Thursday, September 29, 2011

Cutting Fluid

Most industrial band saws cutting metal should be using some sort of a cutting fluid/lubricoolant. When used properly, coolant should: wash chips out of the blade's gullets, cool the "tooth" tips to reduce heat damage, and lubricate the cut to reduce heat caused by cutting friction. Using the proper fluid will prolong the life of your band saw blade. In order to ensure proper dilution, a mixing ratio is printed on each label. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available for every fluid we offer.

Cutting fluid should not be used when cutting materials that produce a powder, such as gray iron.

We carry a full line of Pure Synthetic and Semi Synthetic Coolants. We also carry Water Soluble Oils and Environmental Clean-Up products. You can check out our full line of cutting fluid at: http://www.detroitbandsaw.com/store.asp?pid=22312&catid=19886

If you are unsure which fluid you should be using, give us a call--we would be happy to help!

Keep cutting,
Joe Bandsaw

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Stripped Teeth--Problems and Solutions

Did you know that 80% of blade failure is not due to the saw blade itself? If you notice there is a section of your band saw blade with an area of very dull or missing teeth take a look at the possible causes and resolutions listed below:



Too many teeth are in the cut causing the gullets to overfill

Use a coarser tooth pitch

Too few teeth in the cut

Use a finer tooth pitch

Over penetration of teeth, causing gullets to overfill

Increase blade speed or decrease feed rate

Chips are being carried back into the cut

Adjust or replace the chip brush

Parts aren’t held securely

Use a bundle clamp or tack weld stock ends

Erratic hydraulic system

1. Check for air in the system 2. Check for low oil

Belts slip under a load

1. Check belt tension. 2. Replace belts if necessary.



If you are experiencing other problems with your blade such as: gullet cracks, weld breakage, or chip welding take a look at the "Problems and Solutions" section of our Web Site: www.detroitbandaw.com

Monday, September 19, 2011

Blade Break-In; Why it's important!

Have you ever compared your band saw blade to a freshly sharpened pencil? Let me tell you why you should. If you try to apply too much pressure to a freshly sharpened pencil tip it's probably going to break; a band saw tooth reacts the same way. Breaking in or "honing" your band saw teeth will result in longer blade life. Band speed is not what breaks down the tooth tip during the honing process, feed pressure is. To properly break in your band saw blade, reduce your feed rate by 50% for 25 sq. inches then gradually increase your feed to the normal rate. For more tips and troubleshooting help take a look at our Resource Information Library: www.detroitbandsaw.com/store.asp?pid=31009&catid=19886

Lets cut,
Joe Bandsaw