Joe Bandsaw - I saw it all

Hyd-Mech bandsaws, no lead times!

2012-02-16T10:48:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to let you know that when you were talking, I was listening. Too many times when quoting a Hyd-Mech band saw things were going smoothly until the dreaded conversation regarding lead time. Was that a pin drop I heard after telling you the saw would be ready in 17-24 weeks? We live in a world that when we want something, we want it now (guilty as charged!). In an effort to comply with the high demand of Hyd-Mech saws, Detroit Band Saw has purchased three brand new machines that are waiting and ready to be put on your shop floor.

S-20: The S-20 is Manual saw with a swing head design is ideal for use in tight working spaces. This saw is perfect for light or medium duty applications

S-20P: The S-20P is a semi-automatic miter head saw that is also perfect for light or medium duty applications. This machine has an LCD display to show: the machine mode, pieces cut, blade tension, blade speed, amperage draw of blade motor, cut duration, overall machine run time and head position.

H-14A: The H-14A is a fully automatic horizontal band saw. We purchased this machine with the following options: Hydraulic Overhead Bundling, Laser Light, and Variable Vise Pressure. The H-14A provides a 90 degree cutting angle. This machine is perfect for medium to heavy-duty applications.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like a quote, give me a call--I'd be happy to help.

Keep Cutting,

Joe Bandsaw

Cutting Fluid

2011-09-29T17:17:00.000-07:00

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

Stripped Teeth--Problems and Solutions

2011-09-20T06:42:00.000-07:00

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

Blade Break-In; Why it's important!

2011-09-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

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

Hyd-mech S20p

2011-07-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to share that our first saw purchased through an auction was a complete success! In very little time were were able to: purchase a used Hyd-Mech S-20p, fine tune it to run like new, and ship it out the door. Our customer needed a saw ASAP, we provided it. We know times are still tough and new band saws don't always fit into the company budget. Our niche at Detroit Band Saw is to create solutions to help our customers become as efficient as possible. We have the skill, the knowledge, and the options to make that happen. If we can be of any assistance give us a call 877-421-3636. Not ready to make the call? Check us out: www.detroitbandsaw.com

Lets Cut!

-Joe Bandsaw

Proper tooth pattern for faster cutting

2010-12-10T11:30:00.000-08:00

One of my customers recently contacted me for assistance in improving their steel cutting production rates. They had run up against a wall in trying to get faster cut times for some large bundles of angle, i-beam, and c-channel. Their saw was running smoothly, but the cut times were way too slow for their manufacturing demands.
I made an on-site visit to get first hand look at what was going on. They were cutting a 12" x 12" bundle of c-channel, approximatley 40 pieces in the bundle, and it was taking about 50 minutes to make the cut. That was a metal removal rate of 1.38 sq. inches per minute! No wonder they were panicked! They should be cutting around 7-10 square inches per minute!
Ok, what was the problem then....well, it all came down to proper tooth selection. They had never cut those large bundles of steel before, they were used to cutting one and two pieces at a time. When they went to a larger cross section of material, they never changed the tooth pattern. They basically had about 60 teeth in the workpiece at one time- 3x too many. I brought them a much more aggressive tooth pattern, broke the blade in for one cut, then i proceeded to cut that same bundle in 9 minutes! 50 minutes to 9 minutes- ya think they love me or what!? If you want me to improve your cutting rates, improve your production output, or help with your band saw blade life, look me up at www.detroitbandsaw.com
Stay warm,
Joe Bandsaw

Using a wood saw to cut metal

2010-09-15T10:13:00.000-07:00

Too often, a homeowner or hobbiest tries to cut metal with the wood cutting bandsaw they have. Woodworking saws typically run much faster than metalworking saws, and bimetal blades have issues when they are run too fast. Here is a perfect example of a recent situation from a future customer named Dennis:

