Bandsaw Choice

[Sub MandrelParticipant @submandrel]

The 'another magazine' has recently featured some useful articles by Graham Meek on improving a 6×4 bandsaw. Worth checking out.

Neil

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

There was a artical in ME a number of years back titled something like "Making a silk purse from a pigs ear", it went through a number of modifications, and improovements on the 6 x 4 bandsaw. Ian S C

[john smith 44Participant @johnsmith44]

Hi guys, I need an advise on a band saw…

I was looking to buy a band saw for my workshop a while ago, but now as I started a new project, I definitely need one. The problem is that my knowledge in band saws is very limited and I don't want to waste my money for the band saw which wouldn't fulfill my needs. I need to cut quite few pieces of 70mm diameter stainless steel and 60mm diameter titanium bars. As we all know titanium is very hard material, and it's recommended to cut it with carbide blade, but on a tight budget I think I would get away with bi-metal blade (slow speed, small down pressure). The cuts have to be straight.

What are the cheapest non automatic band saw options for the job?

Any advice or opinion would be highly appreciated!

thanks!

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

I found this:

Bandsaw:
8 to 10 teeth per inch
Use 60 to 70 (Feet Per Minute) FPM speed on the more highly alloyed titaniums (including 6Al-4V).
Use 150 to 200 FPM on commercially pure grades.
Slow feed.
Liberal Lubrication. Alternatively, you can friction saw cut titanium with a dull blade.
Here you are essentially burning thru the material.

But there are some scary tales out there – google 'friction cutting titanium'.

Neil

[Bob Brown 1Participant @bobbrown1]

There is another option and that is a pull down saw, I do not mean the abrasive cut off saws but the ones that can use a TCT blade like this

I have a large 3 phase industrial band saw that takes 1.25" wide blade and I run a M42 blade, machine is 2 speed and has coolant pump which although it is well adjusted in terms of the guides etc it does not cut 100% square close very close but not 100%.

[michael howarth 1Participant @michaelhowarth1]

Is there a good UK supplier that people have used and can recommend for these blades?

Doug….I would thoroughly recommend Tuffsaws (just Google it). He guarantees his blades against failure at the weld. I sent one back after two years and he was as good as his word with no quibbles.

Mick

Edited By mick H on 13/07/2014 16:36:20

[john smith 44Participant @johnsmith44]

Thanks for your reply guys! I found quite few band saws for sale on ebay, for example this one, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/351109817222?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

do you think this one would be good in cutting 70mm diameter stainless and 60mm diameter titanium with the right blade on it?

[Danny M2ZParticipant @dannym2z]

G'day

My 6×4 bandsaw's cut-off switch has managed to break the plastic surround that holds the actual switches in place. Is it worth milling out a new one or does anybody know if the complete switch assembly is available as a spare part?

I am in Australia btw.

* Danny M *

[Douglas JohnstonParticipant @douglasjohnston98463]

Thanks for that Mick, it only goes to show that if you wait long enough somebody will answer your question. I had to chuckle when I saw your post in answer to my query of a year ago. As it happens I found a 100 foot reel of bandsaw stock and silver soldered a blade and it has performed perfectly for quite a few months.

Doug

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Danny,

The switches used on the common bandsaws seem to be a regular two button mechanically locked switch cunningly pressed into service by a suitable mounting. Mine is rather old though new to me so a metal switch case on a bent metal bracket so not sure which is the plastic bit you have broken. However I expect you can just find a whole new switch just as easily.

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

JS44 – The one you linked is the standard 6×4 small bandsaw though in exceptionally good condition for that auction site. So unless you want to go up in size to a small industrial one or a cut off saw as mentioned earlier or a power hacksaw it is going to be one of these. The choice is then just cost/colour/condition/county.

[Author]

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