The infamous Rigid band saw mod

[BADVELLE]

Can't you just purchase a metal cutting blade???

You can, however this modification has to do with the speed of the cut, this is why the saw is needing to be modified.

[80proZ]

You can, however this modification has to do with the speed of the cut, this is why the saw is needing to be modified.

How about speed control on the motor?Whats the mod being done to the saw.I thought i read something about a jackshaft being added to it???

[parsonsj]

The jackshaft is to slow the blade down. To cut metal well, the tooth speed needs to be in the range mentioned earlier in this thread. The idea is to take the existing motor and convert it to a higher torque, lower speed device via a series of pulleys and belts.

Speed control on the motor by lowering voltage will cut torque by a like amount. You'd have to cut the speed by a factor of 10 or so, making the saw a 0.2 HP saw. That ain't gonna cut it. (pun intended)

jp

[Rubes]

You could go the $$$ route and use a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) and have full torque at all speeds.
I'm doing one on my lathe. Probably a little overkill for a band saw though...LOL

[David Pozzi]

Sears used to sell a jackshaft assy for one of their saws that could be adapted. I used to use a saw that had one but don't have the info now.

If you have the link to John's old web page please post it here.
You can go to the "Wayback Machine" internet archive and enter the URL and the old website should show up!
David

[David Pozzi]

OK, here is John's page in the wayback archive: http://web.archive.org/web/200707021...com/Tools.html
There is a .pdf file there that has parts, instructions, and photos of the conversion.

The photos on the web page do not load, probably weren't archived, but the .pdf has it all.

Here is a thread talking about the mod: https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3657
David

[gc427]

Thanks!