02-06-2010, 06:32 PM #1 Variable Speed on a Bandsaw I’ve got a Sears Craftsman 14″ vertical bandsaw When I bought it, I wasn’t aware that the speeds wouldn’t go slow enough to optimize cutting metal. A final note on VFDs:. VFD’s are not the Holy Grail of speed reduction, you must consider the abuse they can give a motor. The standard motor is rated at 1720 rpm which is supposed to yield 2780 ft/min cutting speed.
A VFD would be useful if you wanted a range of cutting speeds for metals, so something like 100-250 FPS, but you would have to plan for a 60HZ motor to be at around 150 FPS so a variable motor speed of 40-100 Hz. Right, that was the idea behind using a VFD instead of just slowing down the speed from the motor with a suitable gear or pulley arrangement. Only the range of metal cutting speed need be supported, steel on the low end and brass/aluminum on the high end. Could use a step pulley but then I have to also make a convenient way to change speeds, and that again pushes the project off into never-get-done-land.
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Last edited by Tom Overthere; 05-06-2009 at 1:21 PM. 05-06-2009, 1:31 PM #10 Tom,At one time I ran motion picture film processing labs, the variable speed drive system that powered the processor had a drive system similar to the Reeves drive setup. After ten years of almost continuous operation I started having problems with the drive so I replaced it with a Bodine DC drive motor with an angle gear drive that had an electronic speed control. The Bodine drive was a great modification and it cost at.
Even the DC motor bandsaws probably use a speed reduction gearbox in conjunction with the variable speed motor. If you change out to a DC motor and dilaed down the RPM to steel cutting FPM it’s likely the blade would barely make a mark in the steel workpiece before the motor stalls. The reducer section and motor was slid aside to allow for a single belt from motor to saw pulley for wood cutting.
how to make a bandsaw variable speed Related Question:
How do you change the speed of a 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.
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.
How fast should a wood bandsaw run?
Bandsaw: Speeds. A common speed for the bandsaw is about one thousand feet per minute. Wood can effectively be cut at much higher speeds, up to and over five thousand feet per minute, but you should keep it slower because it’s safer.
What Bandaw speed cuts metal?
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.
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 do you measure the speed of a bandsaw blade?
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.
Can you use a metal bandsaw blade to cut wood?
What are the ideal conditions for cutting wood on a metal saw? While cutting wood on a metal bandsaw is perfectly fine, you should switch over to a 6TPI blade if you have the time or anticipate cutting a lot of wood.
When using the vertical band saw what blade speed would be appropriate for cutting mild steel?
Tool and rough steels require 40 to 60 surface feet per minute, mild steels 80 to 100 sfpm, and aluminium 200 sfpm+ (slower is fine — just not as efficient time-wise). For best results, use a recommended blade speed of under 200 feet per minute and preferably with coolant.
What speed does a circular saw run at?
It is clear that in the speed range from 1173 to 1500 rpm, the circular saw would easily be- come unstable and pose a hazard to the people working with it. Critical rotational speed theory of the circular saw has been a subject of many scientific publications.
How high can a bandsaw cut?
The resaw capacity is the maximum height (thickness) that can be cut. For the small shop furniture maker, go with 14″ as the minimum for a bandsaw, though 16″ is better. Those doing larger work might even want 18″ or 20″ machines. Just make sure you have a minimum resaw height of 12″ for versatility.
When using a band saw how far should the upper blade guides be positioned above the work?
Make sure the blade is positioned properly on the track. Adjust blade guard height to about 3 mm or 1/8 inch to 6mm or 1/4 inch above the top of the material being cut. Wider gaps will place tension on the blade and increase the risk of breaking.
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.
Which of the following should be worn when operating a metal cutting bandsaw?
Wear safety glasses when operating the metal cutting bandsaw. 2. Never wear loose clothing, or jewelry when operating the metal cutting bandsaw.
What is the most common bandsaw blade length?
Try a blade of 114″ or 115″ length; it’s more than likely that either one will work just fine. Most bandsaws will accept a range of blade lengths, sometimes with as much as 2″ difference between the shortest and longest blades that the saw can use.
How long is a 12 bandsaw blade?
The Craftsman 12″ Bandsaw-Sander takes an 80″ blade or an 80″, 1/2″ wide sanding belt.