Band Saw question

[ChevelleFan]

Hey everyone.. I picked up an old Craftsman 12" band saw (113.248210). I'm hoping to be able to use it for light metal cutting. It seems to have an 80" x 1/4" wood cutting blade. Can I install an 80" x 1/2" metal cutting blade?

Thanks,

-Dave

 

[jimreed2160]

Wood bandsaws run too fast for metal. Change the pulley to slow the blade down so it does not overheat.

 

[OccupantRJ]

200 feet per minute will do it.

 

[kabinenroller]

You might have to special order a blade that is capable of cutting steel in the length to fit your machine. As it is now your saw has too fast of a blade speed to cut steel without burning up blades, you also my not have the correct blade guides.
I was able to convert a Jet brand band saw that was designed for wood to a steel cutting saw. I built a jack shaft arrangement to slow the blade speed, installed hardened guides, and bought some quality 14tpi blades. It has work well for me for the last dozen years.

 

[ChevelleFan]

Thanks for the replies -- I hadn't thought about blade speed. I'll see what options I have for slowing it down. Knowing 200 fpm as a target speed is helpful, thanks!

-Dave

 

[OccupantRJ]

A reduction gearbox or a properly set up belt jackshaft drive can get you down to the proper speed. Search bandsaw jackshaft with the image function of google and watch the magic.