
Pg 6 S23 2001d
Before any material is cut, it is necessary to have good understanding of the basics of cutting metals. Damage
to the blade and the saw it’s self as well as injury to the operator may occur if the saw is not used properly. Refer
to Section I for safety instructions. Following is the necessary information and instruction to operate this machine
properly.
BLADE BASICS
Technology is rapidly changing all aspects of production machining. Metal cutoff is no exception. The
advances made in the bandsaw blade industry have definitely brought down the cost per cut, despite the three fold
higher price of the newer technology blades. Variable pitch (see Pg 2.3), bi-metal blades (like the 5/8 or 4/6 bimetal
blade supplied with the S-20 Series II saws) last much longer, cut faster, and more accurately than the
conventional carbon steel blades. In order to take advantage of the superiority of bi-metal blades, it is critical to
property “break-in” a new blade. This is accomplished by taking two or three cuts through solid four or five inch
diameter mild steel at an extremely slow feed rate. These two or three slow cuts sufficiently lap (polish) the new
blade so that it does not snag the material being cut. Proper break-in will alleviate blade vibration, improve surface
finish and accuracy, and improve expected blade life.
1. A new blade must be properly "broken-in". Proper break-in will alleviate blade vibration, improve surface
finish and accuracy, and extend blade life. The most convenient way to do this is to cut the intended work-
piece, at the standard recommended blade speed for that material, but with the feed rate reduced to about 25%
of normal. Near the end of the first cut, increase the feed rate again, and once again when the blade
approaches the end of the second cut. Keep increasing feed rate in this fashion, so that normal feed rate is
reached after 100 to 120 sq. inches of cutting.
2. Generous coolant application is essential with almost all materials. A high quality and well mixed
coolant will dramatically extend blade life, and will increase cutting rate and surface finish. On those few
materials where coolant is undesirable, a slight coolant flow or periodic oiling of the blade is necessary to
prevent the blade from being scored by the carbide guides.
3. The stock being cut must be securely clamped in the vises. Stock movement during cutting will strip
blade teeth. Noticeable stock vibration reduces cutting performance and blade life - consideration should be
given to reorientation of the stock, or additional clamping measures (e.g. wood between vise jaws and work-
piece).
4. The proper blade speed for the work-
piece material must be selected.
Use the following chart as a starting point.
- Blade speeds higher than recommended
will quickly dull the blade. Blue chips are
evidence of excessive blade speed.
- Lower than recommended speeds will
not prolong blade life, and will require reduced
feed rate - but reduced speeds may be helpful
in reducing vibration, and will increase blade
life in that case.
5. The proper feed rate must be applied.
Feed Rate is the speed which the head "free-
falls", and is set with the feed rate control
knob. The head will descend more slowly
when the blade encounters the work-piece but
the force of the blade on the work will not be
changed unless the setting is changed.
Verification of proper feed rate is provided by the appearance of the cut chips which ideally form nicely curled
"clock springs". (Note that cast irons, and interrupted cuts result in short, broken chips even at ideal feed rates).
- Excessive feed rate will result in short blade life and/or crooked cuts.
(
140, 220140, 220
140, 220140, 220
140, 220
140, 220140, 220
140, 220140, 220
140, 220
90, 14090, 140
90, 14090, 140
90, 140
140, 220140, 220
140, 220140, 220
140, 220
90, 14090, 140
90, 14090, 140
90, 140
140, 220140, 220
140, 220140, 220
140, 220
310310
310310
310
( in SFM )( in SFM )
( in SFM )( in SFM )
( in SFM )