Metal bandsaw speed.

N

Nylunds knives

Joined
Jan 6, 2008
Messages
109
Hello

I've got a bandsaw that I use for wood. The saw blade runs at 42 feet/s.

I noticed today that I can slow down the saw using pulleys but how much slower do I need for being able to cut 5/32 steel bars for blades?



Regards Jakob
 
Metal cutting bandsaws normally run 40, 120, and 200 feet per minute. So you would need to slow it down to 3.3 or less feet per second. You will also need metal cutting blades.

In my opinion it would be better just to buy a metal cutting bandsaw.
 
Dan Seaver said:
Metal cutting bandsaws normally run 40, 120, and 200 feet per minute. So you would need to slow it down to 3.3 or less feet per second. You will also need metal cutting blades.

In my opinion it would be better just to buy a metal cutting bandsaw.
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Okay, thanks.


I will try and see how much slower I can get my saw. There was quite a big difference between in size between the drive wheels.



Regards Jakob
 
Metal cutting band saws cost an arm and a leg, even used. The cheapest solution is the Dewalt 28770 with a fabbed work table and mounted up right. I think this thing is a good deal:

P9220312-1.JPG


Another option is to use an angle grinder. That is how I currently cut out blanks. I've gotten pretty good with the angle grinder; the problem is that you waste a lot of material cutting in all straight lines.

I'm going the Dewalt and Swag Offroad stand route, here shortly.
 
The H/V 4x6 saws from Harbor Freight, Grizzly, etc are affordable and work rather well. The HF ones go on sale regularly.
 
What is the difference between a wood badsaw and a metal bandsaw other then the speed?

I think I can get my wood saw down to under 200 feet/minute quite easy.

Then I could use the same saw for both wood and metal wich would be ideal for me.




Jakob
 
The metal blade are 1/2" wide which is alot for most wood saws, yours may be ok. I dont want to cut handle material on the same saw as metal. I use lubricant on metal and its a mess. If your saw will go to 200 ft.min it may be a dual use saw for wood and metal. What is the make and model?
 
wulfshrunting said:
Metal cutting band saws cost an arm and a leg, even used. The cheapest solution is the Dewalt 28770 with a fabbed work table and mounted up right. I think this thing is a good deal:
Click to expand...

I picked up my HF 4x6 when it went on sale and I found a 20%off coupon for it. Total cost with tax was right around $164
 
Patrickknives said:
The metal blade are 1/2" wide which is alot for most wood saws, yours may be ok. I dont want to cut handle material on the same saw as metal. I use lubricant on metal and its a mess. If your saw will go to 200 ft.min it may be a dual use saw for wood and metal. What is the make and model?
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I think it's a Proofy saw, don't know wich model but will check tomorow. It's a wood saw but it have two speeds and if I make smaler drive wheel I will probably be able to get it down to 200ft/min and the blades is not a problem.

I will have to test and see how it goes.

I don't think that I can get that HF saw shipped to Finland anyway...


Jakob
 
Fletch Helical said:
I'm hoping you're missing a 1 in there or else I'll feel like I got robbed :D
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No mistake, but I think you got a better saw. I paid around $80.00 for mine about 2 years ago so it's a good price for a basic portable bandsaw. I bolted a bar to it and put it in the vise.
 
oldwolf said:
No mistake, but I think you got a better saw. I paid around $80.00 for mine about 2 years ago so it's a good price for a basic portable bandsaw. I bolted a bar to it and put it in the vise.
Click to expand...


Oh I thought you were talking about the floor standing model.
 
AcridSaint said:
The H/V 4x6 saws from Harbor Freight, Grizzly, etc are affordable and work rather well. The HF ones go on sale regularly.
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You're right, the Harbor Freight 4x6 can be had for <$200. I didn't mention that saw because I've read some complaints about the work table. This may have been in reference to wood working. For what we're using it for (cutting out blanks and handle blanks) I'd probably work pretty well with a good bi-metal blade.
 
Another question about the HF 4x6 band saw is how long it lasts? Have you been using it for several years, cutting out high carbon and tool steel with no issues?

Those Dewalts seem to last a long time. Also, band saw discussions have come up in the past, and a lot of knifemakers are using the Dewalt mounted vertically with a fabbed work table.
 
I have been using a HF 4X6 for 10 years with no problems.
 
Bill DeShivs said:
I have been using a HF 4X6 for 10 years with no problems.
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Cool. That's what I wanted to hear.

So, am I correct in my thinking that the HF/Grizzly 4x6 and the Dewalt portaband are the two most affordable new steel cutting band saws?
 
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