Used bandsaw

[sillwic9]

I have the opportunity to pick up a used 14" bandsaw from a co-worker for......FREE!!! The only drawback is he said that the motor doesn't work, so I'd have to replace it. He said it's an older DeWalt, but I'm wondering if he meant Delta. Either way, is there anyway, when replacing the motor, to convert this bandsaw to cut metal and wood? I don't need to cut thick plate steel or anything, just mainly some sheet metal or some angle iron for small shop projects and such. Thanks for the help in advance.

Stephen

 

[BWS]

The two issues that usually crop up first....

>Blade speed of metal vs wood.....its "about" 10-1 difference.But that really just gets you thinking.There are very specific speeds required for optimum cutting efficiency for both wood and metal.So even for wood these BS's are a bit challenged in their lack of speed adj.YMMV

>Beam or frame strength is another area that "smallish" BS's suffer from.Its a bit more important in metal world but does show up when folks invariably try re-sawing wood.Rigidity in machine tools is rarely "overstated",with a might few exceptions most,are way underbuilt.

Thats not saying you shouldn't grab it.....just realize its limitations and start lining up a buyer for it....and looking for a bigger model.But,you could be cutting some thin gage stuff in the meantime.

 

[Packard V8]

Yes, it can be done. However, starting with a wood BS and making it cut metal is the hard way to get there.

No, motor is no problemo - a fractional horsepower motor is easy and cheap. Look for a 3/4hp 1725 RPM. A 1/2hp will work, but will be less excited about cutting steel angle.

Maybe, do a search on speed reduction systems for BS. They're not rocket science, but not that easy, either.

Also, if you're just doing home shop projects, a chicom horizontal metal cutting BS with the little vertical table is more what you want. They're cheap and everywhere.

jack vines

 

[sillwic9]

Thanks for all the info. Looks like I will just try to find me a good inexpensive motor and have a 14" bandsaw to use in my shop.