Horizontal Bandsaw project

[Chipmaker]

I have a HF H/V bandsaw and while it does what its asked to do, I have been toying with the idea of making a larger capacity saw......I already have the wheels done, and working out details on the frame. I had considered casting it in alum, but afraid it may be too flexible, so thought about casting it in cast iron, but its gonna be pretty close to what my capacity is for melting cast iron and filling a mold.........so the next thought was make it out of structural steel which is probably what I am going to do. Capacity in the 8" x 12" or perhaps a bit larger is what I am planning on.

My ideas for driving it is stil not ironed out, as I am looking for a decent gear reduction box, but am considering using a AC motor and pulleys for further ratio changes, or just mounting a DC motor and drive a gear box. Still not sure what route I am going to take.......both would work, so anyone have any ideas on what drive setup woulld be better suited........I have a heap of DC motors ranging from 3/4 hp to 3 hp just begging to be used on something, and since it rains here in winter I think this may be a good project to passs the winter rainy season. LAst year I made a 20" three wheel bandsaw during this timeframe, and its been trouble free and about the best thing I have added to my shop since I bought a BP milling machine. It gets used just about everyday for something.

You can see the 20" 3-wheel metal cutting DC powered vari speed bandsaw on my projects page if interested........

[myplace46]

Hey CM,
I just took a look at your 20” band saw, Fantastic job!

[d110pickup]

Chipmaker,
I love your vertical bandsaw and I'd like to build something similar one day.

If you're looking for ideas for fabricating a horizontal bandsaw take a look at the Ellis line of equipment. ( http://ellissaw.com/ )
I've owned the model 1600 for many years and it's a great saw. Now for the best part; almost the entire saw is built up from steel plate, angle, and tube. Very little can't be fabricated. Even some of the castings could be fabricated.
If you need more info let me know.
Mike

[Chipmaker]

The Ellis is very similar to a saw I have been studying.....Startrite brand........its comprised mainly out of weldments as well, but does not swivel. I am not too keen on the swivel part though myself. May be handy if cutting heavy items though, but its still one more area needing ridgidity and prone to wear etc..........

[d110pickup]

Chipmaker,
I wouldn't worry about the rigidity issue; I've been using mine for fifteen years cutting everything up to and including RR track. Every once in a while I cut a 45' slice out of 2" round stock and measure the thickness. It's as accurate now as it was new.
I'm sure whatever you build will be first class.
Mike