Guide To Using A Metal Band Saw
Metal band saws can make life a lot easier for those people who work in metal shops, on farms, or just around their own home. They help to cut metal in specific sizes and shapes to help in the building of sheds, storage buildings, barns, pens, etc… If a person had to cut metal with a regular hand saw, they might get a lot of exercise but the metal would probably be a bit zagged and rough on the edges. Metal band saws should be used only for cutting metal, so that the blades can be preserved. If they are used for cutting other material you may wear them out quicker. Metal band saw blades are made from carbide, solid high speed steel and several other materials. You should be sure to use the proper blade for the material you are cutting.
Depending on how you will use your metal band saw, you can either cut with a vertical band saw or a horizontal band saw. For cutting straight lines you should problably use the vertical band saw. This is a stand alone saw that is a larger piece of equipment than a horizontal saw. It has four legs typically with rubber feet to keep it from moving while you are cutting material. Do not get your hands close to the blade. Use a long metal device, at least 6 to 12 inches long to help you feed the material through when it gets close to the blade.
Horizontal band saws are hand held devices. They usually have a rubber handle to make them easy to hold. They are good for cutting straight lines, curves and other cuts. The material being cut must be tied to a cutting table so that it doesn’t move during the cutting process. The saw blade is simply pushed through the material. The saw usually shuts off automatically when it is finished. Horizontal band saws are usually hydraulically powered.
The wheels that hold the blade on the saw are the drive wheel, which is attached to the power source and the idler wheel which is loosened or tightened depending on how tight the blade needs to be. The saw can be powered hydraulically or it can be powered with an electric motor. A blade guide is used to keep the blade securely in place and to guard the blade. The wheel sizes can be larger or smaller depending on what is being cut.
When you are finished cutting the material, it is recommended that you remove the blade from the saw whether on a vertical or a horizontal band saw. The blade, even though you use coolant will be very hot. It expands just a little bit when it is hot. If you leave it on the saw while it cools, it may crack because it shrinks back to the original size. There is tension on the blade while it’s on the saw and this can damage it during cooling. Remember to wear appropriate gloves while do so.
Follow safety precautions anytime you use a metal band saw. You are going to have a large amount of sparks flying during the cutting process. Be sure that you are not cutting near flammable liquids that may explode or near other material that may catch on fire from the sparks. Wear protective eye goggles always. Wear tight fitting clothes that will not get caught in the blade of the saw. Be sure that you have adequate ventilation. Even if it is cold outside, you need to have at least a window open.
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.
To summarize, metal band saws used in the proper way can be very helpful. Simply follow proper instructions for using them and proper safety measures and your projects and work will be a lot simplier.
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Tags: Metal