Is 350W bandsaw too weak to cut 1/4inch metal stock?

K

kaizo

Joined
Oct 17, 2014
Messages
798
Hi everyone I've just found a bandsaw for a very reasonable price and my friends are trying to buy it for me for my birthday but is 350W too small a power for cutting 1/4 inch stocks? The speed isn't really an issue unless its overly slow since I rarely cut metal. I mostly cut wood/micata to make knife handles etc... for fun.

Please let know and thank you very much for your help.

Merry Christmas everyone!!
 
That motor is on the small side but the power available is less important than how the machine is built. Metal cutting bandsaws typically have much heavier duty band guides than those intended for use as wood cutting saws.

But I'm going to go out on a limb and say no, the saw you're looking at isn't going to cut metal even with the proper band. Even a Harbor Freight portaband has a 1200 watt motor.
 
Yes. Another consideration is the depth of blade it will accept. Because of the pressures involved with cutting metal, most metal cutting blades are going to be 1/2" or 12mm wide. 3/8" at a minimum. Wood only saws typically use narrower blades for cutting scroll work and may not even accept a 1/2" wide blade.
 
Thanks very much again everyone I think I will hold out then until I can get a nice portaband saw and clamp it onto my workbench :)
 
FWIW, I cut Kydex, micarta, and various other materials on my metal bandsaws all the time. While it may not be as ideal as using a wood bandsaw at times, at least it's possible. Cutting steel on a wood bandsaw, however... not so much.

Just as important as a decent bandsaw is the proper blade. Don't skimp on quality, and make sure you use a proper TPI for what you're cutting.
 
Excellent thanks for letting me know! :)

I'm planning to buy a few bi-metal band saw blades with the band saw so I'll make sure I get the right one!
 
Basically, A bandsaw for wood /plastics runs much to fast for sawing metals. At least at thickness you are wanting.
 
Thanks Lieblad :)

I was actually looking at the ones with 3 set speeds. I'm planning to use it at the slowest setting and cool it in water repeatedly. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top