So I have always wanted a fast, easy, and clean way to cut metal. Water jet would be a nice addition, but I am a broke ****. I have a torch, and a chop saw, I hate using ether due to the mess, noise, and set-up. Then I realized,,, A band saw would be a nice easy way to cut metal. Problem is, a metal cutting saw costs too much money for a broke *** mechanic. A friend of mine gave me an old Rockwell (Homecraft) wood band saw........ Let the conversion began.....

 

Nice i have a decent craftsman one. Only problem is mine eats up blades quick

 

My dad has been using a converted wood band saw for 40 years. He turned the motor around, used a second belt on the back with belt and pulley's and a jack-shaft to the front using pillow block bearings to the original pulley's to slow it down.
Of course, it may be easier to adapt slower rpm motor.

 

actually, that one looks almost identical to his. very similar.

 

looks perfectly adequate for precision finger removal

 

Hmmm, That is a good idea....

I have found that this band saw is a good one.

Let's hope not....

 

I built a table to hold the saw and would be transmission...



The pulleys that make up the three speed twin jack shaft trans...





Trans mounted on the table...



Cutting the hole for the belt to make it threw the table.



Motor mount



Saw with new wheels mounted.



"Wood cutting" mode



Finished product.....





Raw running



The saw kicks ***. It cuts great, is supper easy to control, and doesnt make a lot of noise or much mess..... I love it..

 

thats flippin sweet!!!..

i dont use band saws much anymore. only to cut really big stuff, 3" solid stock or bigger..

ive started using this , and its worth every penny.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...4&ci_sku=39419

 

That's really neat Dusty!! I can't wait till I have a bigger garage/shop to be able to get some bigger tools. So I guess the only difference between a wood saw and a metal one would be the speed of the blade and the blades themselves obviously.

Wishing you, Callie and Etny have some happy holidays!

 

saw looks really good! when you pullied it whats your surface foot per minute on the blade?
btw even if you could afford a waterjet, be prepared for the NOISE, mess, and electric bill! oh yeah and rebuilding the pumps very often

daryn, whats the blade life like on that thing? ive heard good and bad about the high speed saws like that. personnaly id like to get one of the cold saws so i can cut in the shop instead of outside with my chop saw