.png)
Tweet
I haven't used my 35 year old 4 x 6 bandsaw since I got my Jet 7 x 12. After much thought, I decided that rather than let it sit, I would convert it to vertical use only. It seems that no-one makes a hobby sized vertical metal cutting saw. Of course there are a few older Powermatic Model 143s around, but they still sell for big bucks, and are too heavy to move around easily.
Most, if not all of the hobby sized wood cutting bandsaws run way to fast, and lack the rigidity needed for satisfactorily cutting steel. The little 4 x 6 horizontal/vertical saws that are seen everywhere are made of heavy cast iron, and geared properly for cutting metal. They are inconvenient to use in the upright position, as it is necessary to straddle or sit on the base. The stamped sheetmetal table is useless, as well. The angled guides needed for cut-off work severely limit the capacity for cutting steel plate.
While It was hard to abandon the various improvements I had made to the little saw over the years, I felt that the conversion would be fun and potentially useful. I am about halfway through the project, but here is what I have done so far:
Removed the top of the saw from the base
Made adaptors to rotate the top and bottom guide assemblies. Standard size blade still works.
Fabricated brackets to secure it in a vertical position. Front cover still fits with no modification.
Made new motor mounts.
Remaining steps:
Place the saw with the brackets attached onto a 10" x 20" piece of 1/4" steel plate and weld the brackets in place. Since the brackets bolt to the saw, it can easily be removed if necessary. I have a more suitable support stand for the saw.
.
Make a 10" x 12" x 1/4" steel table supported by a 12" length of 4" x 4" x 3/16" wall steel tubing. The table will tilt forward to gain access to the blade, etc.
Upgrade to a more powerful motor if necessary. The existing 1/3 hp Dayton (Grainger) motor has worked okay in the past. It's open enclosure isn't good, but hey, the thing has lasted 35 years.
I'll post additional photos as things progress.
Most, if not all of the hobby sized wood cutting bandsaws run way to fast, and lack the rigidity needed for satisfactorily cutting steel. The little 4 x 6 horizontal/vertical saws that are seen everywhere are made of heavy cast iron, and geared properly for cutting metal. They are inconvenient to use in the upright position, as it is necessary to straddle or sit on the base. The stamped sheetmetal table is useless, as well. The angled guides needed for cut-off work severely limit the capacity for cutting steel plate.
While It was hard to abandon the various improvements I had made to the little saw over the years, I felt that the conversion would be fun and potentially useful. I am about halfway through the project, but here is what I have done so far:
Removed the top of the saw from the base
Made adaptors to rotate the top and bottom guide assemblies. Standard size blade still works.
Fabricated brackets to secure it in a vertical position. Front cover still fits with no modification.
Made new motor mounts.
Remaining steps:
Place the saw with the brackets attached onto a 10" x 20" piece of 1/4" steel plate and weld the brackets in place. Since the brackets bolt to the saw, it can easily be removed if necessary. I have a more suitable support stand for the saw.
.
Make a 10" x 12" x 1/4" steel table supported by a 12" length of 4" x 4" x 3/16" wall steel tubing. The table will tilt forward to gain access to the blade, etc.
Upgrade to a more powerful motor if necessary. The existing 1/3 hp Dayton (Grainger) motor has worked okay in the past. It's open enclosure isn't good, but hey, the thing has lasted 35 years.
I'll post additional photos as things progress.
Comment