickback with metal.
A great example is the Freud Diablo D1080N or similar non-ferrous metal cutting blades. Always use a lubricant like wax stick or cutting fluid to reduce heat and friction.
Jigsaws & Bandsaws: Slower Speeds, Finer Blades
For curves or smaller cuts, a jigsaw or bandsaw can work well. The secret here is blade selection and tool speed.
You’ll need a bi-metal blade with a high TPI, typically 18-24 TPI for thin aluminum. Most importantly, set your tool to its lowest possible speed setting. A fast-moving wood-cutting speed will overheat the blade and melt the metal rather than cut it.
Drill Press & Hand Drills: Bits Make the Difference
Drilling holes in metal is straightforward if you ditch your wood bits. Brad-point bits, Forstner bits, and spade bits are designed for wood fibers and will be destroyed by metal.
Instead, use standard High-Speed Steel (HSS) or, even better, cobalt drill bits. Start by using a center punch to create a small divot to prevent the bit from wandering. Use a slow speed and steady pressure, applying a drop of cutting oil to keep things cool.
Routers: A Very Specialized “Yes”
This is an advanced technique and not recommended for beginners. However, it is possible to rout aluminum using a powerful router and special solid carbide spiral ‘O-flute’ bits designed for plastics and aluminum. This requires slow, shallow passes and a very securely clamped workpiece. The risk of bit breakage and injury is high if not done perfectly.
The “Absolutely Not” List: Tools to Keep Away from Metal
Understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing what you can do. Using these tools on metal is a recipe for injury and expensive repairs. This addresses the common problems with can you use woodworking tools on metal.
- Jointers and Planers: The high-speed steel knives in these machines are brittle and will shatter on impact with metal, sending shrapnel everywhere. This is one of the most dangerous things you could attempt in a workshop.
- Wood Chisels and Hand Planes: The finely honed edge of a chisel or plane blade will be instantly ruined by metal. These tools rely on a razor-sharp edge that metal will fold or chip in a heartbeat.
- Standard Wood-Cutting Blades: Never use a standard combination or ripping blade on your table saw for metal. Their aggressive positive hook angle and tooth shape are designed to scoop wood fibers, and they will grab metal violently, causing it to fly back at you.
Safety First: Your Non-Negotiable Metal-Cutting Checklist
Cutting metal, even soft metal, introduces new hazards to the woodshop. Follow these can you use woodworking tools on metal best practices every single time. No exceptions.
- Wear a Full-Face Shield: Standard safety glasses are not enough. Metal chips come off hot and sharp, and they can fly anywhere. Protect your entire face.
- Use Hearing Protection: Cutting metal is significantly louder than cutting wood. Protect your hearing with earplugs or muffs.
- Clamp Everything Down: Metal vibrates more than wood and doesn’t compress under clamp pressure. Use at least two robust clamps to ensure your workpiece cannot move an inch.
- Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy: While non-ferrous metals don’t typically spark, the fine dust can be flammable, especially in a shop full of sawdust. Be prepared.
- Mind the Edges: Freshly cut metal has razor-sharp edges and burrs. Handle with care and use a file or deburring tool to smooth the edges immediately after cutting.
How to Use Woodworking Tools on Metal: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to make a cut? Follow this simple process for a safe and clean result.
Step 1: Confirm Your Material. Double-check that you’re working with a soft, non-ferrous metal like aluminum or brass.
Step 2: Install the Correct Blade/Bit. Swap out your wood blade for a non-ferrous metal cutting blade on your saw, or put a cobalt bit in your drill.
Step 3: Gear Up. Put on your face shield, hearing protection, and any other required PPE.
Step 4: Secure the Workpiece. Use strong clamps to lock the metal piece to your saw’s fence, your workbench, or your drill press table. Ensure it cannot shift during the cut.
Step 5: Apply Lubricant. Rub a stick of cutting wax along your cut line or apply a few drops of cutting fluid. This small step dramatically improves cut quality and extends blade life.
Step 6: Use a Slow, Steady Feed Rate. Do not force the tool. Let the blade do the work. A slow, consistent push will give you a clean cut without overheating the blade or motor.
Step 7: Clean Up Meticulously. This is a crucial part of the can you use woodworking tools on metal care guide. Tiny metal shavings are sharp and abrasive. They can get into your tool’s bearings and wreak havoc. Use a magnet (for any accidental ferrous metal dust) and a shop vac to clean the tool and the surrounding area thoroughly before cutting wood again.
The Hidden Benefits and Eco-Friendly Considerations
Beyond just getting a project done, there are other upsides. The primary benefits of can you use woodworking tools on metal are saving money and space by not needing a completely separate set of metalworking tools for occasional tasks.
From a sustainability perspective, this approach is fantastic. Embracing sustainable can you use woodworking tools on metal practices means using the tools you already own to their full, safe potential. It reduces the consumer demand for more tools and empowers you to repurpose materials like old aluminum frames for new projects—a truly eco-friendly can you use woodworking tools on metal mindset.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using Woodworking Tools on Metal
Can I use my table saw to cut steel?
No, absolutely not. Steel is a hard, ferrous metal that will destroy a woodworking blade and can cause a violent, dangerous kickback. You need a dedicated abrasive chop saw or a cold-cut metal saw for steel.
What’s the best blade for cutting aluminum on a miter saw?
The best choice is a blade specifically labeled for “non-ferrous metals.” Look for one with a high tooth count (80+ TPI), a Triple-Chip Grind (TCG) tooth pattern, and a negative hook angle to prevent grabbing.
Do I really need cutting fluid for a small cut in aluminum?
Yes, it’s highly recommended. Even for a small cut, a lubricant like cutting oil or a wax stick reduces friction and heat. This prevents the aluminum from melting and sticking to your blade, giving you a cleaner cut and making your expensive blade last much longer.
Will cutting metal dull my woodworking blades?
Even with the correct blade, cutting metal will cause it to wear faster than cutting wood. Metal is simply a harder material. That’s why it’s best practice to have a dedicated non-ferrous blade that you swap in only when needed, preserving your fine woodworking blades for wood.
So, can you use woodworking tools on metal? You absolutely can—with the right knowledge, the right accessories, and a healthy respect for the material.
By sticking to soft, non-ferrous metals and always prioritizing safety, you can expand your workshop’s capabilities without breaking the bank. You now have the expert knowledge to tackle those mixed-media projects with confidence.
Go ahead and build something amazing. Just remember to measure twice, clamp tight, and always put your safety first. Happy building!