Joe,
My saw is a Craftsman 12” band saw. It has a 1725 rpm motor. The motor pulley is a 2-1/2” dia. and the machines pulley is a 5” dia. The saw blade mounts on two 12-1/2” wheels.
The saw is mainly used for wood but on occasion I cut metal. The heaviest I’ve cut is ½” thick stainless, but that’s very rare. Usually it’s just like 1/8” steel and nickel plated steel.
When I cut the stainless, I don’t force it, I take my time.
Of course my son has used it too, so you know how that goes.
So, was the blade I was using from McMaster Carr the right one? Bimetal 6’8”L., ½” wide, .025” thk., 10-14 Tpi.
Thanks for your help,
Dennis

Yes and no. I would recommend our M42 dieband blade over the blade McMaster Carr has sold you, but yes you were using a bimetal blade and that would be the right blade. However, I think your saw is running too fast for cutting stainless and that is part of the problem you are having. I do not know for sure the speed in feet per minute based on your response, but stainless should be cut at around 100 surface feet per minute. My guess is you are cutting at a wood cutting speed, and burning up the blades prematurely.

You are probably right about the wood cutting speed. Is your M42 a better blade then the bimetal I was using? If worst comes to worst, I can change drive pulleys to metal cutting speeds and that shouldn’t really bother the wood cutting.
What do you think?
Dennis

Yes, it has a harder tooth. About 69 rockwell. If you can slow it down, it will last longer Dennis. Make a mark on the blade and count how many times it goes around in one minute. Multiply that by the length and that will give you a ballpark of how fast you are going – feet per minute. Shoot for 100 f.p.m. for stainless, 250-300 for mild steel. The harder it is, the slower you need to go. Also the cut ease lubrication stick would help as well.

Let me know if we can help you.

According to the site I sent you for calculating SFPM, my saw runs at 2,821. A little fast to say the least.

As you can see above, the reason for his inablility to cut stainless had nothing to do with the blade, but everything to do with the saw. For a complete line of metal and wood cutting bandsaws, visit www.detroitbandsaw.com
We are here to help, thank you for looking!
Joe Bandsaw

Cutting Stainless Steel at incredible speeds!

2010-05-03T07:58:00.000-07:00

I have a band saw blade that will literally cut hard materials at a rate you have never seen! In fact this bi-metal bandsaw blade just outperformed a carbide tipped bandsaw blade. When I say outperformed, I mean it cut FASTER than carbide!

Normal rates when cutting stainless steel using bimetal: 1-2 square inches per minute.
Normal rates when cutting stainless steel using carbide: 4 square inches per minute.
Rates when cutting stainless steel using new blade: 5 square inches per minute!

Now, why am I so excited about this you ask? The new optimized bimetal blade I speak of costs HALF AS MUCH as the carbide tipped blade! Not to mention, I can and did cut faster than 5 square inches per minute, but I want the blade to last as long as I can.
I can help you cut 8.5" rounds of stainless steel in 11 minutes. I can help you cut ANYTHING that is hard to cut, or you need to cut faster. Not only will I increase your production, I will save you lots of $$$$$.
Call me

- Joe Bandsaw

Sawing Fluid for cold weather

2010-04-08T13:37:00.000-07:00

As spring approaches and the weather starts to improve, I am a bit puzzled by the increased interest in sawing fluid for cold weather. Either we have a lot of customers who are preparing well in advance for the next winter, or we have many customers that weren't prepared for last winter! Either way, I have a solution to keep your coolant from freezing. Not only are a lot of people out there that have a band saw in a barn, or unheated shop - but many steel yards have saws or saw shacks set up in the middle of their lots where their steel is stored. Instead of moving the material into the facility to be cut - they just cut it where it sits. The biggest problem with that is..... how can you keep your coolant from freezing in the winter?
HURRAY!! I have the solution for you. You need to purchase Koldspot. You DO NOT mix it, just pour it into your saw and use as your cutting lubricant. It can withstand cold temperatures up to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It is specifically designed for cold weather. And I hope you dont need it for many months to come....!
-Joe Bandsaw

