Modding a Rigid Bandsaw to cut steel

[parsonsj]

Hi Jim,

Been a while since we've heard from you. Welcome back!

I checked out the Jet speed conversion kit and it seems a bit fast for steel: only 725 sfpm as the slowest. That's too fast for steel, but may be ok for aluminum. The Delta 2n1 is EXPENSIVE: $1600! At least new it is, anyway.

This Rigid deal is $350 for the saw, and $200 or so for the kit. Paul is verifying the actual speeds with a tachometer (must be something different than what I was thinking of ), but thinks he got somewhere around 40 sfpm up to about 120 or so (it's adjustable).

Anyway, I'll post when I have some actual run time on the saw.



jp

[astroracer]

I just bought an older, taiwanese style 14" saw on eBay for $132.50. It is supposed to be a dual type saw. Wood and metal. Used very little and kept in storage, out of the weather. I will be picking it up Saturday.
Obviously I can't give you any info until I get it in my shop and check it out but this was a hellofa deal and I'll be able to throw some time and money at it too get it up to speed.
I will post some pics next week.
Mark

[JohnUlaszek]

The thing to keep in mind is that you need to be down around 80 SFPM minute to cut sheet metal properly. Most of the dual purpose machines have a low speed that is way too fast. They claim they are good for metal but are typically around 700 SFPM on the low speed which will cut aluminum sheet but not well.

Let us know how your machine works and if you can mod it to run slower.
There is a real need for a hobbiests band saw for cutting steel and as of yet Pauls solution is the only one I would consider affordable if he decides to start making them.

John