A band saw can easily be a game changer for any woodworking task. It is best for cutting different irregular shapes. Not only woods, band saw is equally capable of cutting other materials like metals, with ease and equal perfection. From resawing to make bent laminations, all your creative ideas will get the shapes while a band saw is an integral part of your workshop. But, all these can only be possible when the tool will be in better working condition.
For the best functionality of the tool, regular maintenance is a must. Not only few selective parts, but the entire tool needs to be maintained regularly. A well-maintained tool assures better and efficient cuts along with the safety of the workers. Here, you will get to know, how to take better care of your exclusive band saw.
Regular maintenance of the saw blade
Regular maintenance of the tool does not mean the maintenance of the blades only. While operating the tool, breakdown of the belt is equal to breaking of the blades, because in both cases, you are unable to continue the operation. So, equal treatment is compulsory for each part of the tool.
- When we are talking about the band saw, it’s the saw blade which plays the key role in cutting. This exclusive part needs, exclusive treatment too. The blades remain sharp while in new condition, but regular hard work snatch away the sharpness, if not maintained carefully. Break-in action is needed to keep the blades in better condition. To do so, reduce the speed to the half of normal and reduce the feed quantity too, now cut about 50 square inches of the material. It will make the blades more durable by cutting down the extra sharpness of the blades.
- After each blade change, check the blade tension according to the recommendation of the manufacture.
- Use cutting fluids while working with the blades, it will keep the blades cool and will not let the chips stuck in the teeth. Eventually, the blades will remain in good condition.
- Check the fluid levels of your band saw regularly for avoiding internal damage. Hydraulic oil and filter need to be changed periodically for smooth running of the saw.
- It is extremely important to release the blade tension after each use. When working with the saw, the blades heats up and expand, but after cooling off they shrink and this is when tiny cracks can appear on the blades if it remains under tension. So, this part is inevitable for a saw worker to stop the cracking of the blades.
- Sharpening the blades is really important for precise cuts. To do so, turn off the band saw and gently rub the sharpening stone on the both sides of the blades.
- Chip brushes though very small, but play the key role in the proper functioning of the band saw. For it’s small size though it mostly overlooked by the user, but taking care of this part will stop the premature loss of the blades.
- The alignment of the band wheel is equally important for better cut and the premature failure of the blades. so, check the alignment of the band wheel regularly.
- Band breakage is a common problem that a saw worker generally confronts while cutting with the band saw. The main reason behind this, the aging of the blades if not the over stressing of the blades. To avoid band breakage, using thinner band is always recommendable.
- Faulty blades result in crooked cuts. Replace the damaged blades for the smooth, precise cuts. Faulty blades are similarly dangerous for the safety of the workers, so replace them as soon as it is noticed.
- Keep the wheel covers shut while the saw is running, for your own safety.
Conclusion
If not the very first one, but a band saw should be in the list of the first set of tools of the workshop. Its versatility, but unique use will amaze the saw worker. The blades of the saw are extremely sharp, therefore, wearing protective equipments is compulsory for the workers, especially the safety gloves and ear plugs. Have a good grip on the handles and never let your fingers come on the path of the saw. Though the sharpen blades are perfect for better cuts, but it’s risky if not handled carefully.