The Metal Band Saw: Cutting Metal

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.