I'm slowly getting equiped in metal working. I have a fairly heavy duty floor model 14' band saw. Is it possible to convert this to metal cutting if a metal cutting blade the right lenght can be found ?
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12-31-2007, 02:28 PM #1
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wood cutting VS metal cutting band saws
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12-31-2007, 02:32 PM #2
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You'll not only have to change the blade, the speed will have to be reduced as well.
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12-31-2007, 03:16 PM #3
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What are you looking to cut on it?
Miller Maxstar 200 DX
RMLS-14 Momentary Hand Control
Miller Syncrowave 180 SD
Porter Cable 14" dry metal saw
Hitachi 4.5" grinder
http://mhayesdesign.com
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12-31-2007, 03:29 PM #4
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I probably wont be welding anything thicker than 1/4 inch or so as I only own a mm180. This will only be for my workshop where I plan to do light fabrication only. I was lookinh at getting a dry cutting chop saw or an inexpensive horizontal band saw but thought I could make use of my floor model bandsaw in the meantime.
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12-31-2007, 05:23 PM #5
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A vertical bandsaw is good for cutting 16 ga. sheet (and it's not even really good for that). I would reccomend an abrasive saw or horiz bandsaw. Dry saw or cold saw if you're rich.
Miller Maxstar 200 DX
RMLS-14 Momentary Hand Control
Miller Syncrowave 180 SD
Porter Cable 14" dry metal saw
Hitachi 4.5" grinder
http://mhayesdesign.com
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12-31-2007, 06:38 PM #6
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I converted a Powermatic vertical band saw from wood to steel, and it works great. I used a variable speed DC gearmotor from a belt conveyor to slow it down.
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12-31-2007, 10:39 PM #7
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Speed is most of it. Most wood saw are not built to handle the stresses of metal cutting puts on it.
I have a wood saw and I cut sheet steel with it, but it is hard on it non the less.
Also to cut bar type stock an abrasive type saw works, and a cold saw is cool, you don't have to be "rich" to own one. Just keep your eyes open for a bargain.Tim Beeker,
T-N-J Industries
(my side bussiness)
Miller Synchrowave 350LX with tigrunner
Esab 450i with wire feeder
HH135 mig
Thermal Dynamics cutmaster 51 plasma cutter
Miller aircrafter 330 - sold
Marathon 315mm coldsaw
vertical and horizontal band saws
table saw
Dewalt cut off saw
Sand blast cabinet
lots of hand grinders
Harris torch
beer fridge
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12-31-2007, 11:06 PM #8
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The horizontal bandsaws are really the way to go, since the blades are so cheap.
The dry saws are nice for $600, but the blades run out fast. Cold saws last last a long time. Grizzly sells one for ~$1000. Grizzly has a horizontal bandsaw that cuts up to 60 degrees for about $1500. Replacement blades are $20-40.Miller Maxstar 200 DX
RMLS-14 Momentary Hand Control
Miller Syncrowave 180 SD
Porter Cable 14" dry metal saw
Hitachi 4.5" grinder
http://mhayesdesign.com
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01-01-2008, 08:36 AM #9
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I aquired an 18" Jet wood saw recently, in reseaching a conversion I found this on practicalmachinist.com, for future reference. Hopes this helps
Good luck
L*S
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb...rsion+to+metal
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01-01-2008, 09:04 AM #10
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Thanks Leons2003,
Great advice in that forum. Sounds like alot of work to properly do a conversion like some of them describe but it answers all of my questions.
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