Guide To Using A Metal Band Saw
Metal band saws are used by farmers, metal workers and handy man types to easily cut metal into specific size pieces. The metal pieces may be used to build sheds, or buildings or barns as well as other things. Metal band saws have strong blades for cutting through steel and other heavy metal material. There are different blades used for different types of metal. Friction and hot saw blades are used mainly to cut steel tubes, decking material and angel cuts. Solid high speed steel saw blades are used for cutting extrusions, thin wall tubing, angel iron, flat bar, and ferrous applications. Carbide tipped saw blades cut extrusions, solids, aluminum, brass, copper and bronze. Circular knives are used for cutting rubber tubing, fiber glass and aluminum. Segmented cold saw blades are used for cutting structural tube, fabrication for billets, aluminum, brass or copper.
Band saws come in two different styles. The horizontal band saw and the vertical band saw. The vertical band saw is larger than the horizontal band saw. It is a stand alone saw. It has four legs with rubber on the feet. This is to keep it from moving around during the cutting process. It is best for making straight cuts through the metal material as it is pushed through the saw blade. When pushing the material through the saw, be sure to keep your hands at least 4 or 5 inches away from the blade. Use a metal stick to push the material closer to the blade.
Another type of band saw is the horizontal style. It is hand held, and is usually smaller in size than the vertical band saw. To cut with the horizontal band saw you need to have the material you will be cutting securely tied down to a cutting table. Many horizontal band saws have a hydraulic power source. They can cut straight lines or curves or material on rolls. The saw blade is pushed through the material being cut. Most of them will shut off automatically when the cut is completed.
There are two large wheels that hold the blade on a band saw. The drive wheel provides the connection to the power source for the saw. The idler wheel can be tightened or loosen depending on how much tension you need on the blade. A blade guide helps to hold the blade in place. Power on the horizontal band saw can be from electricity or from a combustion engine. The wheels can be larger or smaller depending on what the saw is used for.
Always remove the blade from the saw when you have finished cutting. The reason it is important to do this is that there is tension on the blade when it is on the saw. The cutting process will make the blade very hot. The heat has caused it to expand a little bit. The cooling process will cause it to shrink. If there is tension on the blade during cooling, it can crack or even break the blade. Be sure to wear gloves when removing it.
Always consider safety factors when you are using a metal saw blade. Any time metal spins through metal you are going to have sparks. There may be some spark guards on the vertical and horizontal saws, but they will not protect you from all of them. Wear a protective face guard or protective goggles for obvious reasons. Make sure you do not wear loose shirt leaves or a shirt with a loose shirt tail. A band saw can pull you into the blade rapidly if it catches a piece of your clothing. Be sure you have adequate Ventilation also. Even if it is cold outside be sure at least a window is open for fresh air.
Many people who have metal band saws play around and show off with them. There are reports of people cutting their nails with them. There have been stories of people cutting their hair with them even. Be prepared to see blood fly if you get into this type of showmanship. These machines are powerful and are not toys at all. Use them properly.
Using metal band saws for work or for your home projects will be a lot easier. Just follow proper operating and safety procedures while using them and they can be very helpful tools.
Be sure to visit http://metalbandsaw.org/ for loads more info on the metal cutting band saw
Tags: Metal
