Delta 14 Inch Band Saw Metal Wood Variable Speed

[jjr2001]

I needed a way to cut steel, aluminum, brass, and wood with my band saw which is an older tool I have had for 30 years. The Delta is a good saw but to fast for steel. I added a 19:1 gear reducer and a 2:1 pulley setup to match up with my 6000 rpm variable speed tread mill motor. So now I have a saw that cuts just about anything you can get a blade for at just about any speed you require.

My first attempt was to use the tread mill motor with just the smallest pulley I could fit on it and use the existing drive pulley on the lower band saw wheel. The rpm reduction was not enough. I actually "threw" a tire due to over speed. The other thing was the lack of torque using the tread mill motor.

This new setup with the 19:1 ratio gear box solved both problems.

Cheers, JR

[DIYer]

Thanks jjr2001! We've added your Variable Speed Bandsaw Modification to our Metalworking category,
as well as to your builder page: jjr2001's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Variable Speed Bandsaw Modification by jjr2001

tags: bandsaw, adjustable

[Paul Jones]

JR,
I love the way this came together and able to get the maximum use out of your Delta bandsaw using the tread mill motor and gear box. Where did you get the 19:1 gear reducer? Also, your final paint job makes it look like it came this way from the factory .

I too have been using the Power Twist V-Belts along with cylindrical vibration isolators installed on the motor mounting bolts to produce an almost vibration free motor to pulley drive systems (see an example at http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/1...chniques-19914 ). The Power Twist V-Belts have reduced the noise level of my woodworking and metal working machinery significantly and reduced the overall vibration transmitted to the work.

Thank you for showing how you did this. You have created some pretty cool tools for your shop.

Regards,
Paul

[jjr2001]

Thanks Paul,
I purchased the gear reducer on eBay a few years back. The prices on these really have a wide range. This one was new and I think it was only $50 but I have seen used ones for much more. The Power twist V-belts are my favorite. I have them on my table saw as well and should put them on my drill press. I think I see another small project in the wings!
I like the motor mounts from Zorro. I think my bench grinder could use a set of them.

Cheers, John

[Wmrra13]

John;

Very nice execution!

Using treadmill motors to get variable speed for shop tools has always intrigued me but, having used a few of them in gyms, it seems the controls are always complicated and slow reacting. As such, I always wonder about the interface and the ability to just walk up to the machine, turn it on and start cutting. Can you please show us the control panel you're using and/or if you have any of those issues?

Thanks,
Tyler

[jjr2001]

Hello Tyler,

The controls for this one are very simple. The motor and speed controller were a match set sold surplus. I think it is rated at 2.5 hp and runs up to 6000 rpm. No digital controls at all. This must have been from an early and simple tread mill. I think the motor shaft is 5/8" in diameter. The motor required a custom "motor mount" that I made for the motor and electronic control board. I added a fan to that for cooling the motor and circuit board.
There are only two controls. A pot for speed control and a switch for on/off. The pot must be brought to zero with the switch in the off position before the motor will start. Once the switch is placed to on, then you simply advance the speed control pot and she ramps up to full speed in about 15 seconds. You can adjust the pot to any speed you need. The motor does not have a lot of torque but with my gear reduction it powers through steel without bogging down.

Cheers, John