Improving The 4x6 Band Saw

[LX Kid]

funny this popped up..just did this this morning

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I really like the idea "but" that would be pretty extreme on my cheap band saw. The cost would be more than I paid new for my saw! Great job on the hydraulics!

 

[JR49]

The best modification I made to mine was to get rid of the spring adjusted feed. I made a hydraulic adjustable feed and it improved cutting immensely and blade lasts longer.

I've read about this mod being done quite a bit, but I don't understand HOW it improves cutting. As I understand it, too little pressure can work harden the material, and dull the blade, while to much pressure causes blade wander. Is this correct? Also, I have tried adjusting the spring tension, and honestly don't see any difference. Can someone educate me on this? Thanks, JR49

 

[TOOLMASTER]

it is way quicker to adjust. springs are not as consistent through the whole cut...this straightened out my cut a lot

 

[LX Kid]

it is way quicker to adjust. springs are not as consistent through the whole cut...this straightened out my cut a lot

Is there a less expensive set up, that you can think of, than what you have done?

 

[TOOLMASTER]

mine cost me almost nothing...local auction left overs

 

[TOOLMASTER]

most of the $ is in the cylinder and valve ,, the rest can be made from basic pipe for the reservoir . i used aircraft fitting just because i have oodles of them. barbed fitting will work fine since there is no pressure in the hose

 

[Billh50]

I bought a 6" air cylinder, One way flow control valve and fittings for about $20 on ebay. I can fine adjust the down feed according to what I am cutting so blades last longer. The one way flow control allows me to raise the blade with no problem when cut is done. I have a dial on it with marks for different materials.

 

[RodSME]

Question for Billh50; can you give us more details on the air cylinder, such as diameter? Also do you have a URL for the web page for the cylinder?
Thanks.

 

[Billh50]

The cylinder is a 3/4 bore and 6 inch stroke. The flow control is a one direction flow control. I bought them on ebay. Did a search for "air cylinder" and then "flow control"
I am sure a 5/8 or larger cylinder will do. Just filled mine with gear oil I had on the shelf and it works fine. Got all but 1 tiny bubble of air out of the system. Will post a photo of my setup later.