cutting 1x4x3/16 steel with band saw

[irishwoodsman]

which is the best way to cut 3/16 plate with band saw in the up position or the flat position, was going to cut 3 at a time thanks guys:thinking:Mac

 

[Tony Wells]

Depends somewhat on your tooth pitch, but I generally lay mine flat.

 

[irishwoodsman]

thanks tony thats what i'll do:biggrin:mac

 

[Hawkeye]

Keep in mind that you need to keep at least 3 teeth on metal at any given time. This prevents the blade from dropping down on an edge and ripping a few teeth off the blade. That's why the flat is generally the preferred orientation.

 

[irishwoodsman]

thank you mike that explains it:biggrin:mac

 

[nctoxic]

I'm still sorta new to this metal working stuff, but I've found that cutting with the stock in a vertical position, as long as there are 3 or more teeth on the stock, results in smoother, and faster cuts. With the easier cuts, the blade doesn't have the tendancy to wander off center, it seems to me.

With three pieces of 3/16" plate together, you should have no danger of breaking teeth with most common blades, i.e. 10-14tpi or 18tpi.


Just my .02$ worth.

 

[irishwoodsman]

thank you NC for the info:biggrin:Mac

 

[irishwoodsman]

found that out this morning i had the center one move on me while cutting so i think i'm going to stick with single cutting, i'm building a grader blade for my garden tractor and dont want to have to grind alot trying to square up my pieces, the metal came from a old steel sash and putty windows out of a old gas station that my son scarfed for me:biggrin:mac

 

[irishwoodsman]

very productive day, got my metal cut and tacked together for grader blade, going to cut some smaller pieces today to make the pivot box and get them tacked on then i will post some pics, little tractor is already sniffing out dirt or snow lol:biggrin:mac