Craftsman Bandsaw speed reduction

[8man]

I have an old Cman bandsaw. I would like to "convert" it to cut light gauge sheet steel for a couple of truck projects I have.

Has anyone done this?

I've read that I'll need to slow the speed of the blade down to about 200 ft/min or so. Is this correct?

I've seen some people converted an old wood bandsaw to cut steel with a series of gears. How do I calculate the speed using gears?

Right now I think if I use the existing pulley on the electric motor, I'll need a 10" pulley that turn a 1.5" pulley that then turns a 10" pulley that runs the saw blade.

Am I even close on this?

Thanks.

 

[GirchyGirchy]

You'll need some sort of gear reduction box. Craftsman made one for their bandsaws back in the day with some toothed timing belts and pullies and a coaxial shaft, but many have used generic boxes you can find on eBay. Do a google search and you'll find plenty of examples.

Haven't tried it myself, but I'd guess your chances of driving a 1.5" pulley using a 10" pulley are pretty slim, unless you're using timing belts. With an idler, for maximum wrap, maybe.

Here's my Craftsman.

_DSC0373 by GirchyGirchy, on Flickr

 

[8man]

Thank you.

 

[lilredex]

Have a look here, he has it all worked out.......

 

[exmaxima1]

A local guy is selling a bandsaw all ready to cut metal. Check out how he added a gearbox. I would look at a gearhead motor to replace your existing motor.

 

[MushCreek]

If it's a typical C'man 12" saw, you'll need about a 25:1 reduction with a 1725 RPM motor. That would get you about 69 RPM, or 216 surface feet/minute. A double reduction like in the video would have to be two times 5:1. I like that he can remove the two short belts and get wood speeds with a single longer belt.