The Tormach AF50+ Autofeed Bandsaw is a machine designed for cutting various materials with precision and automation. This operator's manual provides comprehensive information on its safety, installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, along with detailed diagrams and parts lists.
Function Description
The AF50+ Autofeed Bandsaw is primarily used for cutting rectangular and round stock materials. Its key feature is the programmable automatic workpiece positioning, which allows for efficient and repetitive cutting operations. The machine can operate in both automatic and manual modes, offering flexibility for different tasks. In automatic mode, users can set the number of cuts and cycles, enabling unattended operation for batch processing. The autofeed mechanism ensures consistent material advancement, while the hydraulic feed lever allows for precise control over the cutting rate. The machine also incorporates a coolant system to manage heat and clear chips during cutting, enhancing blade life and cut quality.
Important Technical Specifications
- Cut Lengths: 0.157 in. to 50 in. (4 mm to 1270 mm)
- Maximum Length Per Stroke: Up to 10 in. (254 mm)
- Maximum Strokes per Part: 5
- Maximum Parts per Program: 999
- Maximum Capacity (Rectangular Stock): 6 in. tall × 8 in. wide (152 mm tall × 203 mm wide)
- Maximum Capacity (Round Stock): 7 in. (178 mm) diameter
- Material Weight: 250 lbs (113 kg), subject to air supply pressure
- Motor Power: 1 hp (0.75 kW)
- Blade Speeds (60 Hz): 90, 134, 195, 255 ft/min (27, 41, 59, 78 m/min)
- Blade Speeds (50 Hz): 70, 110, 160, 210 ft/min (22, 34, 49, 64 m/min)
- Blade Length: 93 in. (2362 mm)
- Blade Width: 0.75 in. (19 mm)
- Blade Thickness: 0.035 in. (0.9 mm)
- Coolant Capacity: 2.65 gal (10 L)
- Floor-To-Table Height: 22 in. (559 mm)
- Typical System Weight: 450 lb (205 kg)
- Primary Power: Single-Phase 115 Vac, 50/60 Hz
- Required Circuit Amperage: Dedicated 15 A breaker
- Compressed Air Source: 90 psi to 120 psi (620 kPa to 827 kPa)
- Minimum Space Requirements (Depth): 36 in. (0.91 m) plus the length of stock
- Minimum Space Requirements (Height): 67 in. (1.71 m)
- Minimum Space Requirements (Width): 60 in. (1.53 m)
Usage Features
The AF50+ Bandsaw offers several features designed for ease of use and operational efficiency:
- Control Panel: The operator panel includes buttons for Cycle Start, Coolant, Pause, Emergency Stop, and Up/Down Arrows for setting parameters. It also features a display for showing the number of cuts or indicating manual mode.
- Automatic Mode: This mode allows for setting a specific number of cuts (1 to 999) and cycles (1 to 5 strokes per part), making it ideal for repetitive tasks and maximizing productivity. The horizontal quick-adjustment nut and vertical quick-adjustment nut facilitate precise positioning of the infeed table and saw head.
- Manual Mode: For single cuts or custom operations, the manual mode provides direct control over the blade and material feed.
- Blade Selection: The manual emphasizes the importance of choosing the correct blade based on material type, size, Teeth Per Inch (TPI), tooth form, and tooth set to optimize cutting performance and blade life.
- Blade Tensioner Handles: Three blade tensioner handles are installed for easy adjustment of blade tension, indicated by a gauge on the saw head.
- Feed Rate Adjustment: A hydraulic feed lever and adjustment knob allow operators to fine-tune the cutting rate, preventing stalling or premature blade dulling.
- Clamping Pressure Adjustment: A pneumatic regulator on the gearbox enables adjustment of the clamping pressure, which is crucial for securely holding different materials.
- Coolant System: The integrated coolant system helps to cool the blade and clear chips, improving cut quality and extending blade life. The coolant screen and tank are easily accessible for maintenance.
- Safety Features: The machine includes an Emergency Stop button, pulley cover safety switch, and proximity sensors to ensure safe operation. Operators are instructed to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and follow strict safety guidelines.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and optimal performance of the AF50+ Bandsaw. The manual outlines daily, weekly, monthly, semi-annual, and annual maintenance schedules:
- Daily Maintenance: Includes cleaning the blade brush, drip pan, and drip pan grate, examining coolant level, applying rust inhibitor to exposed metal surfaces (excluding guide rails and lead screw), and verifying FRL (Filter-Regulator-Lubricator) air pressure and lubrication.
- Weekly Maintenance: Involves cleaning all exterior surfaces and examining/adjusting the blade brush contact with the blade.
- Monthly Maintenance: Requires cleaning the electrical cabinet, lubricating guide rails, and cleaning fine swarf from the coolant tank.
- Semi-Annual Maintenance: After the initial 90 days, this includes examining the motor belt for wear and lightly lubricating the vise lead screw.
- Annual Maintenance: Focuses on inspecting the gearbox for leaks.
- Gearbox Oil Replacement: Detailed instructions are provided for safely draining and refilling the gearbox oil with SAE 90 Gear Oil (ISO 220).
- Troubleshooting Guides: The manual offers extensive troubleshooting sections for common operational issues (e.g., blades breaking, dulling, losing teeth, crooked cuts, material not advancing, material slipping, noise/vibration) and motor/electrical problems (e.g., coolant pump failure, control panel errors, machine not starting, stalling). These guides provide probable causes and step-by-step solutions, often referring back to specific sections for detailed procedures.
- Mechanical Adjustments: Instructions are given for adjusting blade guides, blade tracking, blade brush, infeed table height, and vise jaws to ensure precise and efficient cutting.
- Parts Lists and Diagrams: Exploded views and comprehensive parts lists are included for the base casting, head casting, infeed table, stand, blade wheel, motor assembly, gearbox assembly, sliding blade guides, blade tensioning kit, lift cylinder assembly, and coolant system, facilitating part identification and replacement.
- Electrical and Pneumatic Schematics: Detailed schematics are provided for the machine's electrical and pneumatic systems, aiding in advanced troubleshooting and repairs.
The Tormach AF50+ Autofeed Bandsaw is a robust and versatile cutting machine, designed for both automated and manual operations, with a strong emphasis on safety and maintainability to ensure reliable performance.