badwithcomputer
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You have DC2's? You just made a new best friend.
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Post by badwithcomputer on Mar 4, 2013 16:02:52 GMT -4
Ok, So I have a welder now. I've welded a couple things, I am completely hooked. One issue I have is that I hate the sparks from having to cut metal with my grinder plus the fact that it's an accident waiting to happen.
Hillary's Grandfather has a band saw with a wood blade, now excuse this probably newb question but would anyone recommend a band saw with a metal blade as an alternative to cutting metal with a hand grinder? I would imagine they create very little sparks but may be a bit slower which I am willing to make that sacrifice. I can't foresee myself cutting anything ever larger than a 1/4".
Please advise.
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Post by itsakeeper on Mar 4, 2013 16:56:04 GMT -4
I'm thinking the speed on a woodcutting bandsaw is too fast but I have cut aluminum and brass with woodcutting blades without a problem. It can be hard to find a metal cutting blade the correct length. I'm sure others will chip in here with more metal cutting knowledge.
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Aaron NN
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Vice Prez - North Nova
2003 Grand Cherokee Limited - Never stock for long...
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Post by Aaron NN on Mar 4, 2013 17:39:53 GMT -4
Fundy Grinding has metal blades Brandon for band saws.
Aaron
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jmurphy
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Trail Master 2 - Valley
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Post by jmurphy on Mar 4, 2013 17:44:22 GMT -4
Variable speed jig saw is a great spark-free solution. Even the hobby grade metal cutting bandsaws are $1000+. Blade speed is a big factor but you can slow it down with pulleys and fancy controls (ie looted from an old treadmill). The pressure you put on the blade with metal can be much higher than wood and often the blade guide is not robust enough to handle it.
I have had good success with a jig saw and even with a recip saw. Run them slow and wear goggles so the hot chips don't stick to your eyes (I find you need to stick your head really close to follow the line)
My $0.02. (Which with the penny being phased out is now my $0.00 worth).
Jonathan
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jmurphy
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Post by jmurphy on Mar 4, 2013 17:46:56 GMT -4
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Post by Cherokee Chief on Mar 4, 2013 17:59:19 GMT -4
I also have been using a jig saw (untill it started to smoke) with metal blades for cutting my sheet metal panels. I sinse switched to the recep saw with a variable speed set on slow. I can cut 3/16", 1/8" and 18ga metal so far with it and it works good. But the plasma is far supirior to use if you can afford one.
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badwithcomputer
Jeeper
You have DC2's? You just made a new best friend.
Posts: 2,863
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Post by badwithcomputer on Mar 4, 2013 18:11:41 GMT -4
wow that is a lot of work, my assumption of slapping a metal blade on there was far from correct i guess. Maybe I'll just stick with a recip. |
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Post by C Monster on Mar 4, 2013 18:24:20 GMT -4
there are way more sparks from welding than cutting metal with a grinder
just do your cutting outside
and buy a good extinguisher ,and have water hose in your shop
and no gas cans and stuff in your shop
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jmurphy
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Post by jmurphy on Mar 4, 2013 20:04:16 GMT -4
wow that is a lot of work, my assumption of slapping a metal blade on there was far from correct i guess. Maybe I'll just stick with a recip. I spent a lot of time investigating last year during my frame repair. I have an older wood bandsaw and was keen to convert it to cut metal. I could just never justify the investment I would have to make to convert it versus just using a jigsaw for now and watching/hoping to eventually find a used one that was originally designed to cut metal. Jonathan |
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jmurphy
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Trail Master 2 - Valley
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Post by jmurphy on Mar 4, 2013 20:08:01 GMT -4
Oh yeah. Use cutting fluid with the recip saw to dramatically extend blade life. Cutting at a slow speed and using lube will make your blade last longer. *cough*
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Enos
Hardcore
Founding Member
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Post by Enos on Mar 4, 2013 20:10:40 GMT -4
Variable speed jig saw is a great spark-free solution. Even the hobby grade metal cutting bandsaws are $1000+. For that kind of money you could get a cheap or used plasma cutter |
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Creepy
Administrator 
Dartmouth
Posts: 18,718
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Post by Creepy on Mar 4, 2013 20:30:13 GMT -4
google 4x6 chinese bandsaw. harbour freight, princess, tons of other companies all use the same castings.
look at the cheap stands you can make to use it vertically. Use it horizontal for cutting tons of stuff.
I use mine almost everyday. Its about 13 years old.
Paid $100 at a crazy PA Sale. There are normally $250, but that was years ago. Check current pricing.
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Post by DamnJeep on Mar 4, 2013 20:58:27 GMT -4
Even the hobby grade metal cutting bandsaws are $1000+. Not quite.  I've been using the older version of this saw for 10+ years. www.busybeetools.com/products/METAL-BANDSAW-5IN.-WITH-SWIVEL-CSA.htmlCan be converted from horizontal to vertical VERY easily. Oh sure. Not one of those swanky purpose built metal saws which DO cost a lot but works just as well for small stuff. ;D |
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Post by C Monster on Mar 4, 2013 21:12:10 GMT -4
What about building / buying something like
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jmurphy
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Trail Master 2 - Valley
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Post by jmurphy on Mar 4, 2013 21:20:45 GMT -4
Awesome. I didn't know there were any vertical saws in that price range! |
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;D
