General Fabrication

serio

Anybody got idea how I can make my HF bandsaw better? It takes forever to cut through tube kinda lacks power. maybe rig it up with a new motor or something?

It's this model

 

you can possibly rig up a higher output motor, but how does the blade look? are you letting the machine do the work, or are you forcing the material into the blade causing it to slow down and dull out the blade?

EDIT: and on this note i will hsare something it took me a long time to realize... let the machines do the work... dont force it. with grinders, i used to go through a cutting wheel every 2 minutes trying to force it to cut, just let it do its thing... ESPECIALLY with notchers, let the hole saw do the work. light pressure but NO NOT force the hole saw into the tube, you will be emptying pockets daily for new blades.

 

The blade looks fine I actually just got it off DR for 75 bucks. If I apply a more than a little pressure it locks up aka gets stuck on the material. at least its much quieter & cleaner than a chopsaw

 

you have verified that upon placing pressure on the blade that it doesnt bind against anything correct?

 

i have the same band saw, it works great, just dont buy the harborfreight blades, i get mine at Fastenal, also make sure their 18-24 TPI(Teeth Per Inch) anything below 18TPI wont cut high carbon metal fast, and anything higher than 24TPI is intended for soft metals, Example aluminum, also make sure the teeth are pointing in the proper direction, most of the time i have to invert a blade when i buy it new for some reason they come from the manufacturer facing clockwise, and the bandsaw cuts counter-clockwise, hope this helps

 

no binding just stuck on the material. All the bearings are in good shape and nothing else is close enough to interfere with the blade. I think the brushes might be worn (not likely) or the motor is just gut less.

 

their is a tentioner on that bandsaw, you have to play with it to tension it correctly, too much tension the blade will break, not enought it get caught on the material, and as the blade "breaks in" (heats up and cools down from usage) it will strech so you have to check the tension as you use it, its a total feeling game!

 

try nonamebastards solution. i have never touched this model of band saw so im just giving you a basic troubleshooting guide. he has stated the blades are junk from HF so i would suggest that route first. then brushes, then motor if needed.

unless you smell that burning electronics smell when it kicks on, i wouldnt assume the motor is bad.

 

That makes sense I've heard of people doing the same thing with a chain saw. I've got a fastenal (grade 8s ) in town might need to go get a quality blade from them.

 

the blades are not expensive, $15.00 bucks and they work good, also who ever you buy your metal from will have them in stock, those are usually good also

 

That's a relief ^^ I can swing 15 bucks lol I'm buying a house so fabbing on a budget is a must.

 

Replace the blade for sure. Mine cuts way better with a good blade on it

 

Drill press- Jet

 

I have a delta.

Took me a while to figure out why I chewed up drill bits so fast on it. Turns out you want it running as slow as possible (more or less)

 

Lol same thing happen to my buddy

400-500 rpms gets it done for me

 

ahh! another reminder of something that i have noticed that works for me... even with a drill bit in a drill, you dont have to have it spinning as fast as that drill goes to get it to blast a clean hole... slow and steady and lots of cutting fluid will help keep the bit sharp, cool, and a clean hole in your materials. just a FYI and friendly reminder.

 

Thats about what mine is.

What does everyone use to make 90* angles?

I've got magnetic squares, angle finders, non-magnetic squares, all sorts of stuff. and most of them have a different idea of what 90* is.

I haven't really found anything that works consistently...

 

framers square and magnetic squares are what i use. they do the job well enough.

 

these are good and inexpensive 2 axis welding clamps, and they work well for tubing also

$27 Hobart 770565 Two Axis Welding Clamp

http://www.amazon.com/Hobart-770565-Axis-Welding-Clamp/dp/B002AKIRIU

 

now those look effin nifty! i need a few of those fuckers!