Cutting Ferrous Metal with SS Bandsaw

Jack Wilson · Post by **Jack Wilson** » Sat Sep 21, 2013 11:32 am

I have a PowerPro, and have always wanted a metal cutting bandsaw. So, I purchased a used SS bandsaw to dedicate to cutting ferrous and non-ferrous metal.

My question is, what if any are the pitfalls of this and what precautions do you suggest.

Thanks for the help.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sat Sep 21, 2013 11:49 am

Jack Wilson wrote:I have a PowerPro, and have always wanted a metal cutting bandsaw. So, I purchased a used SS bandsaw to dedicate to cutting ferrous and non-ferrous metal.

My question is, what if any are the pitfalls of this and what precautions do you suggest.

Thanks for the help.

This is just an opinion but - The metal dust that occurs must not be allowed to penetrate into the headstock. I have had significant problems after allowing this to happen. Aluminum shavings and aluminum dust, create a binding between the headstock and/or carriage when either is moved along the tubes.

Shavings that get into the carriage lock assembly become a real pain.

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Sat Sep 21, 2013 11:57 am

How are ya going to provide lubrication?

Jack Wilson · Post by **Jack Wilson** » Sat Sep 21, 2013 11:58 am

Dusty,

What if I built some short of a cover over the tubes and headstock, do you think that would prevent the shaving from causing a problem. Also I would vacuum everything after use. This is not something I would do very often.

Jack

holsgo · Post by **holsgo** » Sat Sep 21, 2013 12:00 pm

Here's the speeds and feeds you need to use. Also get a good bi-metal blade. I don't use a cover of any type and it's in regular use for metal at the moment. I use lube, like either a drip of 3 in one or simply spray wd40 or equivalent straight on the blade as I'm using it. Put a magnet under the table to catch chips. Clean regularly. It will work just fine.
http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showthr ... ng+bandsaw

Jack Wilson · Post by **Jack Wilson** » Sat Sep 21, 2013 12:14 pm

Thanks Holsgo

I can turn the PowerPro down to 250 rpm, that seemed to work pretty well.

I have bi-metal blades, a 1/4" 14-10 and a 1/4" 18-20.

I had not though about lubricant; but I suppose that is a requirement.

billmayo · Post by **billmayo** » Sat Sep 21, 2013 12:23 pm

I found that once I started using a Shopsmith bandasaw to cut metal, I had to keep that bandsaw just for the metal cutting. The filings quickly imbedded into the tires to where I believe thay would tranfer to any wood I may cut later. You do need a bi-metal bandsaw blade if you do much metal cutting. I finally broke down and got a metal cutting bandsaw many years ago as they are not expensive at Harbor Freight (20% coupon). This machine turns itself off after each cut so it is very hassle free to use. I have to keep checking and sometimes adjust the blade angle for 90 deg cuts.

frank81 · Post by **frank81** » Sat Sep 21, 2013 1:10 pm

I second all the warnings here. At work, the metal cutting bandsaw is THE machine we have to be careful what we locate near it due to the shavings and dust...all woodworking equipment is located in other buildings. And that is with an industrial dust collector. I park on the opposite side of the wall it is on and it still gets in everything. If you were to look under the hood of my truck you'de think the motor blew because of all the metal flakes stuck in the standard engine grime.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sat Sep 21, 2013 1:41 pm

Jack Wilson wrote:Dusty,

What if I built some short of a cover over the tubes and headstock, do you think that would prevent the shaving from causing a problem. Also I would vacuum everything after use. This is not something I would do very often.

Jack

I have what you might consider a light weight furniture pad that I drape over the tubes when ever I am doing any sanding or cutting of metals. It helps but is not a complete cover.

I also open up and vacuum out the headstock. I vacuum and then blow out and blow off the machine.

Don't forget to clean the shop floor. It is not advisable to track aluminum cuttings into the house and onto the carpets. Doing that is really hazardous to your health.

Jack Wilson · Post by **Jack Wilson** » Sat Sep 21, 2013 2:52 pm

I have a separate bandsaw I bought off of eBay just to cut metal; but kind of sounds like I should consider putting it on a power stand and keeping on the other side of the shop.

I will have to see how much I actually use.the thing. I was very nice to use for the two cuts that I have made so far. I don't think I will want to be without it going forward.