Replies

1. 
   tashler | May 07, 2007 01:23am | #1

   I use that same system.

   I have on an 80 tooth 12" DeWalt blade. But I cut the vinyl and the aluminum separately. Not that it's right or wrong, just the way I've learned to like it.

   Glenn

1. 
   marklaura | May 08, 2007 12:51am | #4

   Thanks to all for the response!

   So I can (and you guys use?) the Carbide ( I did mean carbide not Carbon Mark!) for the vinyl and the aluminum? It just seems crazy to cut metal with a CARBIDE blade! Aluminum is softer than carbide I guess. So I see my self cutting very slowly through the aluminum. So Tashler...why separate the vinyl and aluminum? I see you said you just do it that way... but...is it case a measurement error on the aluminum occurs you can kind of make up for it with cutting the vinyl differently? Just trying to understand your reasoning for cutting the pieces separately.

   Thanks again all!

   Mark

1. 
   Matt | May 08, 2007 03:57am | #5

   Yes cut slowly - with both the al and the vinyl.  And wear safety glasses.  To me, the al can be cut about 1/2" short to makes things a bit easier.

2. 
   tashler | May 08, 2007 04:25am | #6

   The vinyl and aluminum are supposed to be cut to slightly different lengths, and I just feel better cutting one at a time instead of one inside the other. Just my preference.Matt says to cut slowly. I totally agree. But he says to cut both together. I don't think it's neccesary. It works for me.My friend puts the same rail on both the front and back of his new houses, but cuts them with a sawzall. Doesn't think it can be done on a miter saw. So, everyone has their own little way.And, wipe the metal chips off the table of the saw before cutting the vinyl. They kind of discolor the vinyl. But I think it can be rubbed off.Good luck.Glenn

2. 
   MarkH | May 07, 2007 03:26am | #2

   I think you want a carbide not carbon tipped blade.

   I would recommend a non ferrous blade, like a Freud Diablo non-ferrous blade.  It will cut cleaner, and be less likely to grab, which can be very nasty.  The hook angle is reversed, and the teeth are beefy.

3. 
   Stilletto | May 07, 2007 03:32am | #3

   Alot of those railing systems have the metal in them,  that metal will slide back and forth in the vinyl sleeve. 

   If it does slide, then just pull it out of the railing and cut it to length.  Put the metal back in.  A 60 tooth works good on warm vinyl.  Cold vinyl nothing is fool proof. 

   "If you can dodge a wrench you can dodge a ball."  Patches O'Hoolihan

4. 
   user-246028 | May 08, 2007 05:25am | #7

   80 Tooth Carbide - the aluminum is soft and will cut easily. Remember your not cutting a 2x4, so take easy. Let the blade do the work.

   Dave