Guide To Using A Metal Band Saw

By John Humphries

Metal band saws can make life a lot easier for those people who work in metal shops, on farms, or just around their own home. They help to cut metal in specific sizes and shapes to help in the building of sheds, storage buildings, barns, pens, etc... If a person had to cut metal with a regular hand saw, they might get a lot of exercise but the metal would probably be a bit zagged and rough on the edges. Metal band saws should be used only for cutting metal, so that the blades can be preserved. If they are used for cutting other material you may wear them out quicker. Metal band saw blades are made from carbide, solid high speed steel and several other materials. You should be sure to use the proper blade for the material you are cutting.

Metal band saws come in two types. The vertical band saw and the horizontal band saw. The vertical band saw is fixed in place. It usually has four legs with rubber tips so that they remain steady and avoid slipping during the cutting process. Usually they are used for cutting straight cuts of metal. The metal material is hand feed through the saw blade. It is best when using a vertical band saw to use a device that's about 12 inches long to help push the material into the blade as it gets closer to it to avoid getting your hands caught in the blade.

Horizontal band saws are hand held devices. They usually have a rubber handle to make them easy to hold. They are good for cutting straight lines, curves and other cuts. The material being cut must be tied to a cutting table so that it doesn't move during the cutting process. The saw blade is simply pushed through the material. The saw usually shuts off automatically when it is finished. Horizontal band saws are usually hydraulically powered.

Band saws have two larger wheels that the blade runs on. Some have larger wheels and some saws have smaller wheels. One of the wheels is a drive wheel and the other one is the idler wheel. The drive wheel is fixed and is attached to the power source. Power can be electric power or hydraulic power. The driven wheel allows for the maximum transfer of power between the saw and the motor or engine. The idler wheel can be loosened or tightened which makes the blade looser or tighter. The blades need to be securely held in place while cutting so they don't come off the wheels. A blade guide is used for this purpose.

It is recommended that you remove the blade from the saw every time you finish cutting. The blade gets very hot during the cutting process and it expands a little bit. If you leave it on the saw after you are finished it will cool down with tension being applied to it. This may cause it to break or crack, so always remove the blade for cooling. Be sure to wear protective gloves because the blade will be hot.

Safety is essential when using any type of power equipment, especially metal band saws. Be sure that the place where you are cutting does not have any flammable material nearby that can catch on fire. Also be careful need gasoline or any other material that can be ignited by the sparks that will be produced. Wear protective eye goggles. Be sure that your clothing is tight fitting so you don't get a sleave or shirt tail caught in the saw blade. Also be sure you have adequate ventilation.

If you are the type who wants to impress your friends by using the your band saw for strange things like cutting your hair or finger nails be prepared to see a lot of your own blood flowing out of your body. There have been stories of people showing off and causing extreme injury to themselves and others. These saws are not toys so use the correctly.

Using metal band saws for work or for your home projects will be a lot easier. Just follow proper operating and safety procedures while using them and they can be very helpful tools. - 30311

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