Converting a Woodworking Bandsaw for Metal

[wbrian63]

I have a large Italian-made bandsaw - 17" I think - name escapes me.

I'm doing more metal working now as opposed to woodworking and I'm wondering if I can use it for cutting metal.

It has ball-bearing blade guides. It's a 220v machine, so there's plenty of power.

The table is about 18" square and is cast iron.

If I can find the space inside the cabinet, if I add a reducing gearbox to slow the blade down, will this enable use for cutting metal (providing I get the right kind of blade?)

If so - what's the desired blade speed for cutting metal? I can figure out the current speed based on current pulley sizes.

Thanks for your responses.

Regards

 

[Packard V8]

Tried a search? This question comes along at least once a month, albiet usually with some smaller cheapo bandsaw.

Bottom line, yes, it can be done, but not a good idea on smaller machines. Blade speed is dependent upon the metal to be cut. Aluminum, mild steel, cast iron, stainless, all have their own recommended FPS. Also, the thickness of the stock to be cut determines the TPI for the blade.

jack vines

 

[zkling]

~120 sfpm for "metal".

End of thread.