[surfside]

HI. I have 10" inch band saw and I am planning to cut thin steel. I only use this wood band saw in resawing some woods but I am not sure if I can work some metal or steel on it. I want to know what speed should I set up and what else should I need to do. Thank you.

[DareBee]

I had a machine like this many years ago.
We had a 5:1 reduction gearbox on it to get the SFM low enough for steel cutting

[surfside]

I think I should try lower 300 SFPM . I have to cut mild steels. I ordered a pair of hard back carbon saw blades. Lets see how it will work.

[DareBee]

You will likely be disappointed with carbon blades, especially if your SFM is high. It can't handle the heat.
Bi-metal are reasonable and kick the crap out of carbon (saves money in the long run).
Mild steel at 300SFM with bimetal is perfect.
Try a blade like Starrett Matrix II or Bahco EasyCut.
Thin metal go with 10/14 TPI - .375 to 1 go 5/8 TPI - over 1 go 4/6

[surfside]

Thanks for your input . I'll take your advice! I was really thinking about bi metal. I already ordered Haltbar carbon
blades. If it won't work well , I'll get the bi metal blades.

[LeeWay]

I have a Starrett bimetal blade on a little Craftsman bandsaw without reduction. It cuts plastics and metal, but only brass and aluminum. I have accidentally cut a piece of steel and it almost instantly ruined the blade.
Those aren't cheap blades to destroy before the job even gets done.
You might consider one of the cheap hand held bandsaws from HF.

[DareBee]

I run my vertical at 300SFM all the time with Bahco Cobra 10/14TPI.
That is too fine a blade if you are cutting heavy stock as a rule of thumb.