On Tue, 15 Feb 2005 21:49:40 GMT, "Ray Field"
wrote:

Thank you to all that replied, your comments are very helpful.
Machine is direct drive from an induction motor, will try an electronic
speed controller to see if it works first.
Materials that would be cut are aluminum up to 1/4", brass to 3/16", steel
to 1/16". Any suggestions on TPI for these metals?
On scarf joints, what angle, 30 degrees (long scarf). Any suggestions on
grinding blade to that angle?
Ray, still in the sun, with ornamental cherry blossoms.

You will need 15:1 to 20:1 speed reduction to cut steel and brass
without knocking the teeth off the blade. Not on with a motor
control; you need belts or gears between the motor and the saw.

Aluminum can be cut at 3000 SFM, mild steel about 160 SFM although a
really good blade can do 300 SFM in steel.