Band saw speed

[Mike Sanfeliz]

In reading my user's manual I see that there are two speeds that my BS can run on. It says 1450 feet/min for hardwoods, some plastics and certain nosferrous metals and 3000feet/min for all other timber. So what speed should I have it set for?

[Jim Becker]

3000 fpm. There is no reason to slow it down for wood...and you don't want to be cutting metal on your woodworking bandsaw. ;)

[Mike Sanfeliz]

3000 fpm. There is no reason to slow it down for wood...and you don't want to be cutting metal on your woodworking bandsaw. ;)

Thanks Jim, I wasn't too sure. I will have to set the belt up tomorrow.

[Ed Kowaski]

I cut bits of non-ferrous metals routinely, mostly 6061 aluminum . I don't change the blade 1/2" 3 tpi default blade either, I do clean the tires. YMMV

:)

[lou sansone]

for wood sawing many feel the optimal speed for hand feeding is in the 5000 sfpm, but 3000 would be fine. The only thing I can think of for your 2 speed machine is that is may not have enough torque at the higher speeds for real heavy sawing and so the mfg suggests lowering the speed. what type of saw do you have ?

lou

[Jim Becker]

I cut bits of non-ferrous metals routinely, mostly 6061 aluminum . I don't change the blade 1/2" 3 tpi default blade either, I do clean the tires.

Oh, ok...I was thinking steel. Yes, Aluminum and brass wouldn't be out of the question as you don't need lubricant to mess up your saw and the clean-up is reasonable. Thanks for the reminder, Ed!