cutting metal on a wood-only band saw?
-
- Apprentice
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Thu Mar 16, 2006 12:06 pm
- Location: Springfield, MO
cutting metal on a wood-only band saw?
Is it possible?
I know I'd need a high TPI, metal-cutting blade but is there any reason that cutting thin steel on a wood-only band saw would be a mistake?
The owners manual says no but, I don't know of that is the engineer or the lawyer talking.
Thanks for your input.
I know I'd need a high TPI, metal-cutting blade but is there any reason that cutting thin steel on a wood-only band saw would be a mistake?
The owners manual says no but, I don't know of that is the engineer or the lawyer talking.
Thanks for your input.
Larry
Assistant Cub Master and Pinewood Marshal Pack 5
Assistant Cub Master and Pinewood Marshal Pack 5
- Pinewood Daddy
- Pine Head Legend
- Posts: 1500
- Joined: Mon Feb 28, 2005 6:04 pm
- Location: Wallingford, Connecticut
Re: cutting metal on a wood-only band saw?
There would be 2 problems.
Not enough horsepower, the additional load might stall the motor.
The biggest problem is that cutting thin metal you need to have at least 1 (?) tooth in the cut at all times to reduce the "bite" the tooth is taking. If the metal goes to the bottom of the tooth gut it will rip out the tooth. All of the teeth can disapper very quickly. The is a sign on the band saw at work (2 HP!) not to cut metal thinner than 1/8 (?) or it will wreck the blade.
Not enough horsepower, the additional load might stall the motor.
The biggest problem is that cutting thin metal you need to have at least 1 (?) tooth in the cut at all times to reduce the "bite" the tooth is taking. If the metal goes to the bottom of the tooth gut it will rip out the tooth. All of the teeth can disapper very quickly. The is a sign on the band saw at work (2 HP!) not to cut metal thinner than 1/8 (?) or it will wreck the blade.
-
- Apprentice
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Thu Mar 16, 2006 12:06 pm
- Location: Springfield, MO
Re: cutting metal on a wood-only band saw?
Good point!! Don't want to rip out teeth
Larry
Assistant Cub Master and Pinewood Marshal Pack 5
Assistant Cub Master and Pinewood Marshal Pack 5
Re: cutting metal on a wood-only band saw?
The biggest issue is that a metal bandsaw goes a lot slower then a wood bandsaw. Metal is between 85 - 300 FPM. Wood bandsaws don't usually go below 600 and usually up to 3000 and sometimes even higher.
Re: cutting metal on a wood-only band saw?
I have a basic 10" Delta bandsaw and have cut 1/4" aluminim bar stock using a metal cutting blade.
I don't know if that applies to your situation or not.
I don't know if that applies to your situation or not.
Re: cutting metal on a wood-only band saw?
We cut a slice off of several 2inch diameter lead "hockey pucks" this year so at 1 point we were cutting through 2 inches of lead...
the saw is a generic Delta ($200 at Lowes) and I put on a 3/8" blade to help with blade deflection…
I also had to replace the blade side/side plastic guides with shim stock that I ground to fit (used the same grinding trick we used to turn our wheels this year).
-Terry
the saw is a generic Delta ($200 at Lowes) and I put on a 3/8" blade to help with blade deflection…
I also had to replace the blade side/side plastic guides with shim stock that I ground to fit (used the same grinding trick we used to turn our wheels this year).
-Terry
"I dunno..." - Uncle Eddie, Christmas Vacation
Re: cutting metal on a wood-only band saw?
Another issue are the blade guides. Some bandsaws use blocks to brace the blade left & right to prevent drift, as well as one in the rear of the blade, better saws use sealed bearings that can take increased pressure from harder materials being pushed through.
If you chose to cut metal- push the the piece though slower than normal
when making tight turns, predrill in the area to prevent binding the blade.
also as with any bandsawing, it may be nessasary to make relief cuts to ease tight radius'.
If you chose to cut metal- push the the piece though slower than normal
when making tight turns, predrill in the area to prevent binding the blade.
also as with any bandsawing, it may be nessasary to make relief cuts to ease tight radius'.
- FatSebastian
- Pine Head Legend
- Posts: 2819
- Joined: Wed Jun 17, 2009 2:49 pm
- Location: Boogerton, PA
Re: cutting metal on a wood-only band saw?
I'm late to this thread, but my understanding is that manufacturers discourage cutting metal and wood on the same machine because sparks from the metal may ignite sawdust in the saw.gotquestion wrote:The owners manual says no but, I don't know of that is the engineer or the lawyer talking.
I have also cut thin aluminum and lead with a 10" bandsaw. The manufacture's recommended "metal cutting blade" was actually their fine-toothed wood-cutting blade.rdeis wrote:I have a basic 10" Delta bandsaw and have cut 1/4" aluminim bar stock using a metal cutting blade.
- gpraceman
- Site Admin
- Posts: 4926
- Joined: Fri Jun 20, 2003 12:46 am
- Location: Highlands Ranch, CO
- Contact:
Re: cutting metal on a wood-only band saw?
I believe that you are correct. If you first clean out all of the sawdust from inside the saw, then that hazard should go away.FatSebastian wrote:I'm late to this thread, but my understanding is that manufacturers discourage cutting metal and wood on the same machine because sparks from the metal may ignite sawdust in the saw.gotquestion wrote:The owners manual says no but, I don't know of that is the engineer or the lawyer talking.
Randy Lisano
Romans 5:8
Awana Grand Prix and Pinewood Derby racing - Where a child, an adult and a small block of wood combine for a lot of fun and memories.
Romans 5:8
Awana Grand Prix and Pinewood Derby racing - Where a child, an adult and a small block of wood combine for a lot of fun and memories.