Bandsaw

[killahog]

Can anyone give me some info on a this Bandsaw, It's a shop smith and the seller is asking $250.00 I need one for cutting primarily wood but would like to have the option to with over and cut steel of 1/4 or so .. Thanks

 

[drmarkr]

You'll need the right blade to cut metals.....and no bandsaw like this is going to cut 1/4" steel! Ever.

I don't know what HP the motor is, but I'd say that's not a bad price for that saw. Having said that, you might want to shop a little more and find something with a little more height capacity....just my advice. Or look for a Delta/Rockwell/other style saw that you can put a riser on to get that height capacity (google for info if you're not familiar).

If you're in the North Florida area.....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ridgid-Band...rg=20140407115239&rk=8&rkt=30&sd=221622089222

 

[Showkey]

The blade speed on a wood cutting band saw is way too fast. So with the metal cutting blade the feet per minute must be changed. Do not remember the fpm spec off the top of head. Pulley changes and or jack shaft is the most common way to do this speed change.

Depending on the project a quality bi metal blade in quality variable speed jig saw can work wonders. That size band saw has the handicap of narrow throat.

 

[Cyberbear]

Yes, the feet per minute is important when cutting metal, too fast burns blades up, I've tried it, but for me the only thing that works on my old band saw is cutting aluminum with a quality hard tooth blade. I found if you wish to cut steel, it may be easier to purchase one of those horizontal China metal cutting band saws that can handle 4 x 6" material at a reasonable price.
These can be used vertically with a small flat table you can easily make yourself if the saw does not have one as an accessory item.

 

[bubinga]

find a delta wood/metal 14" bandsaw, it will cut 1/4" steel.

 

[gungatim]

looks like no provision for a riser block, so you won't be able to do much re-sawing with that. for metal, even if you could slow it down enough, they usually have rubber tires on the wheels which will get trashed with all the metal shavings and oil from trying to cut steel. a cheap HF metal cutting bandsaw is only around $169 new and plentiful used. HF used to have a pretty good 14" wood bandsaw that could be tweaked to be a fine performer, and Grizzley has a great following for their bandsaws. I have a Jet I bought new for under $300, so I would definitely pass on that shopsmith, and any craftsman you come across as well. good used Delta's are pretty plentiful, and if you keep your eyes open, there is a multiple speed wood/metal model delta made you can still pickup on the used market.

 

[j p smith]

Lot of good advise. You need a saw rated for wood or metal, usually they have a gear box. I was able to find an older Powermatic 143 and replace some broken parts. The Powermatic 141 was for wood only and the Model 143 was for wood/metal. Try to figure what your needs are and size the saw to what your needs will be. Good luck.

If you try to change that to cut steel then it would not work good for cutting wood, keep looking. You need one that is rated for wood & metal. Usually they have a gearbox and pulleys with multiple grooves. Also look at the features so you get one with good height & throat capacity
Jeff

 

[DonPowers]

I have a Shop Smith with the same bandsaw, without the stand. When mounted to a Shop Smith you do have variable speed control and overall it's not a bad little saw. It does have its limitations though. The throat is only 6", the largest blade it will take is 5/8" and the insides are mostly aluminum. Consequently, I would not recommend it for steel due to the aluminum construction and as previously pointed out the metal chewing up the tires.

Depending on the vintage, it may or may not have roller guides, however they are available as an upgrade and well worth it.

Now that I have the room for a dedicated bandsaw, I'm looking for a 14 - 16 inch saw to re-saw lumber.

For steel, I use a cold cut chop saw and cold cut circular saw.