Article: 1927
By Robert Krausert, January 2010

Mark Dunkle asked:
I wanting some input on cutting G10 for fins. Vern Knowles suggest a carbide tipped jig saw blade but his source no longer has them. I’ve also called around the Portland/Vancouver area with no luck. The blade I’m looking for made by Vermont American and is part# 30003. Do any of you know of a source on the internet or in town to buy special blades? My second question is does anyone know of blade the might work that might be easier to find. The fins have a 22 inch root edge and are 1/8 thick so I was looking for a blade or method that can handle cutting these large fins.

Marty Weiser commented:
A masonry blade in a circular saw works very well for straight cuts. Lots of dust so use a mask and good ventilation. For smaller cuts I like a reinforced abrasive blade in my Dremel tool. The thinner unreinforced blades will shatter in my experience. You can also use a fine tooth metal blade in your jigsaw at slow speed – it will dull very quickly, but it will cut the stuff

Mike Fisher commented:
Tile saw….wet, no dust. Cuts through .25″ g-10 like butter.

Randy Hall commented:
use a paper cutter. Like the one in schools. Cuts good with NO dust
http://www.instructables.com/id/Slice_Circuit_Boards_with_a_Paper_Cutter/

Or for longer cuts… use a hacksaw blade (metal cutting) in a jig or scroll saw. Make sure you use a jig to get straight lines.

OR Score it (deep) and snap it with a sheet metal break (used for bending)

Rod Moorehead commented:
I paid about $15 at the local lumber yard for a 7 1/4″ blade used by contractors to cut Hardie Plank siding. It’s diamond coated and works great in a table saw.

Scott Barfield commented:
I have used a metal cutting bandsaw blade without too much trouble. Plan on replacing it after a big project though. I have also used a table saw with a carbide blade. That made me nervous though and I will avoid it in the future.

Chris Guenther commented:
I use my band saw with a bi-metal blade and it cuts through just fine, although I recommend using a good dust mask and ventilation.

Rod Moorehead commented:
Incidentally, the blade I am referring to is found at www.exchangeablade.com
Part number is 2118032 It’s called a Bronze Series Turbo General Purpose for concrete products. It’s 7″ dia. There is a retailer finder on the website. I bought mine here in little old Sisters OR.

Set it up on a table saw with a sliding table made from scrap and you can cut any shape fin you want.