Band Saw

The bandsaw is useful for cutting stock to size and roughing out shapes. It contains a serrated blade that forms one continuous loop. The blade is stretched over two pulleys, the upper one idle, the lower one driven by a variable speed electric motor.

Selecting and Installing a Blade

There are many different types of blades that can be installed in a band saw. They vary in tooth size, tooth shape, blade material, etc. If you're unsure of what type of blade to use for a particular task, refer to a handbook or manufacturer's documentation. The material to be cut should be at least three-tooth widths in thickness. Therefore, it is often best to cut thin (1/32" - 1/16") sheets with a shear rather than with a bandsaw. Upper and lower doors open to expose the pulleys. A tensioner allows the upper pulley to be raised and lowered. Lowering the upper pulley makes it easier to install a new blade. The blade must lay properly in the upper and lower blade guides. Once the blade is in place, the tension should be set and locked. Students Should not be installing blades, please get a mentor to do this.

Operating a Band Saw

Before starting the bandsaw, you should adjust the blade guide/guard to the appropriate height. The less blade that's exposed, the safer you will be. Always set the blade guide just high enough to clear the part you're cutting.

The appropriate cutting speed varies widely for different jobs. For instance, mild steel should be cut at much slower speeds than Aluminum alloys. The Job Selector Dial may help you choose the right motor speed for your task. To adjust the blade speed the motor must be on. Motor speed can be varied with the variable speed control while motor rpm is monitored on the speed indicator dial.

The mentors will set either band saws' speed for aluminum and soft materials like wood and polycarbonate. Each Band saw will be marked wood/pc and aluminum. Students don't have to worry about adjusting blade speed on the bandsaws.

When cutting with a bandsaw, proper technique is important. Do not lean excessively into the work and keep your hands braced against the table.

Band Saw Video, Watch From 28:27 to 46:00

Quiz

1. How many teeth, at a minimum from the blade must be engaged with the material when cutting?

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

2. When cutting a sheet of material, how many hands should you use to push the material through the blade?

  • 1
  • 2

3. Who is in charge of making sure the blade speed is set on the band saw?

  • Me!
  • Mentors
  • Chuck Norris
  • Charles Barkley

4. There are separate bandsaws for different materials

  • True
  • False

5. I need to set the guard height before I turn the blade on.

  • True
  • False

6. When cutting Material, I must apply a constant downward and forward pressure to the cutting piece.

  • True
  • False

Skillset Verification

  • [ ] Adjust guard height
  • [ ] Power on/off
  • [ ] Securly hold part keeping fingers clear of blade
  • [ ] Slowly push part through blade, not too much pressure
  • [ ] Use table guide for straight cut
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