Milwaukee 6232 Portable Band Saw

Milwaukee 6232-20 with Portaband Pro

Safety First Hazard Analysis
Injury from blade snapping, or workpiece breakage. Eye Protection Required Injury from sharp blade. Cuts / scrapes from metal chips and sharp cut edges of workpiece. Prevent drawn-in injuries. No loose clothing or gloves.

Use For	Do Not Use For
Mild Steel Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Titanium, Brass, Bronze, Copper	Hardened Steel Thin sheet/ plate Angle, Tube, or other stock that is too thin-walled to provide adequate blade engagement. Use the 3 TOOTH RULE

Operation Notes

• A Milwaukee Portable Deep Cut Band Saw is housed in an orange Portaband Pro (EZ-CUT Jig) to improve ease of use as a horizontal band saw.
• Check that your workpiece matches the machine’s blade. For safety and for blade life, it’s important to keep at least three teeth in the cut.
• Cut slowly to avoid breakage and personal injury. Do not force the tool.
• A small amount of cutting oil or cutting fluid will improve cut quality and extend the life of the blade.
• New blades are stored in the shop’s supply cabinet.

Basic Operation Instructions

1. Perform a safety check prior to use.
   • Check blade before cutting for dull or missing teeth.
   • Check for misaligned parts, and for moving parts that might bind.
   • Gas spring can be unhooked when checking alignment.
   • Metal cuts best at slow speeds. The band saw’s speed dial should be set to “1.”
2. Plug in, unhook the locking chain, and lift the handle to raise the blade.
3. Insert workpiece against the fence and secure with a clamp. If the workpiece is long enough and can be safely held by hand, hold securely.
   • Adjustable fence for 30º to 90º cuts.
   • Cut should start on a surface where the greatest number of teeth will be in contact with the workpiece. Keep the Three 3 Tooth Rule in mind.
   • Keep hands away from the cutting area and the blade.
   • Be creative with clamps found in the shop.
   • Apply a small amount of cutting oil or cutting fluid.
4. Be familiar with the operation of the Trigger Arm and Trigger Arm Release.
   • The Trigger Arm flips the band saw’s power switch to the “on” position and can lock it there. Use the Trigger Arm Release for quick release.
5. Flip the Trigger Arm to start blade rotation, then pull down on the handle to lower the blade and perform the cut.
   • Do not start saw while blade is touching the workpiece. Allow to reach full speed before performing the cut.
   • Do not bear down while cutting. The weight of the tool will supply adequate pressure for the fastest cut.
6. When done, clean the machine and workspace of debris, reattach the locking chain, and return the machine to the storage shelves.

On Blades and Blade Selection

• Blades purchased by the metal shop are for cutting metal, and therefore have a fine pitch.
• Blades are available in several “pitches” (number of teeth per inch) Blade selection depends on the size, shape, and type of material to be cut.
• This band saw requires a blade .020" thick, 1/2" wide, and 44-7/8" long.

Changing Blades

1. UNPLUG THE TOOL before removing or installing blades.
2. Release the blade tension. Turn the tension lock handle 180° counterclockwise.
3. Remove the old blade. Remove from Blade Wheels first, then from Roller Guides.
4. Install the new blade. Place blade on the Blade Wheels, then insert into the Roller Guides. Check to see that the blade lies freely within the guard channel.
   NOTE: Pay attention to the direction of the blade teeth, which need to bite into the cut. If necessary, flip the blade right side out prior to installation.
5. Turn the tension lock handle 180° clockwise to lock the position. This will secure the blade on the Blade Wheels. BE SURE THAT THE BLADE IS PROPERLY SEATED ON THE BLADE WHEELS BEFORE STARTING THE CUT.