The Band saw – An Excellent Cutting Tool

One of the main power tools that metalworkers use is a metal band saw. In fact, it’s hard to fathom doing most metal cutting tasks without this machine. The cutting tool has a band that is affixed to two or three rotating wheels. Because the teeth on the blade of this type of band saw are small and evenly distributed, the band saw can provide consistent cutting action. What makes either a horizontal or vertical metal band saw ideally suited to cutting is the fact that the saw is able to grind through metal at a swift rate of speed.

Safety Considerations

However, the superior cutting action of the saw and the speed at which it operates can also pose some safety concerns when you’re operating it.

Dress with Safety in Mind if You’re Going to Use a Band saw

Needless to say, when working with a band saw or any wood or metal cutting band saw blades, you must practice certain precautions. For example, when working with a  horizontal or vertical band saw, make sure that the clothes you’re wearing, such as your shirt, does not have loose sleeves that could become tangled up in the machinery. Also, ties or bandannas can be a hazard as well. In addition, jewelry should not be worn while you’re operating any type of power saw. Therefore, never wear any loose chains or bracelets when you’re doing any wood or metal cutting.

Wear the Proper Safety Glasses

Safety goggles are also a necessity. In fact, this is an item you should always wear when you’re working with a band saw or similar piece of power equipment. A band saw’s blade is capable of moving at an exceptionally high rate of speed; therefore, it’s imperative you wear the proper safety glasses to keep any scraps of metal or splinters of wood out of your eyes. When doing any type of metal work or wood cutting, you’re apt to distribute a fairly good amount of sharp debris, even if the job takes only a short amount of time. As a result, an easy woodworking or metal cutting task can turn into a major mishap if you don’t wear any type of eye protection. Therefore, whether your woodworking or metal cutting project lasts five minutes or takes up a good part of the day, make sure you are wearing goggles.

Check for Defects

Of course, before working with your band saw, you should check for any kinds of defects. Examine the wheels, guides and blocks of the equipment before you begin to work. If you see that they need adjustment or repair, then you’ll have to maintenance the machine or replace the part before a project can proceed.

Don’t Drink and Operate any Type of Power Machinery

Also, you shouldn’t operate your band saw machine if you’ve been drinking. The blades are too sharp and the velocity created by the saw is too great to take chances in this regard.

Stay Safe

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission almost 4,000 people were injured in band saw injuries in 2003. Therefore, it’s imperative to make safety a priority when using a band saw or any kind of power machinery. Don’t become one of the statistics.

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Models of Band Saws

If you’re searching for a metal band saw for your metal cutting projects, then you’ll have to look closely at the features of the band saw you’re considering purchasing. Band saws generally come in two types of models, either the cabinet variety or ones which can be secured to a workbench. If you only use a band saw occasionally, then you’ll probably want to consider buying a smaller model saw for your projects. With a smaller saw, you can still obtain professional and quality results once you become accustomed to working with the machine. A cabinet model, though, might be preferred if you work in the metal cutting or carpentry trades.

Cutting Depth

While looking at the various kinds of band saws available, you’ll also need to investigate the metal cutting band saw blades. This is important with respect to the band saw’s cutting depth. The depth of cut of a band saw usually extends from a tabletop or counter to the cutting blade’s upper guides. A saw with a good depth of cut is able to slice through thicker pieces of stock.  At least a couple teeth on the blade must touch the piece that is being cut every time the blade is in operation. Otherwise, the teeth on the blade can be stripped.

Motor Sizes

You’ll also want to consider the size of motor for your saw. The Clarke metal cutting band saw, model BT1015A, 4 ½” Horizontal/Vertical band saw, for example, has a powerful motor and cuts steel 4 ½ inches in diameter and 6 inches square. For maximum performance, the band saw offers three speeds. The miter gauge on the saw also permits you to cut metal from 90 to 45 degrees. The safer, full blade guides are adjustable for accurate cutting as well as an extended blade life. Therefore, when you’re considering the purchase of a band saw, you’ll want to think about the size of motor you’ll need and the number of speeds. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, a standard size motor should be adequate.

