Metal Bandsaw

[ElDubya]

Hi again,

I recently saw a video on the net of a guy that has a vertical standing metal bandsaw. Sort of looks like one of those meat bandsaws you see on ebay, but this bloke was cutting 3mm steel and iron with it.

Any idea where I can pick up something like that? I don't want one of those horizontal ones because the pieces I would be cutting require me to move them around a bit on the fly for various cuts.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

Cheers

Pat


The machine in question is about 23 secs into the video.

YouTube - MINISTRY MACHINES

[tanii51]

the metal cutting version is the same as the wood version except they have a 3 speed reduction pulley between the motor and band drive.Mines a taiwanese version maybe 15 or 20 years old .A different blade is the only difference
this one is similar http://www.timbecon.com.au/assets/popup/productimages.aspx?ProductID=8616 (http://www.timbecon.com.au/assets/popup/productimages.aspx?ProductID=8616)

[ElDubya]

I have a wood bandsaw. It's one of those GMC clones. Are you saying that all I have to do is change the blade and I'm good to go, or did I just totally misunderstand what you said.

[ElDubya]

So,

https://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Products?stockCode=W403

That one will be sufficient with an appropriate metal blade? What TPI blade would be the best blade to get for 3mm steel, iron, etc?

[John H]

Some of the horizontal bandsaws can also be operated in vertical mode. Although the vertical mode table on the Chinese version I have is pretty well useless. One day I will get around to making a better table like the one on this page http://www.mini-lathe.com/Bandsaw/Bandsaw.htm

[4-6-4]

:D Dear Pat, I have a Taiwanese Terror horizontal band saw which also stands vertically. It comes with a table which is held on by two countersunk screws. This is a bit flimsy but I have cut 1/2 inch plate on it. The throat distance is only about 6 inches and this limits the size of work. I use a cushion placed over the vise to sit on the machine to stop it from galloping away when you put a cut on. I use a Bi metal blade and always run the thing on the fastest speed. I have also used a piece of wood placed between my mid section and the edge of the plate to assist in applying pressure to the cut. I do not use any coolant because it makes the blade slip when the coolant gets on the drive wheel. I have also cut 4 inch bar on mine do not expect the thing to cut square on larger dia stuff. Mine uses a 1/2 inch blade with I think 12 tpi. Any bandsaw will cut steel plate if you can get the beast to run slowly enough. I have also Braised the blades together for mine.
Hope this has been of help.

[tanii51]

yes the one from machinery warehouse is the same as i was refering too , ive never used mine in the slow mode for metal as i have a horizontal bandsaw but suggest yuo do some google searches on metal cutting bandsaw blades maybe a call to your local band saw blade suppliers in the yellow pages or perhaps try Henry Brothers ive heard good reports about

[ElDubya]

Thanks heaps everyone. I love this place :)

[12teethperinch]

The bandsaw in the video is a hand held bandsaw clamped in a vice on a bench, they are commonly called a portaband here, and are very handy to have. the one in the video looks like a cheap harbor freight one but better ones are avalable from makita dewalt ect. Not sure if any of those guys are avalable in Australia.
Darrell

[artme]

:oo:Note the lack of eye protection, except when welding???

[ElDubya]

Thanks all. I now have my eye (and wallet) set apon a bandsaw that should do everything I want it too.

Cheers again,

Pat