I’ve been using a craftsman table top band saw for balsa and aluminum, up to 5/8 thick, same speed, same blade. The blade is a tiny thing, something like.020 thick and 1/8 wide. It’s 12 teeth per inch and I’ve cut.030 aluminum with no trouble.
The speed of my saw is constant, it is not a variable speed saw. Everything I read indicates aluminum should be cut between 500-1000 SFPM. However, in other threads, many builders have indicated they have used saws that have similar speeds as my mine, and they seem to be satisfied with the results.
Some models of bandsaws do provide the ability to alter the speed of the blade. The change of speed is usually accomplished by moving a drive belt to a secondary location on the pulley(s) of the drive pulley and motor pulley. Typically the speed to use for all of your wood cutting tasks with your bandsaw, regardless of the blade width or tooth configuration on the blade, would be the listed speed that is closest to 3000 FPM. The secondary speed offered on bandsaws with multiple speed capabilities is usually a speed that is one-half to one-third the speed of the 3000 FPM speed.
BAND SPEED AND RECOMMEND CUTTING RATES FOR BI-METAL SAWING APPLICATIONS. Regardless of them type of steel you are working with, the Saw Blade Speed and Feed Chart can help you determine the right blade speed and cutting rate for your cutting operation. The Band Saw Blade Speed and Feed Chart is divided primarily by material size: Up to one inch, one to three inches, three to six inches, and over six inches. Beneath tooth pitch, the chart lists the blade speed and cutting rate for each type of material size.
With the right equipment, aluminum can be very efficiently sawn via two methods: circular sawing or band sawing. CIRCULAR SAWINGGenerally, one of the most accurate and fastest sawing methods for cutting aluminum alloys is with the carbide circular cold saw. BAND SAWINGRecent advancements in band saw technology and their ability to run blades at high surface feet per minute has allowed band saws to also make quick work of aluminum alloys.
These have the return loop of the blade set back so you can cut any length. With most vertical band saws, you will only be able to cut off pieces up to the throat length. The “Throat depth” tells how thick the piece you can cut will be; this is less likely to be an issue for sheet.
best bandsaw speed for aluminum Related Question:
What RPM should a bandsaw run at?
Bandsaws always use 1725 rpm. The 3450 rpm are way too fast. From contributor R: Depending on the size of the wheels bandsaw blade speeds can vary between 2000 SFPM to over 4500 SFPM.
Can you use a band saw to cut aluminum?
Band saws generally make sense for aluminum stock of 6 in. diameter and larger and for shops that are interested in high-speed cutting of aluminum but also frequently cut other materials.
What is the best TPI for cutting aluminum?
For aluminum, an 8-10 TPI blade is best. As far as the best brand of metal cutting blade, we like MK Morse. If you are cutting cast iron, stainless steel, and high-strength alloys, or for jobs like auto dismantling and fire & rescue, look for a carbide-tipped blade that is at least 8 TPI.
Why do bandsaws have 2 speeds?
The primary reason for speed adjustment on bandsaws is to accommodate different materials (mainly metal). That said, dropping the speed down for some operations can stretch the capabilities of an underpowered machine further.
What RPM should a metal bandsaw run?
You want the blade running at about 75 RPM for steel, 150 max. Any faster and you will work harden as you cut (due to heat build up) and fry your blade.
How can I speed up my bandsaw?
Answer: Some models of bandsaws do provide the ability to alter the speed of the blade (usually expressed as FPM – feet per minute). The change of speed is usually accomplished by moving a drive belt to a secondary location on the pulley(s) of the drive pulley and motor pulley.
Can a wood bandsaw be used for metal?
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.
Can you cut aluminum with knife?
Sheet aluminium can be cut without the need for a guillotine or tin-snips which tend to deform the metal. With the aid of a straight-edge and a sharp knife “score” BOTH sides of the aluminium sheet. This weakens the aluminium and creates a “fracture line”.
How many teeth does it take to cut aluminum?
When cutting material up to 1/8-inch thick, use a blade with 10 teeth per inch, such as a 10-inch x 100 tooth or 12-inch x 120 tooth blade. For material up to 1/4-inch thick, use eight teeth per inch. For thicker sheets of aluminum, use a blade with just six teeth per diameter inch.
How many TPI does a bandsaw blade need?
For general wood cutting duties in typical 3/4″ material, use a 4 TPI blade for coarse, fast cutting and a 14 TPI blade for slower, smoother cutting. A blade in the 6 to 8 TPI range provides good general-purpose performance.
What is 18 TPI for cutting?
Blades 12-18 TPI are typically used for metal and denser materials as well as finish cuts in wood. The 18-24 TPI range is almost always used for metal cutting. Pro Tip: Always keep 3 teeth in contact with the material being cut.
What is the difference between a metal and wood 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 measure band saw blade speed?
The formula to determine S.F.P.M. is: Motor RPM multiplied by the Motor pulley diameter divided by the Driven pulley diameter times the Bandsaw wheel diameter times pi (3.1416) divided by 12 = S.F.P.M.
How long is a 14 bandsaw blade?
Olson® All Pro&trade band saw blades 93-1/2″ length fits most 14″ band saws (Delta, Jet, etc.), hard back and exclusive material, in skip, hook, or regular teeth.
How many teeth does a bandsaw blade have?
The general rule of thumb is: For wood and soft materials aim for 3 – 6 teeth in the workpiece. For metals and harder materials aim for 6 – 24 teeth in the workpiece.