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Band Saw

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Steve Beckwith

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May 29, 2004
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I have the opportunity to purchase for $75 a used stationary band saw similar to the one that is sold at Harbor Freight. It uses the 64 1/2" blades and will stand up with a small work table or can be used to clamp a piece of steel into a vise on the platform and let the weight of the machine cut through the steel. I have never used a machine like this so I don't know what to expect as far as performance. I bought a new 18T blade and even on the highest speed and with a lot of pressure, it seems that it will cut 3/16" annealed carbon steel at a rate of no more than 3" per minute. Is that about what I should expect? Is that a decent price? Feedback would be greatly appreciated as always. Thanks, Steve Beckwith
 
Yes, that's actually a bit fast for cutting steel. You're pushing too hard and will likely destroy your blades quicker. It should take about 20 seconds with a fresh blade to cut 1" schedule 40 steel pipe. Slow it down and take your time, that's a relatively small blade and can't handle the pressures on bigger saws.
 
Yep, that is pretty much what you should expect. Get a Lenox Bimetal Die-Master 2 blade and it will cut quite well.
 
Well, I ended up trading a little 120v wire feed welder for the saw. Being as it was Sunday, and I wanted instant gratification, I went to HF and bought a bimetal blade that they sell. A little cleaning, a little adjusting and DANG! that thing cuts nicely. It takes less feed pressure and cuts faster than I thought it would. I have been using a side angle grinder up till now and it was only a matter of time before that thing bit me. When this blade croaks I'll pony up for a Lenox. Thanks for the replies, Steve B
 
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