Band Saw Question

R

ritzblitz

Joined
Dec 31, 2006
Messages
293
Hi everyone,
I have a quick, simple question which I think I know the answer to but I just want some clarification. It isn't directly related to knifemaking but whatever.

I have a Delta 14" band saw with a 3/4hp motor. I knew I would regret getting the 3/4hp model and I certainly have. I feel it is lacking power in some/most heavy resaw applications. So, I have decided I want to get a beefier motor.

I am guessing that the sky is the limit as far as horsepower goes. As long as the rpm is 1750 and the pulley is the same diameter it should run the same speed, just without bogging down, correct? Mounting will be the toughest part but I will be able to handle it. I just wanted to make sure that it wont break anything or hurt the saw in any way.

I will probably end up getting whatever isn't too huge and is a decent price. If anyone has any motors to offer me, I would be glad to check them out!

Thanks a ton guys!

Alex


Edit: Oh yeah, if the RPM isn't exactly 1750 (like 1725 or something), will this matter?
 
I'm not no expert but most tools that come with a certain motor are only designed to handle what it comes with. Stepping up to more horse power might be a bad idea.
 
Well, the only thing I can think of that could possibly hurt the machine would be the weight of a larger motor. If the motor weighs a ton I will just put it on the ground and run a longer belt.
 
I have a jet 14 inch for wood, 1 speed. The 3 speed wood models are still too fast so i have been lusting over the variable speed grinder setups and use in the saw, these motors and controllers are not cheap, but you can't use a light dimmer on a table saw (ask me what the windings looked like, hey whats that smell?)... less expensive way???
 
I think it would be ok to increase the power a little bit. I wouldn't go hog wild and put a 3 or 4 horse motor on it, but maybe a 1 horse or even 1.5 would probably be ok.
If you can keep the blade turning full speed, it will probably be less wear on the saw then when you start to bog it down and it really gets to pulling hard. My dad has a 14" delta bandsaw and its built pretty stout. I would expect the blade to slip before you caused any serious damage. That would probably ruin the tire, but wouldn't be the end of the world.
 
If the motor is on a swing mount (to add tension to the belt using gravity), you will need to be a bit careful that your heavier motor doesn't strain the bearings from over-tensioning the belt.

If the belt tension is created by sliding the motor away from the pulley, then locking it in place, you should be fine.

You might want to change out the pulleys for wider ones that take a fatter V-belt, but, see if the belt slips first. You will probably be fine with a motor under 1.5 HP
 
I also surmise that a moderat increase in HP would not hurt the saw. As long as the saw was not say doubled in power . An other way to increase power would be to increase the Saws pully and decrease the motor pully This will slow the saw but at the same time increase the torque. The main problem with this senerio is if the motor pully is too small there will be a decreese in the surface area of the drive surface resaulting in belt slippage.
 
Increase the horsepower too much and you might start breaking blades or, worst case scenario, have the machine rip itself apart. :)
 
Why would an increase in horsepower break blades or machines? With the same motor speed the belts will be traveling the EXACT same speed as before. Torque will not even come into play unless you are hogging so hard you stop the belt on the platten. Maybe on start up the extra torque would jar the pulleys a little harder but once running at speed, with no pressure on the belt it will run at 1750 and the machine wouldnt know the difference any any way shape or form. right?
 
You'd only break stuff if you tried to make it work harder. They put a certain size engine in your car, because your car is a certain size. Put a 4.3L engine in a 1984 Dodge charger, and unless you change the transmission too, you're going to have problems. Change the engine AND tranny, and if you started with the aforementioned Charger, you might end up with something worthy of being called a car. :D
I'm just saying the bandsaw in question was designed for a 3/4 HP motor. Put a bigger one on and things might break.
 
14" BS is a very common woodworking BS. I am not sure you'd
benefit from more than 1 HP (honest rating) motor, _unless
you resaw _and have installed the riser block.

Then 1.5 - 2 HP motor is warranted and prolly, is the largest
you can install on it.

The "3/4 HP" motor
you have is prolly overstated and is more like 1/2 HP.


I recommend HF's 1HP "agricultural duty" motor. You can have
it @ local HF for may be $60, and it is an honestly-rated, reversable,
220V capable, 1 HP motor

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=41376
 
The motor that is standard on the delta 14" badsaws available today are already induserial grade TEFC motors. I do agree with the thinking of the other ppl on here in that too much power will break stuff and that is a fact. Over engineering of machine tools does not take place any more as the material costs take president. Bearing housings are what I would be concerned about. I still stand by 1.5 hp as being safe.
 
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