Metal Bandsaw

BY JOSHUA PHILLIP A FEDERIS

 Bandsaw
Is a saw with a long blade that consists of a continuous band of metal with saw teeth,
stretched between two or more wheels

Band saws are mainly used in woodworking but are also very useful in metalworking
and lumbering

The saw’s main advantages include highly uniform cutting action from an evenly
distributed tooth load, and the ability to cut irregular or curved shapes like you can
work with a jigsaw, in a more controlled way
 Two Types of Metal Bandsaw
Horizontal Bandsaw Vertical Bandsaw
Horizontal Bandsaw
What is a horizontal bandsaw?
Is a type of band saw where the cutting piece stays stationary and the cutting head pivoting on
one end cuts into the part by gravity assist—hence cutting downward only

These are used to make cuts in large pieces such as bar stock or pipe to length
Parts and Function
HORIZONTAL BANDSAW
Horizontal Bandsaw | Parts and Function
▪Blade – a toothed band of flexible steel that does the actual cutting
▪Blade Arm Guide – holds the blade guide; can be adjusted
▪Blade Guide – guides the bandsaw blade to maintain straightness
▪Blade Tensioning Handwheel – adjusts the tension of the blade according to the use
▪Vise – holds the materials to be cut into position
▪Vise Handwheel – adjusts the vise in order to be loosened or tighted
▪Frame – Hold both the two wheels where the bandsaw rotates
▪Sliding Weight* – for Gravity feeding; adjusts the speed of the feed—the closer to the pivot, the
slower the feed will be
Horizontal Bandsaw | Parts and Function
▪Pivot Point – a hinge at which the frame rotates
▪Bed – is where the frame and the vise is mounted
▪Drive Wheel – the principal wheel connected to the motor that drives the bandsaw blade
▪Electric Motor – supplies the rotational mechanical movement to drive the blade
▪Chip Tray – catches the metal chips and filings from the cutting operations
▪Coolant hose – supplies coolant / lubricant in the cutting region
▪Coolant Level Gauge – indicates the amount of coolant available in the machine
 Horizontal Bandsaw | Parts and Function
▪Control Panel – the operator’s interface to control the machine (i.e. On and Off switch, Speed dial)
▪Tension Spring* / Hydraulic piston – for Hydraulic feed, controls the speed of the feed
▪Handle – where the operator holds the machine to lower its blade
 Power Source
▪AC Electric Motor (Floor-mounted)
▪ DC Electric Motor (Handheld and Battery-operated)
 Horizontal Bandsaw |
Operations and Techniques
 Horizontal Bandsaw |
Cutting Speed and Feed of Different Materials

Feet Per Minute (FPM) Feet Per Minute (FPM)

CARBON STEEL 120 - 325 'T' TOOL STEELS 65 - 130
STAINLESS STEEL 'M' TOOL STEELS 65 - 150
300 SERIES 65 - 120 'H' TOOL STEELS 90 - 190
400 SERIES 65 - 150 ALUMINUM 300 - 340
STRUCTURAL STEEL BRASS 275 - 340
UNDER 1/4*WALL 150 - 200 BRONZE 125 - 340
OVER 1/4* WALL 100 - 150 COPPER 90 - 250
 Horizontal Bandsaw |
Applications and/or Uses
Cutting metals such as bar stock or pipe to length
 Horizontal Bandsaw |
Applications and/or Uses
Making Angle cuts in metals such as bar stocks and pipes
Vertical Bandsaw
What is a vertical bandsaw?

Keeps the blade's path stationary while the workpiece is moved across it

Is usually identified as a "bandsaw machine" without using the word "vertical.“

A typical bandsaw machine is driven by an electric motor through a belt transmission which
permits adjustment of the blade speed through a range of speeds
Parts and Function
VERTICAL BANDSAW
Vertical Bandsaw | Parts and Function
(SIMILAR TO HORIZONTAL BANDSAW, the difference only in the orientation of the blade)
 Power Source
▪AC Electric Motor (Floor-mounted)
 Vertical Bandsaw |
Operations and Techniques
 Vertical Bandsaw |
Operations and Techniques
Other common vertical bandsaw operations
 Vertical Bandsaw |
Operations and Techniques
Common vertical bandsaw techniques
 Vertical Bandsaw |
Operations and Techniques
Common vertical bandsaw techniques
 Vertical Bandsaw |
Operations and Techniques
Common vertical bandsaw techniques
 Vertical Bandsaw |
Cutting Speed and Feed of Different Materials
Parts of the Blade:
 Vertical Bandsaw |
Cutting Speed and Feed of Different Materials
Parts of the Blade:
 Vertical Bandsaw |
Cutting Speed and Feed of Different Materials
BLADE PITCH SELECTION
- “TPI” units
 Vertical Bandsaw |
Cutting Speed and Feed of Different Materials
Blade Width Selection based on radii to be cut
 Vertical Bandsaw |
Cutting Speed and Feed of Different Materials
Blade Tension based on the material to be cut
 Vertical Bandsaw |
Cutting Speed and Feed of Different Materials
Recommended Cutting speed based on the type of metal to be cut
 Vertical Bandsaw |
Cutting Speed and Feed of Different Materials
Recommended Cutting speed of other metals
Sharpening of Bandsaw Blade
 Coolant and Lubricant Use
Chemicals which contain sulfur, chlorine, and phosphorous are additives that provide an
excellent lubricant through the chemical reaction of the surface of the blade.
Welding Process when Sheared or Broken
Parts of the welding set up
Welding Process when Sheared or Broken
Blade positioning and alignment before welding
Welding Process when Sheared or Broken
Defective welds in bandsaw blades
Welding Process when Sheared or Broken
Welding Process when Sheared or Broken
Grinding the weld after welding process
 Safety and Precaution
▪Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles).
▪Wear hearing protection that is suitable for the level and frequency of the noise you are exposed to in the woodworking
area.
▪Wear protective footwear when required.
▪Tie back your hair, remove jewellery, and wear fitted clothes to avoid getting caught or pulled by the moving blade.
▪Make sure all guards are in place and properly adjusted.
▪Make sure all band wheels are enclosed.
▪Make sure the wheels and blade are in good condition.
▪Make sure the blade is positioned properly on the track.
▪Adjust blade guard height to about 3 mm or 1/8 inch to 6mm or 1/4 inch above the top of the material being cut. Wider
gaps will place tension on the blade and increase the risk of breaking.
▪Ensure the blade is tracking correctly and runs freely in and against the upper and lower guide rollers.
 Safety and Precaution
▪Ensure the blade is under proper tension. A band saw equipped with automatic tension control is desirable.

▪Use band saw blades that are sharp, properly set and otherwise suitable for the job (e.g., the right tooth pitch; tooth form; blade
width).

▪Keep hands away from the line of the cut, and braced against the table.

▪Hold stock firmly and flat on the table to prevent the stock from turning and drawing your fingers against the blade.

▪Use a push stick when you remove cut pieces from between the fence and saw blade or when your hands are close to the blade.
Keep your hands on either side of the blade – not in line with the cutting line and the blade

▪Make release (relief) cuts before tight curves when doing intricate scroll-type work.

▪If you need to stop cutting, hold the material firmly and shut down the saw. Waitforthe blade to stop moving before removingthe
piece.

▪Keep the floor around a band saw clean and free of obstructions or clutter.

▪Keep the machine properly oiled and serviced.

▪Provide adequate lighting at the machine table. A light fixture with a flexible connection can provide essential lighting.
 Safety and Precaution
Blade Guard
 Safety and Precaution
Blade Tension
Safety and Precaution
Push Sticks
THANK YOU