Band Saw Blade Tooth Recommendation

2010-03-13T11:15:00.000-08:00

FROM A NEW CUSTOMER:
"Hi. I fabricate custom Jet Ski stands out of 2" square tubing, angle & 2-1/2" angle, wall thickness varies between 1/8" - 3/16". I own the Grizzly G4030 metal bandsaw ( http://www.grizzly.com/products/6-1-2-x-9-1-2-Metal-Cutting-Bandsaw/G4030 ) It does the job fine. I do however need to purchase a great metal blade for my application & I'm hoping you can point me in the right direction. The blade size is 85"x3/4, still unclear regarding the best need of TPI, hoping you can point me in the right direction. I look forward to hearing from you & hopefully purchasing some quality metal band saw blades. Thanks, Carl Petron www.tufstands.com"

I DECIDED THAT THE A 3/4" BIMETAL M42 BAND SAW BLADE WITH A 10/14 TOOTH PATTERN WOULD WORK OUT GREAT FOR CARL. WE DISCUSSED HIS OPERATION ON THE PHONE AND VIA EMAIL.

"Joe, I appreciate your follow up call earlier today, this tells me where I'll be taking my business from here on in. Basically I own the grizzly G4030 metal bandsaw (http://www.grizzly.com/products/6-1-2-x-9-1-2-Metal-Cutting-Bandsaw/G4030 ). It's a simple bandsaw that does the job for the application I am fabricating. As per your recommendations the Bi Metal M42 (10-14 TPI) 3/4" WIDE is the best blade for my needs. I spoke to you about length and I'll require a 85" length (see Grizzly link specs). I look forward to hearing from you. I plane on purchasing well over $100 in blades & take advantage of the free shipping. Thank you sir. Carl Petron"

IF I CAN BE OF ASSISTANCE TO YOU, YOU CAN REACH ME AT www.detroitbandsaw.com
-Joe Bandsaw

Cutting bundles of A615 steel-small round bars

2010-03-09T12:26:00.000-08:00

Today I helped a customer cutting A615 rebar steel. They had 49 pieces of 1-1/4” solid round bars bundled together. We needed to help them get the fastest cutting time they could, for their production requirements are very high!
Whenever I cut small round bars in a big bundle, I know we are going to have issues stripping out the teeth on the saw blade if were not careful. Since the steel from the mill is never EXACTLY 1-1/4”, or whatever size you have ordered, the possibilities of your bars spinning during the cut are common. When the bar spins, you lose teeth on the blade-regardless of the manufacturer of the blade. To help combat this, we welded the ends of the bar together, clamped the material as tightly as we could using the band saws top and side clamps, and used wood wedges in the event a bar became loose during the cut. We tried a number of different speeds and feeds to try and find the sweet spot for his production requirements as well as trying to give him the best blade life I could. As you know, faster cuts mean less blade life. It’s a balancing act when you need both. We were able to cut his bundle of 49 pieces with 60 total square inches of material cutting at 8 minutes beautifully. We were cutting faster (around 6:30 per cut), but I felt that the increased speed and feed rate in doing that might create an opportunity for more of those spinners I spoke of earlier. As of this minute, the blade has been cutting for 2.5 days and is still going strong!
“Find me on my website www.detroitbandsaw.com”
-Joe Bandsaw

Cutting tubing in Georgia

2010-03-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

I had a really interesting phone call today from Georgia. This gentleman was looking for a band saw to cut angle iron and structural tubing. He needed to have the capabilities to mitre cut, and a saw that would last for years to come. Together we decided that we were going to solve his needs with a Hyd-Mech S20 band saw. This saw is built so much better than most other saws in its class-I know he is going to have great results. We included 6 bi-metal band saw blades as well as a 5 gallon pail of Sawzit 2000 semi-synthetic cutting fluid with the purchase.
He also needed 20’ of roller conveyor to support the material he planned on cutting. His budget really didn’t allow for that though. Our solution was to sell him the actual rollers that go on a roller conveyor, and with his new saw he was going to fabricate the legs and support stands he needed to build the roller table himself! With his new saw he just saved himself nearly $2,000 by using it to fulfill one of his immediate needs. Very cool!
“Find me on my website www.detroitbandsaw.com
-Joe Bandsaw