Hey guys, I have a 10” Shopcraft Benchmark bandsaw that is variable speed. It is a homeowner tool. The issue I have is that I need to cut some 1/8” steel plate. The saw claims to cut metal, but the variable speed only goes as low as 480 fpm. I intend on getting a Lenox bimetal blade for it. Will this work fairly well for what I need? Can I put some kind of reostat on it to further slow the already slowed blade speed to get closer to the 100-200 fpm target for cutting metal? I know a better solution is a metal cutting saw or a swag table with a portaban, but neither is an option right now. A $25 blade and a $20 variable speed router control from harbor freight is. Will this jerry-rigged set up work or am I wasting $50?
Bandsaw for metal
- Thread starter jkesselr
- Start date
bubinga
Well-known member
if it's an Universal Motor Only . Not on A regular A/C motor. ItWon't work.
The voltage drop will burn up the motor.
Is it a Separate belt drive motor?
If Yes, May want to consider Trying a Free tread mill motor and control board.
The voltage drop will burn up the motor.
Is it a Separate belt drive motor?
If Yes, May want to consider Trying a Free tread mill motor and control board.
I have no idea what it is. I don’t know a thing about electric motors. This link is where a manual can be found for it if you can tell from it.
http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=5972
http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=5972
OccupantRJ
Well-known member
Since that appears to be direct drive and can’t change drive pulleys, you could try a router speed control if it is an AC/DC motor. That should be on the data plate. That style older motor would have electrical brushes in it. I would choose an 18 teeth per inch blade for 1/8” material. You want about 3 teeth engaged into the thickness of the metal while cutting.
Make sure the speed control can handle at least the saw motor amps if you decide one will work.
Make sure the speed control can handle at least the saw motor amps if you decide one will work.
bubinga
Well-known member
yes, I should have stated, often called a universal motor.
Good advise on the TPI of the blade!!
454ragtop
Well-known member
While not ideal, I think you'll be OK at 480 FPM. I have a Jet wood /metal that doesn't have as much low speed as I'd like, cut steel with it all the time.
DO you have any idea how low your speed goes?
Also, I talked to a local saw shop and explained that I would be cutting 1/8" and below. They have recommended a 1/4" bi-metal 14 TPI blade that they are going to weld up for me. I know this is a little less than the "3 teeth in the material at all times" rule, but the shop says it will be good to go. What says GJ?
OccupantRJ
Well-known member
The proof will be in the cutting. The 3 tooth basis is so that the metal has less of a chance to go between two teeth and rip them out.