N4aeq wrote:
As a electronic guy I often need to cut 1/16-3/16" & sometimes 1/2
small pieces of Aluminum, I
have a Craftsman cast iorn 12" bandsaw. They sell metal cutting
blades for these all the time
however I know I will have to drop the rpm. One blade has 9 tpi the
other 14 tpi but neither say
what rpm to run. The stock saw has 1725rpm motor 2/1 pully for 862
rpm of the 12" wheel.
If i figure it right thats around 2700 fpm, again this is for wood
cutting. What would be a good
fpm to go for when cutting aluminum. Another thing is both say for
non ferrous metals but will
also cut thin ferrous metals, one 9tpi and ones 14tpi both fit the
same model saw, I guessing the
9tpi could run a faster fpm?
I'm an electronic guy also but I have been volunteering at a local
high school metal shop for 6 or 7 years. We have two vertical band
saws, 20 in.or more, one set up for steel and the other for Aluminium.
The Aluminium one is running in 2000+ fpm with a 4 tpi blade and I've
cut everything from 1" down to 1/16" with it. When cutting thin stuff
just feed slowly and keep it down solid against the table. Sure it
would be some better to have a higher tooth count for the thinner
material but changing blades is a PAIN. :-) The only problem we
have is when students try to cut off the risers on the castings
and let it cock over and either break or badly bend the blade.
...lew...