Band saws are not suitable for cutting very thin sheet metal; a rule of thumb suggests the metal to be cut should be thicker than the depth of 3 band saw blade teeth, however they are excellent for cutting thin walled profiles such as box and angle. Blades with a higher tpi provide a smoother cut edge whereas blades with a lower tpi make light work of cutting through thicker metal stock. For cuts using a cordless band saw; ensure the workpiece is secure, line up the blade to the intended cut line and lower the blade into the metal.
If you need to use your band saw for cutting metal bars, solid rods and plates into size, then purchase a horizontal band saw. If you are unable to get a horizontal band saw, you can still cut metal along a straight-line with a vertical band saw. Ideally, you should get a coarse blade for cutting software materials like wood and plastic and a fine blade for cutting harder materials like metal.
I’ve wondered about this, too-I think I remember the guys at Sears telling me the metal saws go 23 or 33 percent slower…I don’t exactly remember the numbers. Sears does sell a two-speed bandsaw for wood and metal. Knowing the FPS of the saw currently would also be a good number to know.
All of these are great for straight cuts but not too good for curves, especially tight curves. “These days I use a plasma cutter for most metal. It will cut perfectly straight cuts with a straight edge guide. It will cut circles and arcs with a simple jig. Tight curves and freehand cuts are easy. It will cleanly cut thicknesses in steel from sheet to 1/2”. It will easily cut stainless steel which gives other blades grief. For precision work, a real metal-cutting bandsaw would be my choice – slow speeds for steel, a variety of blades, and built-in welder so a blade can be cut and rewelded for internal cuts.
band saw for cutting sheet metal Related Question:
Can you cut sheet metal with a bandsaw?
Band saws are not suitable for cutting very thin sheet metal; a rule of thumb suggests the metal to be cut should be thicker than the depth of 3 band saw blade teeth, however they are excellent for cutting thin walled profiles such as box and angle.
What kind of saw do you use to cut sheet metal?
Circular Saw with Metal Cutting Blade or Metal Circular Saw Roofing, sheet metal, and corrugated metal—basically any metal that generally requires just a simple, straight cut—can be cut by a circular saw with the right blade.
What is the difference between a wood band saw and a metal band saw?
A metal cutting bandsaw is typically built more solidly than a saw designed for cutting wood, so there are no issues with the machine itself. As for the blade, the wood fibers could clog the metal blade’s teeth more quickly, and the blade will probably cut through the wood more slowly.
How do you cut galvanized sheet metal?
Start by clamping the sheet of the galvanized steel securely by using a bench vice with guidelines facing upwards. Take a circular saw that is fitted with a 7 ¼ inch fiber blade to cut the galvanized sheet, still following the guidelines. Go over any edges that aren’t clean-cut to smooth them down with a steel reamer.
Can I use saw for metal on wood?
You can use a metal blade to cut wood. A circular saw blade cut metal in a sluggish rotational speed of 25m/s. They are driven by a motor having high power and an A/C vector drive. They are long lasting and non-reusable.
What speed should you cut metal with on a bandsaw?
To cut steel, you’ll need to run the machine at a much slower speed — about a hundred feet per minute. A machine running at this speed might look like it’s running too slowly, but running it any faster almost guarantees that you’ll damage the blade.
Can a band saw cut stainless steel?
Bi-metal band saw blades cover the broadest range of sawing applications. 95% of companies and individuals cutting the following materials should use a bi-metal band saw blade: carbon steel, tool steel, structural steel, stainless steel, pipes/tubing, die steel, angles, flat stock and mixed metal applications.
What is the best TPI for cutting metal?
Cutting thinner metals, including sheet metal, requires a finer cut. Use 18-24 TPI bi-metal blades. For thicker metals such as steel pipe, angle irons, or tubing, use 14-18 TPI bi-metal blades. For aluminum, an 8-10 TPI blade is best.
Can you use a band saw to cut wood?
With the correct blade, a band saw can cut wood or metal, in either curves or straight lines. Blades come in a variety of widths and tooth counts. Narrower blades are good for tighter curves, while wider blades are better at straight cuts.
How do you make sheet metal edges safe?
Step 1 – Secure the sheet metal to prevent slipping. Step 2 – Use your die grinder with a mounted point (we like shape W222) and simply run the point over the edge of the sheet metal. This process will round the edge of the metal and create a groove in the point. Step 3 – Repeat.
Can I cut metal roofing with a circular saw?
Always make sure you wear your gloves. It’s very easy to cut yourself on the metal roofing, if you don’t have some protective gloves on. You don’t want to use the high speed of a skill saw, or any type of circular saw, because it will create too much heat.
How do you cut corrugated galvanized sheets?
There are several ways to cut corrugated metal. Use a circular saw to make long, straight cuts in thicker sheets of metal. Use a pair of snips if you want to avoid power tools altogether and are working with thinner, more flexible metal or need to make curved cuts.
What tool is used to cut galvanized?
How to Cut Galvanized Steel Pipe. Galvanized pipe is made of steel with a zinc coating to reduce corrosion and rust inside the pipe. Heavy-duty steel pipe and tube cutters are usually the easiest to use, but for tight spaces, an angle grinder or reciprocating saw may be needed.
Can you cut corrugated steel with tin snips?
Use a pair of tin snips at the line if the metal is aluminum. Both of these tools are basically industrial strength scissors. Cut along the pencil line with the straight edge shears or the tin snips until you have cut the enter piece of corrugated sheet metal.