Using a bandsaw blade that lasts longer while making high-quality cuts, to minimize the cost per cut directly correlates to increased productivity. The service life of a bandsaw blade and the quality of the surface finish made by the cut are not solely determined by the blade manufacturer’s product design. The process to break-in a bandsaw blade will vary depending on the characteristics of the material being cut.
Intenss™ PRO-VTH Bi-Metal Band Saw Blades from L.S. Starrett feature a uniquely designed tooth edge with variable height and set resulting in easy penetration for faster cuts when production cutting across a wide range of metals. Intenss PRO-VTH Bi-Metal Band Saw Blades from L.S. Starrett feature a uniquely designed tooth edge with variable height and set resulting in easy penetration for faster cuts when production cutting across a wide range of metals. In the context of band saw cutting operations, high efficiency and productivity means keeping the saw running.
It almost sounds contradictory-a user needs to put wear and tear on their new band saw blades to break them in so that they don’t break due to wear and tear during usage. A common frustration in the machine tool and metal fabrication industry is how fast a metal-cutting band saw can go through blades. Even when faced with critical deadlines, no responsible operator or manager would choose to not break in a new band saw blade, not when the potential costs of damaged workpieces or downtime to change out blades is factored into the equation.
how to break in a bandsaw blade Related Question:
How should a bandsaw operator break in a new blade?
Break-In Process While breaking-in a blade, have the machine running at the normal surface feet per minute. For softer materials, such as carbon steel and aluminum, adjust the feed pressure to 50 percent of the normal cutting rate for the first 50 to 100 square inches.
Should you lubricate a bandsaw blade?
Using an incorrect lubricant in your application has the potential to harm your blade, damage the material being cut and clog the machinery. Band saw blade lubricant is important, too, to getting smooth cuts. A reduction in friction means reduced vibration, smoother operation of the blade and a more consistent cut.
What is the result of breaking in a saw blade?
When you break in a blade, you wear off the sharp pointed edge on the blade teeth and form a small rounded tip. This small radius will be able to better withstand the cutting pressures of sawing and will deliver more consistent cutting results.
How long should a metal cutting bandsaw blade last?
On average your bandsaw blade should last 6 months to as long as a few years depending on what your cutting with it. Make sure to match your blade strength and quality to the project and material your cutting.
How many band saw teeth should contact the workpiece at once?
TPI is measured from gullet to gullet, not tooth tip to tooth tip – this is known as pitch. The general rule of thumb is: For wood and soft materials aim for 3 – 6 teeth in the workpiece. For metals and harder materials aim for 6 – 24 teeth in the workpiece.
Where do you lubricate a bandsaw?
For best result the blade has to be lubricated in three position. Both sides of the blade are lubricated with a standard nozzle. This requires 2 outlets from the VIP4 tool feeding 2 off 3132583 type nozzle ( see Vip4 tool brochure ). Then the third area that needs to be lubricated are the teeth of the bandsaw blade.
Why is it important to use lubricant when using the blade?
The lubrication system acts as a blade wash, removing the hairs. For many products lubricating the blade also greatly assists the cutting action and eases the passage of the blade through the extrusion. This will reduce blade wear & lessen the cutting power needed to cut the product.
What oil do you use for a bandsaw?
BAND SAW KLEENKOOL is a premium quality oil specially formulated for the unique problems associated with high speed band saws. BAND SAW KLEENKOOL is engineered to lubricate, cool, and clean residue from band saw blades.
What oil do you use to cut steel?
WD-40 and 3-In-One Oil work well on various metals. The latter has a citronella odor; if the odor offends, mineral oil and general-purpose lubricating oils work about the same. Way oil (the oil made for machine tool ways) works as a cutting oil.
What is the blade break?
All band saw blades, regardless of the manufacturer, need to be “broken in”. When new, the teeth are just too sharp. Cutting at full rate will cause fracturing of the feather edges which will lead to premature blade failure.
Why do bandsaw blades break?
Machine Defects Even the best blades can fail if there is something else wrong with your bandsaw, and even a small misalignment of bearings or guides can put a twist in the blade as it goes around. Resulting in tension being applied in all the wrong ways which will lead to early breakage.
How many times can a bandsaw blade be sharpened?
It often makes sense to replace a dull blade with a new one, but you can sometimes get the best value out of merely sharpening an old blade instead of replacing it altogether. You should typically be able to get two to three sharpenings before you need to change your blade completely.
Are bandsaw blades worth sharpening?
Since a carbide-tipped bandsaw blade will cost well over $100, spending a third of the cost of the blade (or more) to get it sharp and working like new again can make financial sense. However the majority of bandsaw blades, the Wood Slicer included, are not worth spending money to have sharpened.
How much tension should a bandsaw blade be?
For carbon steel toothed blades (cutting blades) this is typically 15,000 to 25,000 PSI. Slitting type blades typically are tensioned in the range of 12,000 to 20,000 PSI. In general bandsaw blades are never tensioned past 35,000 psi.
What speed should I run my bandsaw?
Bandsaw: Speeds. A common speed for the bandsaw is about one thousand feet per minute. Wood can effectively be cut at much higher speeds, up to and over five thousand feet per minute, but you should keep it slower because it’s safer.