Review - Variable Speed Bandsaw

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Variable Speed 10-Inch Bandsaw for Metal Cutting

[February 11, 2015]

This page refers specifically to the Sears/Craftsman Model 113.244530 Variable Speed 10-Inch Band Saw.

Although I have called this a review, it is really more an evaluation of the use of this particular as to its usefulness for cutting metal. As far as I am aware, this particular model is no longer manufactured, although it does show up in the used equipment market from time to time. I do not know exactly when this model was manufactured, but the manual for it has a date of November 1993 on it, so I would guess that manufacture ceased perhaps 10 years or more ago.

The bandsaw was sold with the miter gauge and stand as optional extras, so if you do find one on the used market, it will likely not include these items. Since equipment manuals are also likely to go missing, I have included a link to a down-loadable manual below.

Model 113.244530 Variable Speed 10-Inch Band Saw manual [PDF]: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bykt5WZ092aWNnFZZWRIWGNoZmc&authuser=0

I found my bandsaw on Craigslist and paid $80 for it, which I thought was kind of on the high side, but I figured that if it didn;t work out I could always re-sell it. The bandsaw included several bandsaw blades, but they were all for wood cutting (which I expected), so I also anticipated having to purchase metal cutting blades.

Finally, I noted when I bought it that the tires were a bit cracked on the edges, but still seemed to be useable; time will tell how much life they have left in them. Looking online, I found that tires are still sold for this model, but are rather pricey at $30 for a set of three.

Here are some more pictures of the bandsaw:

The "nameplate" information reads as follows:

Speed between 300 and 3,00 FPM
Maximum depth of cut 3"
Cast iron base
Aluminum table tilts 0 - 45 degrees
Use blades 56-7/8" long by 18" or 1/4"
6-1/2" dia. wheels for long blade life
Dust collection opening for vacuum hose

The speed adjustment knob is marked in both FPM and type of material to be cut:

300 FPM : copper, steel
840 FPM : brass
1,380 FPM : aluminum, plastic
3,000 FPM : wood

When I got the bandsaw there was a "post lock" (a metal stud with a hole in it, for locking out the on switch) mounted to the right of the switch (just to the left of the 2460 setting where the screw head is located). I removed this post as it just gets in the way of switch operation.

The blade guides (see picture below) are very basic - there is a roller bearing to support the back of the blade, and the side supports are just dog point set screws.

Blade guard in place

Blade guard removed

Metal Cutting Blades

I found metal cutting blades at toolcenter.com for prices ranging from $12 to $24 depending upon the blade type, and purchased the selection listed below.

Testing the Blades

Once the blades arrived, I could not resist making a quick test. I put the 10-14 tpi variable tooth blade on and made some quick test cuts on 1/8" and 1/4" aluminum. Both test cuts were successful, although I found the 1/3 HP a bit under powered. The motor is listed as "1/3 HP maximum developed" which means it is really less than 1/3 HP (more likely close to 1/4 HP). With my quick test cuts I found that if I pushed too hard it was easy to stall the motor.

So much for the quick and dirty tests, now for some more considered testing. My plan is to make test cuts on the following materials:

Plastic
Aluminum
Brass
Cold rolled steel
Drill rod
Cast iron

Cutting Tests

[March 2015]

Blade: 10/14tpi VR

Material: 1.2" thick aluminum

Result: Success! It was necessary to feed the material quite slowly, or the motor would stall. However, I was able to make the cuts (two approximately 1" long cuts) in a reasonable amount of time. See picture at left.

Blade: 6tpi HR

Material: 1" square cold rolled steel bar

Result: Fail! Frankly, I did not expect this to succeed, but thought it was worth trying anyway. When attemtping to feed the bar into the blade, the motor stalled immediately, no matter how slowly I advanced the metal. Note: No picture for this test.

Blade: 6tpi HR and 10/14tpi VR

Material: 1" diameter nylon rod

Result: Success. The 6tpi blade cut readily, but tended to "grab" the rod and throw it from the blade. The 14/18tpi blade worked much better, with no control problems, and handily cut through the rod fairly quickly.

Blade: 10/14tpi VR

Material: 0.75" x 0.25" brass bar

Result: Success. The brass bar cut readily and easily.

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