Band saws are a power tool that have a looped metal cutting blade tensioned over 2 pulleys. 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 are available in different widths suited for different cutting requirements; thicker blades work well for thicker metal stock and straight cuts, whereas a thinner blade is better suited to cutting curves. 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. If both ends of the curve are shallow, make a cut from each end until they meet at the middle… For cuts using the hydraulic arm capabilities of some band saw models, place the metal on the support table and ensure it is firmly held against the rear guard, lower the arm to move the blade downwards through the workpiece. 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. Once the cut has been made, stop the blade and withdraw.
The constant turning of the band forms a formidable cutting action of the band as the material being cut is moved through the blade. It’s a fine addition to any woodworking shop and versatile enough to cut not only wood but also metal and other materials. Generally speaking, blades intended for cutting wood will have larger teeth and a low TPI. The teeth will angle down, cutting down through the wood rather than angled up that can lift the wood as it is being cut.
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.
Too often, a homeowner or hobbiest tries to cut metal with the wood cutting bandsaw they have. The saw is mainly used for wood but on occasion I cut metal. As you can see above, the reason for his inablility to cut stainless had nothing to do with the blade, but everything to do with the saw.
Since Candoff is a machinist, it wasn’t much trouble for him to work out a speed reduction solution by adding a second set of pulleys and convert his wood cutting bandsaw to a metal bandsaw. Candoff’s Rockwell wood saw uses one pair of pulleys to connect the electric motor to a second set of the 1:1 pulleys used for the blade. Primary Pulley System Secondary Pulley System Drive pulley diameter: 2 inches Drive pulley diameter: 3.5 Driven pulley diameter: 12 inches Driven pulley diameter: 13.5 Primary underdrive ratio: 6:1 Secondary underdrive ratio: 3.85:1 Motor speed: 1,800 rpm Motor speed: 300 rpm Primary driven pulley shaft speed:1,800 / 6 = 300 rpm Secondary driven pulley shaft speed:300 / 3.85:1 = 78 rpm We also measured the diameter of the pulley that drives the blade.
can a bandsaw cut metal Related Question:
Can I use my bandsaw to cut 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.
What materials can a bandsaw cut?
Most bandsaws have two wheels rotating in the same plane, one of which is powered. The blade itself can come in a variety of sizes and tooth pitch (teeth per inch, or TPI) which enables the machine to be highly versatile and able to cut a wide variety of materials including wood, metal and plastic.
How thick of steel can a bandsaw cut?
Bandsaws are the perfect saw for cutting through thick materials. Small bandsaws can easily cut through 4 inch thick woods, and larger ones can handle even 6 inch thickness.
Can a bandsaw cut hardened steel?
Carbide band saw blades provide high wear resistance and toughness when cutting a variety of applications such as: case hardened steels, spring steels, high speed steels, nickel based alloys, case hardened steels, composite graphite, high nickel alloys, titanium, inconnel, and other exotic metals.
Can you cut aluminum with a bandsaw?
Band saws were never really considered to be a wise choice for aluminum cutting, but that has changed recently. With the advancements in band saw technology, large aluminum billet now can be cut almost as quickly as with large circular saws.
Can you use a wood saw to cut metal?
While a metal-cutting saw has a collection bin to prevent metal chips from getting into the machine, a woodcutting saw isn’t designed this way. If you do decide to use a wood saw on metal, only use a 7 1/4-inch blade and preferably a worm drive blade, which provides extra torque.
How long should a metal bandsaw blade last?
On average your bandsaw blade should last 6 months to as long as a few years depending on what your cutting with it. Make sure to match your blade strength and quality to the project and material your cutting.
Can you cut steel with a scroll saw?
Scroll saws can cut through many different types of metal: cold-rolled steel, bronze, aluminum, copper, brass, and more. The ideal metal thickness is no more than 1/8″ but it can do thicker. Softer metals are easier of course, but even steel is not an impossibility with patience.
What will cut through hardened steel?
If a clean cut is desired when cutting through hardened steel, or if the steel’s hardness must be retained, a fine toothed hacksaw will work wonderfully, though the process is long and will require a great deal of intense effort.
Will a diamond blade cut hardened steel?
These blades are extremely hard, heat-resistant, and impact-resistant. They are typically 8 TPI. Diamond Grit blades also cut hardened steel, however they are expensive and take longer to cut through the material.
Can you machine hardened steel?
We’re often asked if you can efficiently machine heat-treated tool steels with indexable carbide tooling. The answer is a resounding yes, but successful hard milling requires an approach that’s quite different from your typical milling applications.
What is the difference between a wood bandsaw and a metal bandsaw?
The problem with wood saws is that they spin too fast, typically with blade speeds of 600 to 2,600 feet per minute (fpm). Cutting metal demands much slower speeds, so a metal bandsaw spins around 100 to 300 fpm.
Can you cut brass with a bandsaw?
A good, sharp, real metal cutting blade will allow you to cut brass or aluminum like butter in a decent wood band saw. Don’t use a wood blade or a friction cut in a wood bandsaw. And whatever you do, DON’T try to cut steel. The blade speed is too fast on a wood band saw and it is really not rigid enough for steel.
Can hand saw cut metal?
There are hand saws for cutting wood, drywall, metal and plastic. Even though hand saw uses vary and choosing the right saw for the job is important, the basic technique for using a hand saw is the same.
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”.