Horizontal Bandsaw Introduction
This page is INCOMPLETE and still missing some important information before it can be used as a resource. Please use the "Discussion" feature above or talk to one of the tutors if you would like to help improve it. Thanks!
This is the content required for an introduction to our Horizontal Bandsaw - reading this does NOT replace the mandatory session with a tutor! It will make it a lot quicker though ;-)
If you need this Introduction, please reach out to the following tutors: Johannes
Let's begin! First off, make sure you have read the machine's manual (see respective "InfoBox" on the machine page).
Safety
| Dangers | Precautions |
|---|---|
 |
|
| sharp, quickly moving blade that is only held in place by its own tension |
|
| loose workpieces may buckle sideways and can be thrown at high speeds | you MUST ensure the workpiece is properly secured (touching the table and clamped tight in the vise) before turning the machine on |
| small splinters can fly towards the operator | wear goggles |
| chips created by the machine can be sharp | you MUST NOT remove chips by hand. Use a chip hook or a brush instead |
| hardened steel may break the blade | you MUST NOT attempt to cut hardened steel. If you are uncertain, test whether a file can bite into the material (=non-hardened) |
 |
if the power has been lost for whatever reason, always turn the switch "off" before restoring it! |
Suggested Reading
Besides these safety notes, you should know about the different types of bandsaw blades in order to pick the proper one for your project.
Proper speed (and thereby feedrate) calculation can be a science in itself, but leads to the best cut quality and optimal efficieny. Here are some resources to get started (1 fpm is about 0.3 m/min):
- "What Speed Should I Run My Metal Bandsaw" by The Habit of Woodworking - simplified for beginners
- "Band Saw Blade and Feed Chart" by SawBlade.com - includes material thickness and blade material as factors
Other useful links:
Demonstration
The tutor will show you the following in detail:
- check proper adjustment of the blade with the bandsaw jig
- if adjustments are necessary, refer to the corresponding section on the machine page - if anything is unclear, ask a tutor for help before you change anything!
- belt-based speed selection
- rule of thumb: softer/thinner workpiece = faster, harder/thicker workpiece = slower
- common material/speed combinations: up to 90 m/min for soft metals like aluminum, copper and brass; 30-90 m/min for steel depending on thickness; 10-30 m/min for stainless steel [1]
- for best results, see #Suggested Reading to go beyond rules of thumb and really start calculating ;-)
- Securing the workpiece on the machine
- adjust upper guide to just clear workpiece
- make sure the vice doesn't hit any part of the moving bandsaw, otherwise it won't complete the cut
- if possible, position the workpiece in a way that reduces "flat" sections that are parallel to the blade (e.g., an angle iron cuts much better as a Λ than an L) [2]
- adjust the downward force
- start with a "floating" saw and slowly release spring tension during the cut until you see nice chips (use just as much force as necessary!)
- Turn on the machine
- Turn the machine off after usage or in case something goes wrong
- Clean up
- remember to return the machine to townward position so there is no risk of tipping it over!
- when moving the saw make sure to hold both the upper and lower parts or it might tip over.
Waiting List
This introduction takes longer than many others and usually can't be done spontaneously during regular opening times. If you would like to receive it, please add yourself to >> this list << and we will find a good time once a few members are on it!
