Ellis Band Saw 1800: Specifications, Blade Size, and Parts Support
You own an Ellis 1800 band saw or you are considering buying one. The Ellis 1800 is a horizontal miter band saw designed for metal cutting, larger than the popular Ellis 1600. You need to know the specifications, what blade to buy, and where to find parts. You need a guide that covers the Ellis 1800 and helps you make informed decisions.
The Ellis 1800 is a horizontal miter band saw manufactured by Ellis Corporation. It is designed for fabrication shops that need to cut larger material than the Ellis 1600 can handle. The saw head swivels for miter cuts without moving the material.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | 1800 |
| Type | Horizontal miter band saw |
| Cut capacity at 90 degrees | 9 inches round, 9x12 inches rectangular |
| Cut capacity at 45 degrees | 7 inches round, 7x9 inches rectangular |
| Miter range | 0 to 45 degrees (head swivels) |
| Blade length | 98 inches (verify with manual) |
| Blade width | 1/2 to 1 inch |
| Blade thickness | 0.025 inches |
| Motor | 1-1/2 HP, 120V or 220V |
| Speed | Variable, typically 80 to 380 SFPM |
| Coolant | Built-in coolant system |
| Vise | Quick-release cam lock vise |
| Weight | Approximately 350 pounds |
Blade Selection
The Ellis 1800 uses a bi-metal blade for metal cutting. The blade length should be verified with your saw’s manual, as it can vary slightly by production year.
TPI Selection
| TPI | Best For | Material Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 8 TPI | Thick solid bar | 1-1/2 inches and up |
| 10 to 14 TPI | General purpose | 1/4 to 1-1/2 inches |
| 14 to 18 TPI | Thin material | Under 1/4 inch |
| 10/14 variable pitch | Mixed thicknesses | All |
Blade Material
Bi-metal M42: The standard for the Ellis 1800. Handles mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and cast iron. Bi-metal M51: Better for tough materials like stainless steel. Lasts 20 to 30 percent longer than M42. Carbide-tipped: For production cutting or hard materials. 5 to 10 times longer life than bi-metal.
Recommended Blades
General-purpose cutting: 10/14 variable pitch, bi-metal M42, hook tooth. Handles 80 percent of metal cutting tasks.
Thick solid bar: 6 to 8 TPI, bi-metal M42, hook tooth.
Thin-wall tubing: 14 to 18 TPI, bi-metal M42, skip tooth.
Stainless steel: 10/14 variable pitch, bi-metal M51 or carbide-tipped.
Parts Support
Ellis Corporation
The manufacturer is the primary source for OEM parts. Contact Ellis directly for parts diagrams, part numbers, and ordering.
Common Wear Parts
Blade: Replace when cuts slow down or quality degrades.
Blade guides: Roller bearing guides. Replace bearings when they develop play. Read the bearing number on the old bearing for the correct replacement. Cost: 10 to 30 dollars per bearing.
Drive belt: Connects motor to transmission. Replace when slipping or cracked. Cost: 15 to 30 dollars.
Coolant pump: Circulates cutting fluid. Replace when flow stops. Cost: 50 to 120 dollars.
Coolant filter: Prevents chips from recirculating. Clean or replace regularly. Cost: 10 to 20 dollars.
Vise jaw: Holds material during cutting. Replace when grooved or worn. Cost: 20 to 40 dollars.
Hydraulic downfeed valve: Controls saw head descent rate. Adjust or replace. Cost: 30 to 60 dollars.
Aftermarket Suppliers
LENOX, MK Morse, Starrett: Make blades compatible with the Ellis 1800. Bearing suppliers: Standard bearings available from industrial suppliers. MSC, Grainger: Carry belts, bearings, and other common parts.
Ellis 1600 vs 1800: Comparison
| Feature | Ellis 1600 | Ellis 1800 |
|---|---|---|
| Cut capacity (round) | 7 inches | 9 inches |
| Cut capacity (rectangular) | 7x12 inches | 9x12 inches |
| Motor | 1 HP | 1-1/2 HP |
| Weight | ~250 lbs | ~350 lbs |
| Miter range | 0 to 45 degrees | 0 to 45 degrees |
| Coolant | Yes | Yes |
Which to choose: If you cut material up to 7 inches, the 1600 is sufficient. If you regularly cut material between 7 and 9 inches, the 1800 is worth the extra cost.
Setup
Install the blade. Open the blade guard, release tension, install the blade with teeth pointing in the correct direction, tension the blade, close the guard.
Check tracking. Run the saw briefly and verify the blade tracks straight.
Adjust blade guides. Set roller bearing guides close to the blade but not touching during free running.
Set the speed. Match the speed to the material. Start at the low end and increase if the cut is clean.
Connect coolant. Fill the coolant reservoir with water-soluble cutting fluid at the manufacturer’s recommended ratio.
Maintenance Schedule
Daily: Check coolant level, clean chips from vise and chip brush, check blade condition. Weekly: Clean coolant filter, check blade guide adjustment, lubricate vise mechanism. Monthly: Check drive belt tension, check all bolts and fasteners, clean coolant reservoir. Annually: Replace coolant fluid, check motor, inspect all bearings.
FAQ
What blade does the Ellis 1800 use?
A bi-metal blade in 1/2 to 1 inch width. The exact length varies by production year, so check your manual or measure the old blade. 10/14 variable pitch is the best all-around choice.
Where can I find parts for my Ellis 1800?
Ellis Corporation is the primary source for OEM parts. Aftermarket suppliers like LENOX, MK Morse, and industrial supply companies carry blades, bearings, belts, and other common parts.
What is the difference between the Ellis 1600 and 1800?
The 1600 has a 7-inch cut capacity with a 1 HP motor. The 1800 has a 9-inch cut capacity with a 1-1/2 HP motor. The 1800 is heavier and more powerful.
Can I use aftermarket blades in my Ellis 1800?
Yes. Blades from LENOX, MK Morse, and Starrett are compatible as long as the length, width, and thickness match.
What coolant should I use?
Water-soluble cutting fluid mixed at the manufacturer’s recommended ratio. Do not use straight oil.
How do I adjust the hydraulic downfeed?
Adjust the valve so the saw head descends at a steady, controlled rate. The descent should maintain consistent cutting pressure.
References
- Ellis Corporation. “Ellis 1800 Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Ellis Corporation.
- Ellis Corporation. “Parts Diagram for Model 1800.” Ellis Corporation.
- LENOX Tools. “Metal Cutting Blade Selection Guide.” LENOX Industrial Division.
- MK Morse. “Master Cobalt Blade Performance Data.” MK Morse Company.
- Practical Machinist. “Ellis Band Saw Tips and Maintenance.” practicalmachinist.com.
