Conversion can work
I am satisfied with the results for my saw:
This is an old Delta Milwaukee 14-inch bandsaw. It did not have the gearbox reducer that came as an option, so there is a direct pulley-to-pulley drive from the motor to the lower bandsaw wheel.
From a yard sale, I had purchased the gear motor shown in the above photo. Its specs are 1/4 hp, with an internal reduction of 29:1, for an output of 60 rpm, with 200 in-lb of torque.
The drive is a regular 1/2-in vee belt, with pulley diameters of 5 inches on the motor and 10 inches on the lower bandsaw wheel. This reduces the bandsaw wheel speed to 30 rpm. For a 14-inch diameter wheel, this translates to a final blade speed of 30 X 14/12 X 3.14 = 110 feet per minute, suitable for cutting steel.
It is important to use a blade that the saw can handle.
I have a 1/2-inch blade with 18 tpi, which Delta still sells as a standard "metal cutting" blade for their 14-inch bandsaws. I got it on amazon.com, who sells it for $16.95, with the following product description:
Technical Details
* 1/2-inch wide, cuts down to 2-1/2-inch radius
* 18 teeth for a medium finish cut
* High carbon steel for long-lasting sharpness
* Tension-tested for strength and quality assurance
* Fits Delta 14-inch band saws and others requiring a 93-1/2-inch blade
Product Description
From the Manufacturer
A high carbon steel replacement blade with precision machined and set teeth for accuracy. For general purpose cutting of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Tension-tested for strength. Fits Delta 14-inch band saws and others requiring a 93-1/2-inch blade. Includes one blade.
Others here have reported problems with their saw blades getting stuck in the workpiece. I am guessing that this happens with a coarser blade. I wouldn't use much less than 18 tpi for this saw. Admittedly, it is a light saw and I don't cut a lot of tough metals. But the little 14-inch saw doesn't occupy much floor space, and it comes in handy when I want to cut an occasional piece of steel. So, for some of us, the conversion is appropriate. Clearly, the people at Delta think the saw frame is sturdy enough for steel cutting. Otherwise they wouldn't make the gearbox reduction as an available option.