Thumb for mini hoe
- Thread starter bbabineau
- Start date
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JD-Beach
Silver Member
Wow! ... Great work BobRip! ... real craftsmanship, nice paint job too, ... thanks for sharing this project with everyone, you made us all proud!
BobRip
Elite Member
JD-Beach said:
Thanks JD, as my tools get better the projects get better. Still need to work on the welding. My tools are OK here, I just need to develop some skill.
I am still waiting for some unusual or new uses for the thumb.
JD-Beach
Silver Member
BobRip, you mentioned a band saw. ... is that what you used to cut the metal? ... (I'm a woodworker and haven't done much metal work) ... Is that a typical wood working bandsaw with a special blade or is it something like a "porta-band"? ... and the belt sander, is that what you used to round off the corners? ... any special metal belts? ... also, what kind of welder do you use? You've shown us some real craftsmanship, thank you!
BobRip
Elite Member
JD-Beach said:
The bandsaw is a Craftman metal/woodworking table vertical bandsaw. It has four speeds, one is around 2500 FPM for wood and the others are below 300 fpm for metal. You cannot use the high speed on metal because the blade will dull instantly. I used the band saw to round the corners and the belt sander to finish the job. I also use a saber saw on the metal. I don't presently have a 1/4 inch or smaller blade for the band saw so this limits the minimum radius. I bought a band saw because I want to use it for wood working at well.
The belts on the sander are just standard belts and seem to work very well. They are 100 grit. You do need to start your feed into the belt slowly. I have damaged two belts, from sharp edges on the metal. The belt sander is a Delta with 1 HP and a 6 X 48 inch belt.
The bandsaw does a very clean cut, although it is kinda slow. I have a cut off disc saw, but the cuts tend to arc out.
I am using a Lincoln 175 amp MIG welder. A friend gave it to me and I have had to repair it. I am very pleased with it, but my skill levels needs work.
I have done a lot more wood working than metal working. A lot of the skills in wood working apply here, but you cut and drill much slower and at slower tool speeds. I have a friend at work who has given me some good advice.
BobRip
Elite Member
JD-Beach said:
Here is a link to the band saw Craftsman 22440 15 in. Wood and Metal Cutting Band Saw at Sears.com
They seem to go on sale about once a month for $100 off.