What Is a Horizontal Band Saw
A Band Saw (also written Bandsaw) is a power saw with a long, sharp blade consisting of a continuous band of toothed metal stretched between two or more wheels to cut material. They are used principally in woodworking, metalworking, and lumbering, but may cut a variety of materials. Band Saws dedicated to industrial metal-cutting use, such as for structural steel in fabrication shops and bar stock in machine shops, are available in vertical and horizontal designs.
Metal-cutting Band Saws are usually equipped with brushes or brush wheels to prevent chips from becoming stuck in between the blade’s teeth. Systems that cool the blade with cutting fluid are common equipment on metal-cutting bandsaws. The coolant washes away the swarf and keeps the blade cool and lubricated.
Operation and Applications of Horizontal Band Saws
Manual Band Saws are the most basic type of horizontal bandsaws. While gravity is often what feeds a Band Saw blade down into a workpiece while cutting, some force is needed to lift the saw’s head back again. A Manual Bandsaw requires the operator to physically lift the head after each cut. Manual Bandsaws are almost always pivot-style saws, meaning their heads are hinged at one side and come down at an angle like a paper cutter. The operator then lifts the saw head back up once the cut has been made.
Semi-automatic Horizontal Band Saws utilize hydraulic pistons to raise and lower their heads, saving operators the physical stress of having to raise the head back up after the completion of the cut. Ideal for the fabricator who only needs to make a few cuts in a workpiece, semi-auto saws are often designed to complete other tasks in the cutting operation at the flip of a switch, such as clamping the material, starting the blade, running the coolant, and beginning the downstroke at a specific feed rate. The operator must manually reposition the material for the next cut, but most other operations are automatic.
Where a Semi-automatic Band Saw will make a single cut, raise the head back up, and then stop, an Automatic Band Saw will just keep working, even if the operator walks off. Following a set program, the saw will automatically feed material into position and then continue to make cuts. It only stops when the program is complete, the material runs out, or if the blade happens to break (which is automatically detected by the machine).
Cost-Efficiency Benefits of Horizontal Band Saws
There are many advantages to using a Band Saw. They include creating the precise cut you need, and minimizing your waste; Most models can cut through bundles of material saving time and labor. You can set up a Band Saw, start cutting with it, and walk away knowing that the Band Saw will stop running once the cut is completed. Not all models should be left unattended but the capability is there.
Safety Measures and Maintenance Tips for Horizontal Band Saws
As with all shop tools, there are many potential hazards associated with the use of Horizontal Band Saws. Crushing or pinch points on the downward swing of the cutting head—the fast-moving cutting blade/band could quickly remove fingers and the sharp edges that are created by the cutting action could cut your hands and fingers.
- Always use shop-specific PPE: Safety Glasses and Hearing Protection are mandatory;
- Wear gloves only when handling material before and after cutting.
- Understand and follow manufacturer operating procedures.
- Always make sure all guards are in place and adjusted properly.
- Do not get close to the Band Saw wheels while in operation and never wear loose clothing near a running Band Saw.
- Always evaluate the material type and appropriateness of the saw, saw blade, and cutting speed.
- Do not try to overload the Band Saw or cut material type and thickness that are over the capacity of the Band Saw.
- If the Band Saw is equipped with a coolant system, make sure it is operating as per the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines.
The maintenance of a Horizontal Band Saw in addition to safety measures will always ensure your confidence in the machine’s operating proficiency.
Some Maintenance Tips for Horizontal Band Saws
While the Band Saw is off:
- Look for damage, missing guards, and blade condition.
- Look for missing teeth.
- Inspect the work area and remove any obstructions and trip hazards.
- Adjust guides, guards, and cutting heads if required for proper clearances and support.
- Adjust and set cutting angle(s) for the workpiece.
While the Band Saw is on:
- Listen for unusual and unsteady sounds.
- If clicking or ticking is heard, shut down the saw and try to find where the issue is coming from.
- Turn on and adjust the cutting oil flow if required.
- Adjust the cutting head lowering speed.
- Let the blade reach full speed before attempting the cut.
- Allow the blade to come to a complete stop before releasing the vice and before adjusting/advancing the workpiece.
- Clean up the saw and work area for the next use.
