Generally they use a jackshaft to slow the speed.
This was on the knifelist
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I use what I think of as a compromise bandsaw for wood, micarta and non
ferrous metals. It's an older Rockwell made for wood that I reduced
the
speed on by putting in a jack-shaft to slow it down. I use the skip
tooth
metal cutting blades with eight teeth per inch. Cuts all handle
materials
and brass and nickel silver up to two inches. It has served me well for
over
thirty years set up as described. Granted, it's slower on wood than if
it
ran faster but doesn't have to have drive belts or blades changed for
90% of
what needs cut.
I've got an older bandsaw set up for steel, gear box and all that...
also
one of the flip-flop cheap saws, but it works great. The weak part on
these
is the gear box, be sure to keep it greased and to keep tight all the
stuff
that can come loose. What I've learned about the cheap import lathes,
mills,
saws and drill presses is that they need tender loving care in order to
make
them last. Most of the parts that would be heat treated steel on US
made
machines are cheap and soft castings on the imports. Keep that in mind
and
they will give years of use when not abused.
Wayne Goddard
wgoddard44@comcast.net