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.
The importance of breaking in a new blade should not be under estimated. Think of a new band saw blade as if it were a knife with a new edge or a pencil with a new point. The following are a few successful ways to properly break-in bandsaw blades.
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 metal bandsaw blade Related Question:
How tight should a metal bandsaw blade be?
The blade should deflect no more than 1/4 in. A good place to begin is to tension the blade until the meter reads proper tension for the next wider blade. For example, if you’re tensioning a 3/8-in.
How should a band saw operator break in a new blade?
The same basic principle applies to bandsaw blades. Instead of jumping to using it, you need to gradually break it in by slowly increasing the feed pressure to smooth the teeth over without snapping the points off. This will result in a fine, evenly honed radius on the leading edge of each tooth.
How do you break metal?
Use a grinder to cut through large sheets of metal. A grinder is a hand-held power tool that grinds through metal rather than cutting it with a blade. Place the vertical edge of the grinder on the metal and slowly ease it (because it is grinding not cutting) through the length of metal you are cutting.
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.
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.
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 do I adjust my band saw speed?
Answer: Some models of bandsaws do provide the ability to alter the speed of the blade (usually expressed as FPM – feet per minute). The change of speed is usually accomplished by moving a drive belt to a secondary location on the pulley(s) of the drive pulley and motor pulley.
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 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.
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.
What tool can break metal?
Hacksaw. The original metal-cutting tool, the manual hacksaw, is an easy, inexpensive option for cutting through metal (and a slew of other materials). Ideal for small projects and home improvement needs, the hacksaw is typically one of the first tools a homeowner purchases, thanks to its low cost and versatility.
Can you break metal?
With the right tools and approach you can cut any metal down to size. Use your hacksaw to cut through short lengths of metal, such as screws, rods, nuts and bolts. Use your pipe cutter to cut through lengths of pipe made of steel, copper and aluminum. Use a grinder to cut through large sheets of metal.
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.
Can you cut hardened steel on a bandsaw?
Carbide band saw blades provide high wear resistance and toughness when cutting a variety of applications such as: case hardened steels, spring steels, high speed steels, nickel based alloys, case hardened steels, composite graphite, high nickel alloys, titanium, inconnel, and other exotic metals.
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.