Bandsaw Manufacturers
A bandsaw is a versatile cutting tool that can be used to cut a wide variety of materials. The right machine for your job will depend on the size and type of material you need to cut.
A quality bandsaw has several essential features. These include variable speed triggers and dials, efficient dust collection, and safety measures.
Variable pitch and depth
The correct bandsaw blade for your workpiece is an important factor in the quality of your cut. Depending on the type of material, it is often best to use a bi-metal or carbide blade. Bi-metal blades are typically suitable for a range of steels, while carbide-tipped bandsaw blades are optimal for harder materials such as nickel and titanium alloys.
Choosing the right tooth size and pitch is also important for a good cut. Tooth pitch, or TPI, measures the distance between points of adjacent teeth on a saw blade and influences the kind of cut it will make. A proper TPI will bandsaw manufacturers ensure that the blade cuts quickly and creates minimal heat. This allows for a lower feed pressure, lower horsepower requirement and a longer blade life.
When determining the proper tooth pitch, consider how much stress you need to withstand. A constant-pitch blade with a uniform distance between tooth tips may increase harmonic vibrations, which can cause excessive noise, unwanted blade or machine vibrations and bad cuts.
A variable-pitch blade can eliminate these harmonics by varying the spacing between teeth. This results in interrupted sawing rhythms, improved chip evacuation and reduced vibration. This allows you to cut structural pieces, tubing and solids smoothly and quickly. The alternating tooth pattern on these blades increases kerf widths, which minimizes pinching in structural shapes.
Easy blade changes
Bandsaw manufacturers design their machines with easy blade changes in mind. A simple adjustment of the tensioning wheels and a check for tracking and side-to-side squareness is usually all that’s required to get up and running. Most bandsaws come with a legible tensioning scale, viewing window and easy access to the rear thrust bearings for quick blade changes.
The first thing to do when setting up a new saw is to determine which type of blade will work best for the material you’re cutting. There are different tooth pitches, widths and designs that suit various materials and applications. For example, a skip-tooth blade with a wide spacing and shallow gullets reduces build-up while providing smooth cuts. Another option is a wavy-tooth set, which features groups of teeth set left and right separated by unset raker teeth.
Once you’ve selected the proper blade for your project, it’s important to understand the terminology. Understanding the meaning of “tooth pitch” and “gullet depth” can help you avoid mistakes. Also, familiarizing yourself with the three main tooth shapes (regular, hook and skip) will help you choose the right blade for your metal application.
To keep your blades in good shape, remember to change them out after every use. A new blade will not only produce a better cut, but it’ll Sawing Machine also prevent the blade from overheating and potentially damaging the machine. In addition, using coolant is highly recommended because it helps eliminate heat and improve the quality of the cut.
Efficient dust collection
A dust collection system is a must for industrial bandsaws. This feature ensures that sawdust is removed from the machine after each cut and prevents clogging of the machine’s filters. This enables the machine to run at peak performance without having to stop to clean the filter, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
A metal-cutting bandsaw usually includes a built-in blade welder, which allows operators to repair broken bands. The system can also be used to fabricate new metal blades in order to achieve a custom cutting shape. Additionally, these machines often have a built-in chip brush to remove chips from the blade’s pockets. This helps the blade to stay cool and lubricated during cuts, extending its life.
Lastly, metal-cutting bandsaws are often equipped with systems that automatically wash the blade with coolant after each cut. This helps to keep the blade cool and free from swarf, which can cause dulling or even breakage.
Choosing the right bandsaw for your project requires some careful thought. It is important to consider the cutting capacity, ease of blade changes, and the safety features. The best bandsaws are easy to use, allowing you to change blades quickly and easily, especially during projects with varying cutting requirements. The best saws also have indispensable security attributes, such as emergency halt buttons and safety toggles, to help ensure your safety when using the tool.
Safety measures
Many potential hazards can exist when operating a bandsaw. The most serious risks include kickback, which can cause the material being cut to thrash back into the blade or machine and potentially injure the operator. Taking steps to reduce the risk of kickback can help prevent injuries. These include properly securing and feeding material, maintaining blade sharpness and proper tension, and adhering to all relevant safety protocols.
The most common safety measure to take when using a bandsaw is to keep hands away from the blade. It is important to maintain a few inches of distance from the blade, particularly during feeding material into the saw. Additionally, the work area should be free of any impediments that could cause an accident. This includes ensuring the work area is adequately lit and that tools, bins, or other equipment are not placed too close to the saw. Ventilation should also be adequate to reduce heat and moisture accumulation, which can fog up the work area and interfere with visibility.
Lastly, the wheels and blade should be covered when the saw is not in use. This can be done by installing electrical interlocks on the wheel covers, which will immediately cut power to the machine if the covers are opened. It is also a good idea to include regular maintenance and adjustment activities in the bandsaw’s routine, such as checking and replacing the blade when it becomes dull or cracked.
