Converting a bandsaw

[jdlange]

Howdy all,

I have arranged to have an old craftsman bandsaw setup in my shop and am going to convert it over to cut metal, I know it can be done with this model (older one, belt driven) with a pulley system as my grandafther used a setup like this with a variable speed pully system for years to cut all sorts of metal, what I am wondering is this. How slow should I take this down to for cutting anealled steel? Any input is appreciated, I will also be getting an old pulley driven drill press and putting new pulleys on it to bring the speed down on it as well (although that is secondary right now as the one have works just fine), I am also looking for the cheapest place to buy quality 2 x 72 " belts for a belt sander, if anyone has a recommendation it would be appreciated.

Thanks