vertical band saw

admin

Hi FolksI found a free to a good home 14inch vertical band saw with a 97 inch blade.  I came with no motor and the upper bearing was loose. I managed to tighten the upper bearing. I was considering putting a motor into it and a new metal blade.  Is it worth my time or should I just scrap the unit. I have a 2 HP 220 single phase motor under the bench.  The original motor was a 1.5 hp 3 phase 550 volt.  How much use are the guys in the field getting out of one.  It will be a dry blade with no lubrication.  So how long will the blade last.Thanks MikeMiller Thunderbolt AC/DCMillermatic 211 and spoolmatePower Plasma 50Syncrowave 180 SDMike
Reply:Well the price was definitely right!  Good snag!Here is my "old/new" 1949 vintage 14" Delta/Milwaukee BS.BeforeAfterThe OEM spec for the motors for this size saw usually are 3/4 HP 1720 RPM.  An 8" driven pulley on the lower wheel drive and 2.5" driving pulley on the motor will yield around 2200 foot per minute blade speed which will do wood and most aluminum alloys.Steels and irons on the other hand will require slowing the blade down considerably.  I am in the process of modding mine to a treadmill motor conversion which will give me infinite speed control without the need for a reduction drive.As for how much work you can do with one?  Depends on what you do.  I do a lot of sheet metal so mine sees daily use for everything from building bucks to scrolling out panels.  If you do mostly heavier fab, then they may not be as user friendly.You did not say what manufacturer made your saw, but parts are readily available for most.  The bearings tend to be off the shelf items and tires are available from several sources.  97" blades are common as dirt since the majority of 14" saws are clones of the old Delta/Milwaukee design.RogerOld, Tired, and GRUMPYSalesman will call, Batteries not included, Assembly is required, and FREE ADVICE IS WORTH EXACTLY WHAT YOU PAY FOR IT!Dial Arc 250HFThunderbolt 225 AC/DCAssorted A/O torches
Reply:Delta also made a metal cutting version which could also run at much lower speed and could cut metal including steel.  These are rare and usually go for a higher price.If you have the regular wood cutting model, another option to slow it down is a VFD drive."The reason we are here is that we are not all there"SA 200Idealarc TM 300 300MM 200MM 25130a SpoolgunPrecision Tig 375Invertec V350 ProSC-32 CS 12 Wire FeederOxweld/Purox O/AArcAirHypertherm Powermax 85LN25
Reply:Originally Posted by noriteDelta also made a metal cutting version which could also run at much lower speed and could cut metal including steel.  These are rare and usually go for a higher price.If you have the regular wood cutting model, another option to slow it down is a VFD drive.
Reply:The saw is a toledo scale. It has a 9 inch driven pulley. I am going to get it working before I spend time painting it. I have to attach the motor under the table on the left side to keep the rotation right.  I think when I make the motor mount, I will make it slide to change the speed and put a stepped pullet on it. Thanks for all the great information. There are a lot of bright people on this site. Miller Thunderbolt AC/DCMillermatic 211 and spoolmatePower Plasma 50Syncrowave 180 SDMike
Reply:I'm just guessing here, but I think your Toledo is a butchers saw.  If that is the case it may require some further beefing up in the blade guide areas as meat and metal tend to exert considerably different stresses.  Also bear in mind that meat saws also run at higher blade speeds in stock form.All in all it is doable and for the price it may still be worth doing.RogerOld, Tired, and GRUMPYSalesman will call, Batteries not included, Assembly is required, and FREE ADVICE IS WORTH EXACTLY WHAT YOU PAY FOR IT!Dial Arc 250HFThunderbolt 225 AC/DCAssorted A/O torches
Reply:Thanks RogerThat was the information I was looking for.I think the plan will be to install the motor and put a blade in it and give it a go.  Worst case is I own a band saw blade.  Total investment so far is $0.00.  MikeMiller Thunderbolt AC/DCMillermatic 211 and spoolmatePower Plasma 50Syncrowave 180 SDMike
Reply:I wouldn't modify it.  Probably a local hunter would be eager to buy it as many are into processing their own meat and a local butcher is not allowed to cut wild game in his shop.(at least around here)If it doesn't work for you, sell it and buy one that will work properly."The reason we are here is that we are not all there"SA 200Idealarc TM 300 300MM 200MM 25130a SpoolgunPrecision Tig 375Invertec V350 ProSC-32 CS 12 Wire FeederOxweld/Purox O/AArcAirHypertherm Powermax 85LN25
Reply:Rather than cobble some kluge of a motor mount, reverse the direction of the motor rotation.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:Originally Posted by noriteI wouldn't modify it.  Probably a local hunter would be eager to buy it as many are into processing their own meat and a local butcher is not allowed to cut wild game in his shop.(at least around here)If it doesn't work for you, sell it and buy one that will work properly.