Choosing a Band Saw Blade
Cutting tube, pipe structural shapes and solid bar materials economically depends on choosing the right band saw blade. To ensure optimal performance, look for a blade with the right tooth pitch, shape, and rake for your application.
Bi-metal blades are cost-effective and resistant to wear. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has halted construction-related activities and slowed manufacturing, decreasing sales of these blades.
Carbon steel
When it comes to choosing a band saw blade, there are several factors to consider. The type of metal being cut, the machinability of the material, and the size of the blade will affect performance and cost. The type of blade should also match the saw machine and operator.
Carbon steel band saw blades are used to cut a variety of metals, including structural and aluminum. They are designed to provide high-quality cuts with a long blade life and low operating costs. In addition, they offer superior strength and a sharp edge during cutting. These blades can be cut with a lower blade speed, which helps reduce noise levels and vibration.
Other important factors to consider when selecting a band saw blade are the tooth rake angle, gullet depth, and blade width. The gullet depth and the teeth rake angle help to minimize the build-up of swarf, which can interfere with the performance of the blade. Additionally, a larger blade width is more effective in handling thicker materials.
Bandsaws with automatic power downfeed can help to eliminate the need for manual adjustments. However, if the downfeed is not automated, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the rate and pressure to ensure that the blade does not bind or overheat. In addition, it’s a good idea to periodically lubricate the blade. A lubricant will help reduce the friction between the blade and the workpiece, resulting in a smoother cut.
High-speed steel
The demand for band saw blades made from high-speed steel is projected Band saw blade steel bar to rise due to increasing manufacturing activity and investments in technology. The global market also benefits from technological advancements in these products, which have helped to improve performance and increase the lifespan of the blade.
High-speed steel band saw blades are used to cut metal and Tinplate Sheet supplier similar materials in industrial applications. These blades are crafted from a special alloy that is extremely heat-resistant and can withstand temperatures that would melt other types of metal. This allows them to be used in a variety of cutting applications, including cold cuts and interrupted cuts.
These blades are available in a variety of lengths and pitch sizes to meet different cutting requirements. In addition, they can be customized to suit a specific application by using special tooling. This customization can reduce the amount of material displaced per tooth, which helps to save money and energy.
Before you begin cutting with a new blade, it is important to perform a break-in process to ensure that the teeth are sharp and ready for use. This step involves honing the blade’s tooth tips to form a micro-fine radius. Failure to do this can result in microscopic damage to the tooth tips, reducing the blade’s life expectancy. Performing this process is essential for smooth, accurate cutting, and can help you avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Carbide tipped blades
Carbide tipped blades are designed to cut harder metals. They can be used in band saws to cut tubing, pipe and structural shapes as well as solid bar materials. They can be purchased in a wide range of widths and tooth counts. They can be cut using a variety of cutting techniques, such as kerf or chip load.
Choosing the correct blade for your material is important, especially for cutting curves. You should also choose a blade with the appropriate width for your application. A thinner blade is better suited for thicker materials and straight cuts, while a wider blade can be used to cut larger sections of material. Another factor to consider is the tooth pitch, which refers to the distance between the tip of one tooth and that of the next. This measurement is also known as the gullet or gullet depth.
Before using your new blade, it is important to break it in. A blade that is not broken in will wear more quickly and produce lower quality cuts. It is also important to use the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when operating a bandsaw, and ensure that the machine is set up correctly. This includes checking that the blade guides are properly aligned and adjusting the tracking. Finally, it is important to keep the blade sharp and properly lubricated to reduce stress on the teeth and prevent damage to the machine.
Bi-metal blades
Bi-metal blades are commonly used to cut metals and have excellent wear resistance. They have a hardened steel cutting edge that is welded to a flexible alloy steel band. They are available in a variety of tooth pitch configurations to suit various applications. The right choice of tooth pitch is critical to maximizing efficiency and blade life. For example, if you’re cutting bundles of solid material with a bi-metal saw, choose a tooth pitch that will keep at least two teeth in the material at all times. This will minimize movement and vibration.
When using a bi-metal blade, it’s important to use the correct feed rate and pressure. A high feed rate can cause the blade to burn, which reduces the blade’s lifespan. Also, it’s important to use the correct blade length. A longer blade can cause slipping and binding, which can damage the workpiece and lead to a bent blade.
It’s also essential to break in a new blade. Unless you’re using a carbide-tipped blade, it’s recommended to run the blade at half its normal speed while reducing the feed rate. Then, increase both the speed and feed force in small steps until you reach the normal cutting rate. This process honed and strengthens the cutting edges, which significantly increases band life. A blade that’s not broken in properly will wear more quickly and have lower quality cuts.
