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I came to the conclusion today that one tool I could make good use of in my shop is a multi-purpose band saw. I have a 4 x 6, which does virtually all the metal cutting I need to do, and I cut virtually every material I use on it- from sheet goods in stainless, mild steel, plastics, wood, to regular shapes in steel, plus grade 8 bolts, cast iron- all of it.
I've been thinking of upgrading to a 'better' saw, and in that vein I have purchased materials with which to make my own. These materials have been laying down my stairs for more than a year already, and the time is coming soon for me to start on that project. I plan to keep the 4 x 6, but just add this larger one. Wondering about the blade-
I had been thinking to use a 3/4 inch deep blade, but perhaps a 1 inch blade would be better. Because I cut a lot of thin materials, I usually keep a 14/18 tooth on the 4 x 6. A coarser blade would do better on the meatier materials, but I also don't want to make a complete mess of any sheet goods I might be cutting on the new saw. What might be a good compromise here?
Also wondering about blade speeds. I have three speeds now, but usually leave it in the middle speed. A second, much higher speed would likely be all I need for wood and other materials. What I'm thinking is to use two motors, one for the higher speed and one for the slow speed. The higher speed motor would be engaged all the time, and would turn automatically whenever the slow speed was engaged- creating some drag but nothing of real consequence. The slow speed drive would be engaged for metal cutting, and disengaged when you power the higher speed motor. The engagement lever would automatically prevent the wrong power switch from being used- when in slow speed mode the drive is engaged and the high speed switch cannot be operated. Similarly, when low speed is disengaged, the low speed switch cannot be operated. This way I have one lever for speed selection, with no belt changes required. The low speed motor and gearbox would be completely out of the circuit when high speed is being used. Anybody see flaws in this method?
I do plan to make this a vertical only machine, with a sliding table to carry materials through the blade. The table would allow for vises to be mounted, or fences- or whatever fixturing is required for the job at hand.
The blade would probably be something that I'd have to order made up to a specific length, probably quite long so the machine can have a large depth of throat and accommodate the larger wheels that a wider and thicker blade would require. Either I order it made to spec, or buy a length of blade and make it up myself.
So I'm back to deciding on what blade to use, and what tooth spacing, etc. Ideas?
I've been thinking of upgrading to a 'better' saw, and in that vein I have purchased materials with which to make my own. These materials have been laying down my stairs for more than a year already, and the time is coming soon for me to start on that project. I plan to keep the 4 x 6, but just add this larger one. Wondering about the blade-
I had been thinking to use a 3/4 inch deep blade, but perhaps a 1 inch blade would be better. Because I cut a lot of thin materials, I usually keep a 14/18 tooth on the 4 x 6. A coarser blade would do better on the meatier materials, but I also don't want to make a complete mess of any sheet goods I might be cutting on the new saw. What might be a good compromise here?
Also wondering about blade speeds. I have three speeds now, but usually leave it in the middle speed. A second, much higher speed would likely be all I need for wood and other materials. What I'm thinking is to use two motors, one for the higher speed and one for the slow speed. The higher speed motor would be engaged all the time, and would turn automatically whenever the slow speed was engaged- creating some drag but nothing of real consequence. The slow speed drive would be engaged for metal cutting, and disengaged when you power the higher speed motor. The engagement lever would automatically prevent the wrong power switch from being used- when in slow speed mode the drive is engaged and the high speed switch cannot be operated. Similarly, when low speed is disengaged, the low speed switch cannot be operated. This way I have one lever for speed selection, with no belt changes required. The low speed motor and gearbox would be completely out of the circuit when high speed is being used. Anybody see flaws in this method?
I do plan to make this a vertical only machine, with a sliding table to carry materials through the blade. The table would allow for vises to be mounted, or fences- or whatever fixturing is required for the job at hand.
The blade would probably be something that I'd have to order made up to a specific length, probably quite long so the machine can have a large depth of throat and accommodate the larger wheels that a wider and thicker blade would require. Either I order it made to spec, or buy a length of blade and make it up myself.
So I'm back to deciding on what blade to use, and what tooth spacing, etc. Ideas?
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