Replies

1. 
   alias | Nov 28, 2002 03:50am | #1

   the average bandsaw runs between 2,600-3,100. the big industrial run at 5,000, when used to cut metal any where between 40-400. all numbers are in F.P.M. (feet per minute). if use it exclusively for wood you might need to get diffrent pulley's, or your saw might have whats called a step pulley system. same configuration as a drill press but in the vertical. to be honest with you the only way i can think of getting the right F.P.M. is to match motors to a pre -existing than check the diameter of the pulleys, to match also the length of the belt. i know i have the math somewhere to figure this all out, but for me to post it than try to explain i'm afraid i'd give a bum steer. i sure there must be a formula from the motor pulley in proportion to the drive pulley . there someone here who can help you out .......goodluck ....bear

2. 
   RSRose | Nov 28, 2002 08:18am | #2

   Bear and Bob,

   Here's the math:

   Blade speed in Feet Per Minute =

   Motor RPM x Motor Pulley Diam / Driven Pulley Diam x Band Saw Wheel Diam x 3.14 / 12

   Recommended speeds (approximate) for various size saws:

   12" = 2800 FPM, 14" = 3300 FPM, 16" = 3800 FPM, 18" and above = 4000 FPM.

   R

1. 
   alias | Nov 28, 2002 05:41pm | #6

   rich- thanks very much for the info, just bought the jet 18", somewhere along the line i'd would like to change the horsepower(3 h.p.) to higher what in your opinion would it entail, what i have to change on the saw to accomidate the upgrade. maybe a change in one of or both of the pulleys first???thanks for the info again.........staywell bear

   Edited 11/28/2002 9:45:51 AM ET by the bear

1. 
   RSRose | Nov 28, 2002 08:10pm | #7

   Bear,

   Changing to a larger hp motor shouldn't change the speed. The primary consideration is mechanically mounting the new motor.

   If the new motor is a different speed, then you'll need to use a different motor pulley or driven pulley or both to get the final blade speed to about 4000 FPM.

   R

3. 
   PlaneWood | Nov 28, 2002 08:30am | #3

   Well, I have a 3450 rpm motor with a 1.5" pulley on the shaft with a belt going to an 8" pulley.  The tires are 12" in diameter.

   So, 3450 rpm *  1.5 / 8 =  647 rpm at the saw.   3.1416 * 1 (foot) * 647 rpm = 2032 blade feet per minute.

   Originally, I had a 10" pulley on the saw.  The greater speed works better for me.  I cut a variety of domestic hardwoods, softwoods, and waxy exotics.  Use the Timberwolf 1/2", 3tpi blade for resawing.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy
   PlaneWood

4. 
   Robinga | Nov 28, 2002 08:34am | #4

   Obviously Rich has done the math. Once you've got the size (or sizes) to get the right speed just look to Mcmaster Carr, Grainger, or other industrial suppliers for the proper parts. Their catalogs usually have pretty straightfoward specs. I went through this once trying to get a motor to run a portable crank pin lathe at the correct speed ( It was metal, which is somewhat outside of the scope of this forum, but the theory still applies). Crank pins, by the way are on steam locomotive wheels. It's a long story, but we actually got the thing running without any major catastrophies.

1. 
   user-17340 | Nov 28, 2002 02:55pm | #5

   Wow !!!

   Thanks a lot guys for all that info. Actually, the saw was chain driven, but I'll need to get some pulleys and belt to get going, and now, thanks to you all, I know a little bit more.

                                                                            Thanks again

   p.s. just for fun, here are some pictures of the saw, in pieces...