Comparison Shopping

When comparing band saw models, you’ll need to question the retailer about specific features and obtain a guarantee with regards to the machine’s dependability. Make a list of the tasks you wish to accomplish when using your saw and decide how much you want to spend. With respect to size, don’t make the mistake, like many metal cutters or woodworkers, and assume that the size is a reference to the area from the blade to the frame. Blade width will also factor into what you eventually purchase as well. While very thin blades that are narrow permit you to cut intricate designs, for instance, wider saw blades allow the woodworker or metalworker to cut more flowing designs. The wider a blade you choose, then, the easier it is to cut a material in a straight line.

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A Bandsaw for the Occasional Handyman

If you only need a band saw once in a while, then probably an 8 inch metal band saw will fit your particular needs.  This type of band saw is lightweight and is made for metal crafting that is done occasionally. If you’re relying on a saw to assist you with basic cutting, then this is the type of band saw you want to pick. Make sure that your blade guides are made so they’re fully adjustable and you’ll be doing so much cutting, you’ll want to make an upgrade.

The 14-inch Band Saw

If you’re in the market for a little bigger size among wood or metal cutting band saws, then you might want to choose a 14-inch saw model. You’ll probably see a greater variety of models in this size of band saw than any other. The 14-inch saw, when used for woodworking or metal cutting, does an excellent job of making curve cuts as well as producing cuts for more intricate designs.

Note the Construction and Durability of the Saw

When considering any horizontal or vertical metal cutting band saw, you’ll also want to look at the construction. Make a note of the durability of the saw, the amount of possible repairs as well as the ease of obtaining parts for the saw you have in mind. It’s best, then, to choose a band saw whose replacement parts are readily available. You don’t want to select a saw that becomes discontinued, only to find out that you can’t locate parts when it needs repair. If you happen to pick a larger band saw, then, in most cases, you’ll also be obtaining a cast iron table with your band saw purchase. If you do buy a band saw with this kind of table, then make sure that the table also comes with brackets and supports to allow for any additional weight.

Larger Band Saws for the Professional Woodworker or Metalworker

If you work as a professional woodworker or metalworker, then, no doubt, you’ll be the most interested in buying band saws that are sized 17 inches, 19 inches, 21 inches or 24 inches. Most commercial woodworkers or metal cutters like to use the 17-inch saw because it can be purchased at a more reasonable price. All large band saws are good pieces of equipment to use for resawing as well as cutting curves into metal and wood materials. If you’re really serious about woodworking or metal cutting, the larger models are definitely the best band saws to use. These saws come with lots of added features that the smaller saws don’t feature. For example, saws come with tension release levers and a table tilt option too.

Keep the Future in Mind

To make an informed purchasing decision, think about your cutting needs now and for the future. Therefore, you’re not necessarily saving money by initially buying a smaller machine when you know and anticipate you’ll be expanding your woodworking or metal cutting operation.

Use the above information to assess your needs and determine the best approach for obtaining a band saw that is sturdy and reliable and falls within your budget.

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The Ultimate Piece of Equipment for the Metalworker

It’s exciting to purchase a metal band saw for the first time, especially if you’re serious about metal cutting as a hobby or a trade. To get optimum use out your band saw, there are metal cutting guidelines that must be followed with respect to cutting and safety.

Cutting Metal – Becoming an Expert

To operate a band saw, you need to  become well-versed in cutting the various types of metals and should know which type of metal cutting band saw blade to use. Metals can include various shapes and sizes and be used for a number of reasons. For metal cutting purposes, you may be dealing with items such as pipe, tubes, square shapes, rounds, channels and angles.  Material types may include stainless steel, carbon steel, bronze, aluminum as well as various alloys or metals.

