How to Use Metal Band Saws Correctly?
December 18th, 2009 by John HumphriesMetal band saws are used for a lot different purposes, the most common obviously is for cutting various types of metal. People use them for cutting other types of material but they should be used only on metal. If you use a metal band saw to cut other material aside from metal you could possibly damage the blades. The teeth on a blade for cutting metal are small and close together. This allows for more precise cutting. Bladed used to cut wood on the other hand have big teeth that are much further apart. Carbide tipped saw blades are used to cut extrusions, solids, aluminum, brass, copper and bronze. Friction and hot saw blades are used for cutting steel tubes, decking material and angel cuts. Solid high speed steel blades are used for cutting stronger metals.
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.
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.
Band saws have two larger wheels that the blade runs on. Some have larger wheels and some saws have smaller wheels. One of the wheels is a drive wheel and the other one is the idler wheel. The drive wheel is fixed and is attached to the power source. Power can be electric power or hydraulic power. The driven wheel allows for the maximum transfer of power between the saw and the motor or engine. The idler wheel can be loosened or tightened which makes the blade looser or tighter. The blades need to be securely held in place while cutting so they don't come off the wheels. A blade guide is used for this purpose.
It is recommended that you remove the blade from the saw every time you finish cutting. The blade gets very hot during the cutting process and it expands a little bit. If you leave it on the saw after you are finished it will cool down with tension being applied to it. This may cause it to break or crack, so always remove the blade for cooling. Be sure to wear protective gloves because the blade will be hot.
Safety is essential when using any type of power equipment, especially metal band saws. Be sure that the place where you are cutting does not have any flammable material nearby that can catch on fire. Also be careful need gasoline or any other material that can be ignited by the sparks that will be produced. Wear protective eye goggles. Be sure that your clothing is tight fitting so you don't get a sleave or shirt tail caught in the saw blade. Also be sure you have adequate ventilation.
Power tools are not toys. There have been a lot of stories of people using band saws to show off in from of their friends and ending up with serious injuries. You can easily have a hand or fingers cut off. Use the tools are they were intended only.
In conclusion, metal band saws are very useful for those who need to cut metal material for whatever reason. If you follow the proper instructions and processes when you do use them they can help to make your work and your handy man projects go a lot smoother.
Be sure to check out to read up loads more on
