Increasing the Lifespan of My Band Saw Blade
The band saw blades are powerful tools for cutting metal and wood into specific pieces. They are economical, user-friendly, and reliable machines. Unfortunately, these blades don’t last forever. Sooner or later, you must buy a new blade to replace the worn-out one. However, before you purchase a new blade, there are many things you can do to ensure your current blade remains efficient and serves you for the longest time possible. The following are ways you can increase the life of your band saw blade.
- Pick the Right Blade
It is also essential to pick the correct saw blade for efficient and clean cutting, like choosing a knife for cutting your meat. Bandsaw blades are made of different types depending on their application. Therefore, the best way to pick the correct blade is to understand how the machine work and the material you are working on. Band saw machines have specific blade size requirements. So, knowing the appropriate size for your device can make your search easier. Make sure you also choose a rigid blade. Hard and thick blades produce smoother and straighter cuts, while soft ones may not give quality cuts. Other factors, like the gap between the teeth, can also impact how fine or rough your cuts will be. Therefore, consider these to confirm you picked the correct blade for your band saw.
- Apply Proper Maintenance
Proper maintenance is the ultimate solution to extending your blade’s life like any other machine. The manufacturers provide basic guidelines to ensure adequate maintenance of the device. For instance, frequent checking of the hydraulic fluid is essential to ensure proper lubrication. Using a coolant is also necessary to reduce excess heat produced during operation. It is also advisable to regularly remove chips from the wheel to ensure it runs freely. The blades must also be inspected periodically to confirm proper alignment.
- Set the Right Speed
Another way to prolong the lifespan of your band saw blade is to set the right speed. Ensure the speed is always at the correct rate during operation since it determines the pressure you must apply to the material. Even though a high speed can help achieve quicker and cleaner cuts, the rate can be affected by the material you are cutting and the heat produced during operation.
- Read the Chips
The chips produced can tell if you have chosen the right blade and set it at the right speed. You can adjust to the right balance by reading and monitoring the chips to achieve perfect results. This not only improves productivity but the machine’s life too. When reading the chips, look at color, shape, and thickness. The color of the chips must be the same as that of the material. A color change could mean the speed rate is too high and the material has been affected by excessive heat. The chips should also look curled with a medium thickness.
- Check Coolant Concentration
The coolant concentration should also remain balanced. A low concentration can cause corrosion, poor finish, and bacteria growth. Therefore, confirming that the coolant is at the right concentration is advisable.
Conclusion
Different types of band saw blades are used for other materials and applications. Therefore, understanding your blades and the entire machine’s operation is vital to help apply the tips mentioned above. They will help prolong the lifespan of the blade and increase its efficiency.