You need about 3/4 HP minimum(more is better) for decent cutting speed. The
blade speed should be between 100 and 150 ft/min for ferrous metals.
These two numbers along with the wheel diameter and the motor speed
determine your total reduction ratio and the torque required.

Belt drive is iffy for the final drive to the blade drive wheel because of
slippage with reasonable size pulleys, say 6" or less. It can be done if
you use a tight belt and keep it tight with an adjustable mount. Bicycle
chain or cog belt drive is better. You need a constant hp drive( belts and
pulleys or gears) which rules out a VFD if you are looking to get max.
performance of the saw and motor at any speed.

Commercial saws such as the Delta or Wilton wood/metal use a combination of
belt and gear drive to get about 8 different speeds. You can get by with
2500 ft/min for wood/plastic/brass/aluminum and 100 ft./min for ferrous
metals.

Randy


"Terry G" wrote in message
news:R6TNc.6015$1o.735@fed1read06...
I was wondering what the torque at the blade of a metal cutting bandsaw
would be for a lighter duty machine. Or how powerful a motor do these
machines run, and what type of gear reduction do they use.

Thanks.