band saws

[blackice]

aside from the blade, what is the diffrence between a metal band saw and a wood one? How can I tell them apart? I am looking at picking up a vertical band saw to cut metal, but am not sure exactly what I am looking for. I don't want to waste money on the wrong saw.

 

[A_Pmech]

There are a lot of differences between wood band saws and metal band saws.

However, the two main features of a metal band saw are:

1) Heavier construction

2) Slower speeds

Because metals are tougher materials to cut than wood and plastic, metal band saws must be built heavier to withstand the higher cutting forces generated. Not only must the wheels, axles, and drive system be stronger, but the entire frame must be stronger.

Metals are generally cut at under 350 feet per minute (FPM) band speed. Wood, on the other hand, can be cut at a very wide range of speeds, roughly between about 1,500 FPM and 6,000 FPM.

You can convert a wood band saw to cut metal. However it is not a great substitute for a metal saw, nearly all of which have speeds sufficient to make quick work of wood.

I would keep my eyes peeled for a Powermatic 87, 16" Grob, Do-All 16" in one of it's numerous variations, or for a smaller saw than the above, a Walker Turner with the optional gearbox for lower speeds.

 

[jkeyser14]

A good metal bandsaw will also have adjustable RPM for cutting different materials and a blade welder since you often have to make or change blades for different materials being cut.

 

[blackice]

great, thanks guys. I found a King steel vertical/horazontal combo at a local tool store. They are closed today, but I am going to take a closer look tomorrow. This may be the best bet, due to my limited floor space.

 

[senlow]

Cutting speeds are different. For example, low carbon steel requires a blade speed around 300 fpm (feet per minute), stainless and tool steel need about 50-100 fpm and aluminum should be cut at about 5oo fpm. Wood is typically cut at 2500-3000 fpm.

It is possible to convert a good quality wood cutting band saw to metal cutting use. Speed reduction can be done with gears, variable speed motors, multiple stages of sheaves and belts, or combinations of these methods. I have a Delta 14" band saw that was modified to cut both wood and metal. I used a two speed V-belt drive together with a two speed gear box. It works well, but I probably invested way more time in the design and build than it was worth.