[HELP] kalamazoo boat anchor or band saw

[TomG]

(01-20-2014, 09:22 PM)mr green wilson Wrote: I recently purchased a Kalamazoo band saw model P43 probably pretty old three phase. Converted it to single phase same hp motor same speed. i refurbished the hydraulic ram (it works great) replaced the blade brush. oiled the moving parts. Here's my problem I purchased a 14 tooth carbon steel blade (probably not a good decision). I'm retired money is tight. The machine is running as slow as i can get it ,53 FPM and the arm spring tension is set to position #5. Anyway i lower the arm using the hydraulics and it starts cutting i control the rate with the hydraulics. The blade stalls i lift the arm and lower it back onto the piece and it growls like a dog and strips the teeth off the blade for about 2 inches. (I didn't drop the arm i lowered it very slowly) it looks like the blade loads up and a piece if a chip catches in the kerf and jams tight and stalls the blade when i lower the blade the teeth catch on the jammed in chip and the stripping of teeth starts. i am cutting a piece of 1.5" round hot roll steel. In my shop one blade has to last a long time i need to figure this out before i invest in a bi-metal blade. Any and all advice and help would be appreciated. I know this is simple but i can't see the trees for the forest.
Mr Green Wilson
Perkins@twc.com

What alloy is the steel? It sounds like it might be hardening up on you, or maybe it's hard already. If its mild steel, you should be able to run it at 100 SFPM with no trouble.

Tom