[autobot]

I want a small machine shop tool that can rough cut aluminum or brass extrusions to size for a milling machine.

Space is a big factor in this, then price follows.

I am looking at the Rockwell Bladerunner, see:

Shop ROCKWELL BladeRunner 110-Volt Cutting Saw with Wall Mount at Lowes.com

Is it any good for cutting 2-3" thick aluminum extrusions (maybe 4" wide max)?

Do you have any other suggestions? I like the form factor of the bladerunner. Conventional metalcutting bandsaws are too big and bulky.

[aarongough]

Huh, I hadn't seen one of those before seeing your question. Pretty cool little tool, basically an upside-down jigsaw mounted in a table...

I watched a video review of it on YouTube, and they said that it only cuts up to around 1 1/2" so it's probably not quite big enough to cut your 3" extrusion.

[autobot]

does it (and other jig saws alike) have the ability to cut through thick aluminum?

Will slowing down the manual feed help?

[aarongough]

Well the video I saw demonstrated it cutting through black iron pipe, so I imagine that aluminum shouldn't be a big deal.