How about a home built or cheap tool modification thread?

[RestoRod]

RestoRod, if your saw is like the one you linked above, the instruction manual shows that it has a stepped pulley system with adjustments to drive speeds of 735rpm, 1470rpm or 2350rpm (figure 16). Does your saw have this adjustment feature?

I can't get to the saw to confirm, but AFAIR it had only a single speed. The saw is an older version so likely does not have as many features as the newer versions. I really haven't used it much since I picked it up at a garage sale for $20. It's certainly worth checking when I get home.

[34_40]

No worries on pics RestoRod. Most of the mods I see on this topic is an added jack shaft with 3 to 5 stepped pulley set. To do thicker steels, you'll have to get the feet per minute down of blade speed. Basically the bigger the piece of steel - the slower the blade needs to go. Of course the choice of blade pitch will dictate all this as well.

[RestoRod]

No worries on pics RestoRod. Most of the mods I see on this topic is an added jack shaft with 3 to 5 stepped pulley set. To do thicker steels, you'll have to get the feet per minute down of blade speed. Basically the bigger the piece of steel - the slower the blade needs to go. Of course the choice of blade pitch will dictate all this as well.

How does one determine the proper blade speed? Is it just trial and error or is there a formula?

[34_40]

How does one determine the proper blade speed? Is it just trial and error or is there a formula?

There are formulas of course but I usually just follow the blade manufacturers recommended operation. I did get a reply from Pepi and will post his reply tomorrow.. it's late for me, my eyes just want to close.

[34_40]

I did get a reply from Pepi and will post his reply tomorrow.. it's late for me, my eyes just want to close.

Here is what Pepi ( Greg sent to me. ) I'll have to do it in "installments" so the pics stay in alignment to some degree. I also don't know the sizes of the pics so I apologize in advance for not editing them. I'll also do the write-up in the next post.

IMG_1350.jpeg

IMG_1351.jpeg

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And here the write-up is.

Hi.

Part and instruction, it is real simple, he will want a purchase a 10" pulley AKA DRIVEN PULLEY

The saw as a wood saw has a belt that goes from the top pulley or DRIVEN PULLEY to the motor pulley.

Starting remove the DRIVEN PULLEY, this pulley will be replace with a 10' pulley

The MIDDLE PULLY is the JET part, seen below. ( see manual cover)

You can see the Jet part mounted and alined. 3 holes were drilled. Long bolts and nut used to hold it in place & aline the 10in Driven pulley and middle pulley (Jet part) as seen.

Part number on the cover of the manual.

Finished install

Hope this helps, ask questions if you like, it is really a simple deal. The pulley set up seen has never change, lowest speed.

Cuts header tubing, angle, round bar, square bar, flat steel & sheet metal: 1/16 too 1/2, even a 4" think aluminum block took a while to get thru that chunk
Saw in use close to 20 years, buy good blades they last

[34_40]

Glad to have helped RestoRod. If and when you get more involved in this project please share some updates. And I will pass along your thanks to Greg, (Pep).