Posts Tagged: Vertical Band

Metal Band Saw / Metal Cutting Band Saw Blades / Vertical Metal Band Saw — No Comments
29
Nov 09

How to Use a Metal Band Saw Correctly?

The Metal Band Saw: A Safety Review

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.

Clarke Metal Cutting Band Saw / Metal Band Saw / Metal Band Saw Blades — No Comments
29
Nov 09

Who Should Use A Metal Band Saw?

Choosing the Right Band Saw for Your Wood Cutting or Metal Cutting Needs

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.