band saw

[steph2]

we have just got a electric metal cutting band saw for the farm workshop. it has 4 blade speeds Im not sure what speeds to use for what materials thickness ect. Itcame with a 7 t.p.i. blade on its slowest speed. Ive just put a new 14 t.p.i. blade in. I would be greatful for any advice many thanks

 

[Wile E]

Is it a dropdown horizontal band saw or the vertical upright kind? With that said the slower speeds are for steel, medium speed is for aluminum, wood and plastic are for the faster speeds.
You will want to purchase Bi-metal blades that will last way longer than the regular carbon steel junk blades.

 

[M-MAN]

I run mine on the lowest speed no matter what metal I'm cutting. I don't have a coolant system and this speed lets me cut anything without overheating the blade. You might want to check out the variable pitch bi metal blades. Kind of pricy (m 93 x 3/4 were $40) but they cut steel in seconds that took minutes with my old 14 tpi. I'm running a 8/12 and love it.

 

[Ellis Kinney]

Steph2--7 teeth/inch is a fairly course blade, and will tend to chip teeth. For all purpose stuff a much finer blade would be better. If you are cutting thin material, the finest blade you can find is best. Ellis

 

[steph2]

hi yes it is 7"x12" horizontal now with 14 t.p.i. with coolant

 

[old]

I run the one I have as slow as it will go and I buy blades that have the most TPI that I can find. Learned a long time ago speed produces heat and the finer the tooth count the better for cutting metal and I even use mine for wood some times and the fine tooth blade makes for a better cut

 

[dr sportster]

I slowed a wood model Craftsman [for metal] with an 11 foot blade with a jackshaft but I wish it could go a little slower . The smaller drive pulleys can't get any smaller. Go as slow as you can without the blade stopping in the work.

 

[rossowmn]

I agree that slow is generally good. I run my metal-cutting bandsaw at its slowest speed for just about all cuts. I lube the cut occasionally with WD40 or equivalent and rarely have to change blades. The blade never even gets warm to the touch.