using a wood BandSaw for metal work????

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I was just looking into getting a bandsaw and I came across a nice used woodworking bandsaw.  Other than changing the blade to a bimetal blade, what is the difference between a vertical bandsaw for wood and one for metal?  blade speed is probably alot higher on wood.......now that I think about it!  Slowing down the speed might be dificult to overcome.thanks for any insight!Last edited by BurningMetal; 01-18-2010 at 12:33 PM.
Reply:Aside from blade speed, your wood saw, isn't designed to use coolant, and the sparks from cutting will be propelled into the lower blade guard, exactly where sawdust likes to collect.
Reply:Yup you got it- Blade speed.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:a wood band saw isn't going to last long cutting metal anyway. Irregardless of weather or not you clean out all the sawdust and use it for metal only. The cutting speed will over heat the blade too.
Reply:There was at least one good thread here, possibly about a year ago, which was about how to slow a bandsaw down. Suggestions included using a VFD 3-phase motor, using a VSC DC motor, and of course, 'gearing'. Searching with the first term might find it.
Reply:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=32093Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:thanks for the replies...........I have already told the guy that I'll pass on his bandsaw.making/finding pullies to slow it down from 1000 ft/min to 100 ft/min wouldn't be an easy task....and would easily outweigh the price of the used equipment.I guess I'll keep looking for a nice vertical bandsaw.
Reply:a wood band saw isn't going to last long cutting metal anyway.
Reply:Originally Posted by rlitmanAside from blade speed, your wood saw, isn't designed to use coolant, and the sparks from cutting will be propelled into the lower blade guard, exactly where sawdust likes to collect.
Reply:Originally Posted by BurningMetalI'm not concerned about coolant for what I want to use a bandsaw for.  Basically, I want to use it vertically for cutting thin wall tubes.....something I can hand feed the tubes into blade to cut the right shape out of the tubes for various fitups.Regardless......I think I'll pass on this idea and get a proper bandsaw......someday.
Reply:Originally Posted by kenklingermanDo you have a drill press?? because a bi-metal hole saw and a fixture goes a long way in fitting up thin wall tubing.
Reply:Originally Posted by BurningMetalare you talking about some like the the "ol joint jigger?" I do have a drill press, but have never really looked into any of those fixtures.
Reply:Originally Posted by BurningMetalare you talking about some like the the "ol joint jigger?" I do have a drill press, but have never really looked into any of those fixtures.
Reply:those are all nice tools, but I really need a bandsaw since I will be working on a merge collector on an exhaust project.
Reply:what sizes are you working with?can it be done with a hand held jig saw, or hand held power shears?
Reply:What model number and type is your band saw ?This would help with brainstorming
Reply:The bandsaw I was looking at was a Craftsman Professional model.
Reply:I converted a Home Depot Rigid wood bandsaw to metal cutting using a pulley speed reducer mounted below the saw. It works great for sheet metal and tubing and has replaced the plasma cutter for smaller jobs. I will post pictures tonight if anyone is interested.
Reply:Originally Posted by sanddan52I converted a Home Depot Rigid wood bandsaw to metal cutting using a pulley speed reducer mounted below the saw. It works great for sheet metal and tubing and has replaced the plasma cutter for smaller jobs. I will post pictures tonight if anyone is interested.