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.
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.
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.
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.
how to break in bandsaw blade Related Question:
Should you oil a bandsaw blade?
A band saw blade is a tool. You must lubricate both sides! In both cases, we know for a fact that lubrication of the body of the band increases band life by over 30%. Applied sparingly, you can cut grade lumber with NO staining to your product.
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.
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 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.
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.
Why does my bandsaw stall?
Using a dull blade or the incorrect type of blade can cause the band saw to cut through work pieces slowly. The blade will also move slowly through the work piece if the blade is installed incorrectly. A weak drive motor can also cause the band saw to cut slowly.
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.
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 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.
How often do bandsaw blades break?
Some can last under six months, and some can last years! Some of the most important variables to consider are what you are cutting, the condition of the machine and blade, how long you are using the blade, and even how you are feeding the wood through your saw as well.
What does TPI TPM measure?
Heat hardening the workpiece material and welding chips into the gullets. What does tpi (tpm) measure? What tooth form describes wide gullets, a positive rake angle, and teeth that are evenly spaced on a narrow band? What measurement indicates the maximum size chip that can be held between blade teeth during the cut?
What is band saw used for?
A bandsaw (also written band saw) is a power saw with a long, sharp blade consisting of a continuous band of toothed metal stretched between two or more wheels to cut material. They are used principally in woodworking, metalworking, and lumbering, but may cut a variety of 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.)