I am looking at upgrading to either a jet, Kalamazoo, a Grizzly, or maybe a Roll In. I have always thought that wet saws were better for heavier fab and production type work so my opinion is skewed, but lately I have had a few people tell me that all wet saws do is rust metal. I am wondering if anyone has any experience with larger dry cut band saws and how they compare to wet cut saws. I don’t have any experience with wet saws so I can’t compare them, I can only say that i have been happy with my Ellis 1600 dry saw.
The only thing to consider when dealing with wet cutting methods is that it is far messier than dry cutting and also can sometimes damage certain materials like porcelain if you are not careful. You absolutely should not add water to a dry cutting project, try to make a curved cut, or inhale the dust that emanates from the project. If your project needs precise cuts, you should opt for a wet cutting process.
11-26-2010, 08:28 AM #9 I’d cut dry if I could, because I hate coolant mess, but blades do not last as long when cutting long sections dry, because they plug up and sooner or later, that wad comes through the kerf again, snaps a tooth out, which may or may not immediately strip 2 or 3 inches more teeth out, or bugger the whole blade. We had coolant on a saw at the old shop and the coolant will end up on the floor no-matter what you doo – unless you have a HUGE LONG drip pan. 11-26-2010, 12:16 PM #19. 11-26-2010, 09:04 PM #20 “We had coolant on a saw at the old shop and the coolant will end up on the floor no-matter what you doo – unless you have a HUGE LONG drip pan.”
Tjcrawler,I have the milwaukee dry cut saw you have listed as well as a Dayton band saw. The biggest difference is blade life and cost for replacement and sharpening. Band saw blades are cheap compaired to the blade on the milwaukee, which I have 3 blades for now, 1 in use and 1 at the sharpeners and a spare.
wet vs dry bandsaw Related Question:
Can you use a wet saw blade dry?
As a rule of thumb, most dry diamond blades can be run wet but on the other hand, you cannot use a wet diamond blade for dry cutting.
Is it better to cut concrete wet or dry?
Cleaner job site: During wet cutting, water combines with dust, creating a concrete slurry. While this minimizes dry particles in the air, it creates a mess to clean. Dry cutting creates a cleaner job site and can be combined with a dust extractor or vacuum to remove dust.
Do bandsaws need coolant?
Cutting fluids are important for metalworking bandsaws. They lubricate and cool saw blades and flush heat and swarf in the cutting zone. This extends blade life and increases the band speed the blade can be run at.
Should you wet concrete while cutting?
Step 1. Choose the type of blade you prefer to work with for the job: dry-cutting diamond or wet-cutting diamond. The former works with a circular saw or handheld cut-off saw, although you will want to wet the concrete to minimize the dust that flies while you cut.
What is the purpose of the water in a wet saw?
Similar in function to a small table saw or radial arm saw, wet tile saws use a stream of water to keep a diamond-encrusted cutting blade cool as it cuts through hard materials. This tool greatly speeds and simplifies a tile installation project.
Can you use a diamond blade dry?
For sintered diamond blades , continuous rim diamond blades are usually only for wet cutting. Most of other sintered diamond blades can be used dry. For welded diamond blades, silver brazed diamond blades cannot be used in dry cutting, while dry-use laser welded diamond blades can.
What is a concrete saw called?
A concrete saw (also known as a consaw, road saw, cut-off saw, slab saw or quick cut) is a power tool used for cutting concrete, masonry, brick, asphalt, tile, and other solid materials.
How do you mix Lenox Band Ade?
Recommend mix rate 10:1 for mild steel, 5:1 for S.S. and other difficult to cut applications. Mixes to a transparent light orange/brown color. (Note: 10:1 refers to 10 parts water to 1 part coolant.)
Can I use antifreeze as cutting fluid?
Cutting fluid, also provides high pressure lubricity–something that antifreeze doesn’t have. That being said–Go for it! Most cutters get burned up due to excessive cutting speed and lack of adequate lubrication.
Will concrete saw cut through rebar?
While it is possible to cut through concrete with rebar using diamond blades and a concrete wet cutter, it is a job that is usually best left to the pros.
Do you have to cut tile with a wet saw?
While tile cutters can only cut straight, a wet saw can create curved tiles. Wet saws can also cut harder tile materials. The diamond blade can cut the hardest varieties of tile. The wet saw is a must if you want to feel cutting glass tiles as if it was butter.
Why do you cut tile with a wet saw?
For large jobs, where many tile cuts are taking place, a tile wet saw can also be beneficial. The water in the wet saw is crucial when cutting through hard or dense tile, such as porcelain, since it keeps the blade from heating up and beginning to smoke, creating too much friction to do its job properly.
What is a wet blade?
As a user is cutting with a wet blade water is used to keep them cool during the cutting process. It also acts as a cleaning mechanism to keep fragments and dust at bay. Dry blades, on the other hand, are used in the absence of water or any other liquid.
Do you have to use water with a diamond blade?
Wet Cutting Diamond Blade Do’s Wet cutting requires continuous water flow to every side of the blade to reduce friction during operation and maintain blade life and cutting efficiency. Make sure the water flow isn’t blocked or hindered and that all fluids are at the right levels.
Can a diamond disc cut wood?
The harsh grit of the diamond blade can cut tile and masonry with straight lines. When applied to wood, however, the blades might create a rough cut, ripping apart fibers, or might make it too easy to create crooked cuts. In most cases, it is better to use a traditional steel blade for wood.