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Say it ain't so Joe, say it aint so.

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Chilliphil:
Spookily, this subject or something very similar, has just come up on another well known forum. I asked if I could cut metal on my vertical, one speed wood bandsaw and the answer seems to be a qualified yes, within certain boundaries of course. http://www.model-engineer.co.uk/forums/postings.asp?th=122226&p=1#2090336

John Rudd:
Irrespective of what others say and do wherever in the world, try it and see what happens with your chosen weapon of choice and whatever material you want to cut.... :dremel:
But, do be careful.....and if it works for you then good.... :beer:

DavidA:
I should have added that I have cut aluminum alloy on the wood saw. usually up to 10 mm thick.

I have to feed very carefully and the shrieking noise is a bit off-putting.

I did fit a new Starrett blade that is designed for metal, but the first attempt to cut a piece of 1/8" mild steel took the set off the blade. It is much too fast.

I have decided to drop the new saw option. Can't really justify it when I can get any large pieces cut up where I used to work.  The convenience of my own saw would have been nice, but I think that I am going to have to consider some kind of reduction for the table saw. I have a few ideas.

Dave.

Yes, there will be pictures.

 :proj:

howsitwork?:
Dave

wood saws do run at much higher speeds and have deeper gullets to the teeth to clear the saw dust. You can get away with aluminium if you're careful as you found.

One of the guys in the York club is converting his by putting on a smaller pulley and then using a specific metal cutting blade ( much higher tpi and smaller gullets / teeth).  Hamilton edge tools will be able to advise on blade selection. :thumbup:

Must admit I got a metal saw ( plus 2 band saws so far) and have no regrets ( and fewer blisters )

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