Idea Converting a vertical wood band saw to metal cutting
#1
Has anyone out there converted a vertical wood band saw to metal cutting? Looking for ideas. I have a Porter cable 14" that I'm thinking would serve me better as a metal cutting saw. Thanks.
Reply
Thanks given by:
#2
I did it 5 years ago. I started with a busted up harbor freight saw. I slowed it down with a 60:1 gear box run by the original motor.

"Billy G"
Reply
Thanks given by: n2xd
#3
A chap said he had what he thought was a bandsaw, did I want it. From what he said I figured it was an old 14 inch one that I was set to convert. When he brought it over, turned out to be a 14 inch Delta with the metal cutting gearbox built in. Just needed cleaned up. Used it this morning, works great.
Free advice is worth exactly what you payed for it.
Greg
Reply
Thanks given by: n2xd
#4
I believe Tom converted his wood band saw to use for metal cutting.

Ed
Reply
Thanks given by: n2xd
#5
Yeah I can tell you how to do that and give some part numbers.
The saw 14" delta
Speed reduction kit made by Jet $ 121.00:  part 3SP-14 Three Speed Kit
From Grainger a 10.5 pulley attached to the blade drive shaft.
I will also suggest  a quality blade. I have found this to be a good one:
http://www.lenoxtools.com/Pages/diemaste...Redirect=1



   

   


Using it for about a decade..

Greg
Magazines have issues, everything else has problems

Reply
Thanks given by: n2xd
#6
Thanks for the information. I'm going to look into the Jet kit.
Reply
Thanks given by:
#7
Depending on the bandsaw, you could add another pulley. I saw it done on some forum but cannot remember where now.
Steve S
Check out MyShopNotes on youtube.
Reply
Thanks given by: n2xd
#8
I have one of the factory built Rockwell's that cut wood & metal. It's a great saw. I had planned on converting a Taiwanese built wood saw, but jumped on the Rockwell before I started on the conversion. Sold it for what I had in it.

The kit looks much better than most could build and probably cheaper than all the parts, etc one would need such as a gear box to slow down the blade. At the Surplus Center a 60:1 gear box is $98.45 plus shipping. My SWAG is that shipping would raise it to at least $125.00, equal to the kit. All said and done I think conversion would cost $175 or more.

Ditto on the quality blades. One can buy decent wood blades at a big box store, but metal ones need to be sourced from an on line store.
Reply
Thanks given by: n2xd
#9
I guess this is a old thread , but i converted my Delta 14 inch with a transmission from a older riding mower. 3 speed gearbox with a reverse. LoL had to still pulley it down some to get it slow enough but now i can cut steel in first gear and go to 3rd gear for wood.
Reply
Thanks given by:
#10
(05-04-2017, 10:06 PM)Pumpjack Wrote: I guess this is a old thread , but i converted my Delta 14 inch with a transmission from a older riding mower. 3 speed gearbox with a reverse. LoL had to still pulley it down some to get it slow enough but now i can cut steel in first gear and go to 3rd gear for wood.

Some pics would be nice.
Reply
Thanks given by:




Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)