About Metalworking Band Saws

Metal working could not be possible without the metalworking band saw. This type of saw enables metalworkers to cut through metal material with ease. Band saws come in a wide variety of sizes and types. In addition to the variety of types and models, the price of a band saw also varies, depending on different factors. Properly operating and using a band saw to cut metal is sometimes considered a sort of art form because of the level of difficulty associated with cutting metal with the band saw.

identification

A band saw can be either vertical or horizontal in design and come in either manually operated or fully automatic versions. A band saw has a blade that is made up of a continuous metal band, which has teeth along one of the edges. On a vertical machine, the metal is fed into the cutting edge. The metalworking band saw can be used to cut a variety of shapes, including curved or irregular shapes, and of course, straight edges.

Function

When in use, the metalworking band saw has a continuous flow of liquid, usually water, over the blade, which acts as a coolant when in use. In addition, the liquid also acts as a lubricant and helps to prevents smearing or encrustation from affecting the blade. This, in turn, will prolong the blade's life and make the cutting accuracy that much more effective. The band saw is usually used to cut metal for use in projects. For example, you can cut pieces of metal that would be used in building a motorcycle or rebuilding a vehicle's engine.

Types

Band saws come in different sizes as well as types. There is the vertical band saw that can come equipped with a single-phase motor, as well as three different blade choices, which automatically shuts itself off after it cuts metal. This type of saw typically comes equipped with a vertical worktable and a blade made of carbon steel. Price range is anywhere from $400 to $6,000 for this type of saw. The horizontal band saw is equipped with the same options as the vertical band saw, however, it features a horizontal table instead of a vertical table. The price range for this saw is anywhere from $300 to $5,500, depending on size and features. Horizontal saws come in various sizes ranging from 10 inch to 13 inch saws, while vertical saws range in size from 14 to 20 inches.

Technological advancements

In the past several years, band saws have become more technologically advanced, creating a much smoother cut, as well as making the saws more user friendly, not to mention easier to use. Computer controls are just one of the examples of how far metalworking band saws have come. The computer controls allow the user to set the saw's pressure controls as well as cutting feed. This in turn increases the life of the blade as well as speeds up productions rates, resulting in quicker, more precise cuts.

Warning

Never use a metal working band saw if you have not been properly trained. Any saw can be dangerous, however, it takes a specially trained hand to be able to operate a metal working band saw safely and successfully. If there are small children in the area where the saw is kept, make sure to keep them away from the saw, as curiosity can sometimes lead them to want to try to operate it.