Band saw Question

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Hey guys, new to the forum here. Just had a question refering to a band saw. I'm looking to set up an old band saw which I already have in my garage to cut sheet metal. Its a 1hp Craftsman vertical band saw. If I switch out the blade from the wood cutting one (what's on it now) to a metal cutting tooth blade, what thickness of metal should I expect to be able to cut? Buying a new expensive one is pretty much out of the question which is why I'm trying to get away with just buying a new blade.  Any help is appreciated!
Reply:Wood cutting speeds will be a lot of fun with metal.  And cutting sheet metal on a band saw is a whole nuther experience. When the material is hand fed into a blade with teeth spacing greater that material thickness you can expect a lot of un wanted excitement. Make sure all guards are in place and count your fingers after every cut.You can get very fine metal cutting blades for your saw, but they will be a PITA on anything thick. And you will need to slow the blade speed down a LOT.
Reply:You cant practically cut steel on a wood bandsaw, the blade speed is way too fast. You need a metal cutting bandsaw, or to slow yours down the the appropriate speed for what you're trying to do.Welding/Fab Pics: www.UtahWeld.com
Reply:I already did it. Gear reduction etc.FAIL. You can't get enough blade tension to get it right. Wood gutting saws frames aren't stiff enough.There are plenty of good metal cutting circle saws and jigsaws to allow you to get by. Nibblers and shears too.Bubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:Originally Posted by JeepWelder97...I'm trying to get away with just buying a new blade...
Reply:Originally Posted by BurpeeI already did it. Gear reduction etc.FAIL. You can't get enough blade tension to get it right. Wood gutting saws frames aren't stiff enough.There are plenty of good metal cutting circle saws and jigsaws to allow you to get by. Nibblers and shears too.
Reply:An upright metal cutting bandsaw is going to be expensive no matter how you look at it, even used.1st let us know what exactly you want to cut. Upright saws are useful for curved cuts in thinner material. They are sort of a specialized tool. if you want to cut basic stock though there are plenty of inexpensive options. knowing what you plan to do would help us point you in the right direction..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:You cant practically cut steel on a wood bandsaw
Reply:To me, sounds like the only budget friendly option you have is HF 4x6.  With a good blade, pretty darn capable for most structural steel in horizontal mode, and for lighter hand work, a shop made table (more rigid) works well enough.  I got by for years including building a rock crawler buggy, a K5 base 1 ton 4x4 expedition rig, gates, trailer upgrades, and any number of other random tasks ranging from woodwork to plastic.  With a decent base (many ideas out there, easy to do) and upgraded table, it will do all most people need.
Reply:^^^  What he said.   All of the 4x6 bandsaws out there are pretty much clones.  Watch Craig's list for a bargain or Harbor Freight for their 20% off coupons. There is a Yahoo board devoted to mods and tuning the 4x6 bandsaws.   Most people are happy with theirs.