Make Sure You Use the Right Blade

Although you may believe that the blades for all metal band saws can be used on the same kinds of metal materials, you are wrong. For example, you can’t use the same blade on stainless steel that you would on aluminum. Because stainless steel is a heavier metal, it requires a blade that is specifically designed for this purpose. Therefore, make sure that you’re using the right blade for your metal saw or you will have to pay more for it than you first bargained.

Secure Materials for Metal Cutting with a Vice

Metal blades for band saws are different than wood blades because they have smaller teeth. In addition to selecting the proper blade, you’ll also want to make sure you’re purchasing a saw that possesses the right speeds for feeding as well as cutting materials. It’s important, when using a metal saw, that you avail yourself of some type of clamp to hold the material in place while you’re cutting. Wood doesn’t necessarily have to be clamped down as you can move the wood piece through the saw without too much of a problem.

Keeping the Peace

If you don’t want to end up having a fight with your metal band saw, then it’s best to make sure you have a vise for proper cutting. Also, a horizontal or vertical metal saw requires a cooling agent to cool the blade. Because metal is cutting metal, a lot of friction, and, therefore, heat is created.

Staying Safe

Make sure you’re equipped with the proper safety accessories as well. The use of goggles and ear plugs are both necessary. A dust mask is needed too. When you’re cutting metal or wood, you’ll produce a lot of sharp debris; therefore, it’s essential you have certain safeguards in place.

Adjust the Machine and Check for Defects

Before using your machine, make sure that it is free from any mechanical defects. Check the blocks, guards and tires on your machine. Make certain that everything is properly set and that the machine is in good shape before starting any project, no matter how large or small.

Keep the above information in mind if you want a band saw that will work for you for a very long time.

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Metal Band Saw Blades

Using a metal band saw to cut metal is a whole different proposition than using a band saw for wood cutting purposes. For one thing, the metal band saw blade has smaller teeth than its wood blade counterpart. A wood band saw blade has larger teeth that are spaced out further apart. Also, when you use a band saw to cut metal, you need a vice or clamp to hold the metal in place. If you don’t have any kind of vice or support, you shouldn’t even think about using this kind of machinery. Not only will you be putting your own safety in jeopardy but you’ll be risking the safety of others. A metal band saw, given that it cuts metal at a high rate of speed, throws out a lot of sharp, metal debris. Therefore, safety must be made a priority whenever you’re using this kind of machinery.

Wear Goggles

For one thing, you should always wear goggles or the proper safety glasses before you operate the machine. As stated, you can get metal in your eyes if you don’t wear the appropriate eyewear. In addition, make sure you have hearing protection available as well. Not only does the machine produce a great deal of dust, whether you’re cutting wood or metal, it also can be quite noisy. Therefore, it’s imperative that you protect your hearing and wear earplugs or similar kinds of protection.

Preventative Measures

It’s best to implement certain measures then before you begin any project. Make certain you understand everything you read in the owner’s manual that comes with your metal cutting band saw machine. Inspect the saw for any type of damage. You should also make the proper adjustments and examine the guides, bearings and electrical plug and cord. If you find any problems, don’t use your band saw until they have been fixed. It’s also beneficial to affix a red “Do Not Use” tag on the saw when the replacement of parts or repairs are being made.

Safety Measures

When operating your band saw, wear, as stated, the proper safety gear. In addition to the appropriate eyewear and ear protection, you’ll also want to wear a dust mask. Don’t wear any loose sleeves or jewelry around the equipment. Also, don’t start a band saw with your cutting piece next to or touching the blade. Keep your fingers at least a couple inches from the blade of the saw too. Because approximately 90% of band saw accidents result in finger and hand injuries, this is a vital piece of information to know. In addition, make sure you fully shut off the band saw and wait for the blade to completely stop before cleaning the saw. Unplug the electricity or the cord before working on the machine and making adjustments. Cleaning the band saw and the surrounding area after you’re done with your project is also is helpful in making the environment more safe and secure.

Whether you are using a horizontal or vertical band saw made for cutting metal or wood, make safety key to its operation.

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