Pg 2.15 S22P/S23Pa
SECTION 2B, SAW CUTTING CONTROLS
This section has been prepared to giv
e the operator the ability to set up the saw for most cutting situations. The
saw is equipped with variable blade speed control and hydraulic feed control, as well as an extensive door chart to
guide the operator to the correct setting of these controls.
BLADE BASICS
Technology is rapidly changing all aspects of production machining. Metal cut-off 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 high technology blades. Variable pitch, bi-metal blades (like the 4/6 or 3/4 bi-metal blade supplied with the
machine) last much longer, cut faster, and more accurately than conventional carbon steel blades. In order to take
advantage of the superiority of bi-metal blades, it is critical to properly “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. (It is
also advisable to utilize a slow blade speed.)
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, accuracy, and blade life.
After “break-in”, the following six points must be closely monitored to ensure long blade life:
1. Proper blade tension should be maintained. (see Blade Changing in Section 3)
2. Generous coolant application is essential with most materials. A high quality and well mixed coolant will
extend blade life, and also increase cutting rate and quality. On those materials where coolant is
undesirable for cutting, 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.
4. The proper feed force should be chosen. (see section 2B - Saw Cutting Parameters: Step 2)
5. The proper blade speed must be selected. (see section 2B - Saw Cutting parameters: Step 4)
6. The proper feed rate must be applied. (see section 2B - Saw Cutting Parameters: Step 5)
VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL
Blade speed can be adjusted infinitely between 75 to 350 SFM (Surface Feet/Minute)
(23 to 106 m/min). Adjustment should be made only when the blade is running. Clockwise
rotation of the knob increases blade speed while counter clockwise rotation decreases
blade speed.
It is recommended to occasionally run the speed adjustor through it’s full range. This
will help in maintaining the pulley system. It is also recommended that if the same speed
is used for long periods, then a minor adjustment should be made,eg; 200 SFM should be
run at 190 or 210 SFM for part of the time. This will help in reducing wear grooves and
keep the speed adjustment smooth.
Speed adjustor