Not a welding question but I figure there are lots of experienced folks here that can give me some insight.
I've got a project that requires me to section 2" carbon steel pulley stock (timing pulley type for belts) with clean square cuts. The sections will then be worked on a lathe. Anyway, I'm not experienced in cutting such thick stock other than much softer aluminum and brass. I've got an inexpensive Chinese made metal band saw such as what can purchased at Northern Tool and Harbor Freight and it uses 64.5" blades. Whet is the best blade type, tpi, and blade speed for successful cuts while keeping the blade around a while. So far I've been able to locate bi-metal blades with a 10 tooth count locally that has a variable tooth layout. I've been told that perhaps even less of a tooth per inch would be better such as 6 or 8 and I can special order them. I've also located rather expensive carbide tipped blades with 3 tpi but at around $70 each.
I'm not sure what speed I should run the blade. I assume the slowest possible which I think is around 80 fpm.
Several years ago I tried using a home wood working band saw with bi-metal blades with some metal bar and I didn't have much luck getting the $20 blades to last long at all. I assume because of the fast blade speed.
I'm not opposed to purchasing the expensive carbide blade if it would be best. Durability is my goal here. I don't want to have to change the blade after every cut or two.
I appreciate any input.
John