Category:Vertical Band Saws -- Metal Cutting

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Warning Safety glasses Eye protection required!



Metal-Cutting Vertical Band Saws
The Palmgren band saw in the Machine Shop
General Info
Make various
Model
Serial
Specs
Manual
Asylum Info
Location Machine Shop
Rubric N/A
Training
Testing Tool testing
Restrictions red


Use For Do Not Use For
  • Metals
  • Mild steel, Alloy steel, Stainless steel
  • Aluminum, Brass, Copper Alloys
  • Plastics such at PMMA and polypropylene
  • Wood
  • Graphite
  • Fiber Composites
  • Any materials with abrasive additives.
  • Flammable or toxic materials

Description

The cutting blade in a band saw is a continuous loop that travels through the machine on pulleys. In a vertical band saw, the blade travels vertically through a slot in a table, and workpieces are hand-fed through the blade to make a cut.

A metal-cutting band saw uses blades that resemble a hack-saw. They are different from a wood-cutting saw.

Band saw parts
Parts of a typical band saw.

Three-Tooth Rule

There should be a minimum of THREE TEETH of the saw blade engaged in a cut. If there are too few teeth in the cut, the advancing stock can catch too much of a blade tooth and shear it off. Teeth can be ejected into the user's face. In a less severe case the blade may be stalled.

Warning Safety glasses Eye protection required!


Safety

Personal

  • Wear safety goggles. Eyeglasses are NOT safety goggles.
Flying debris hazard.png
  • Wear closed-toe shoes.
  • Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry when operating the machine. Long hair must be tied back or covered.
  • Do not wear gloves. Gloves can be drawn into a cut by the moving blade.
  • Keep fingers away from the line of cut. Use a push-stick or fixture
  • Do not remove chips from the cutting area with bare hands. Use a chip brush.
  • Always keep a secure, stable stance. Avoid over-reaching. Clean up oil spills immediately and avoid slipping. Keep the work area clear of trip hazards.

Machine

  • Make sure all guards and covers are in place
  • Lower the blade guard to within 3/8" of the highest point on the workpiece.
  • Always stay at the machine while it is running.
  • Keep the workpiece flat against the table and hold firmly. Irregular stock risks jamming the blade.
  • When cutting round stock, clamp it securely in a vise to prevent it from rolling on the blade.
  • Use cutting oil.
  • Do not operate the machine if any unusual or excessive heat, noise, smoke, or vibration occurs.
  • Make sure the blade has come to a complete stop before removing the workpiece from a partial cut.
  • Do not allow loose tools or piles of chips to accumulate on the machine.
  • Always use sharp blades that are in good condition.

Pages in category "Vertical Band Saws -- Metal Cutting"

The following 2 pages are in this category, out of 2 total.