How to choose a band saw. Wood band saws

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

The principle of operation of band saws was mastered in the nineteenth century and continues to be relevant today. Of course, modern models of such units in terms of design have little in common with the first versions, but the basic technological features remain the same. These include a saw that has the shape of a ring, with which you can make straight and curved cuts. The band saw is used in various areas, but the main ones are woodworking factories and furniture enterprises. The device with the same quality performs roughing and high-precision cuts in carpentry.

Machine design

Much in woodworking depends on the parameters of the machine itself, so its design should be considered most carefully, as well as individual components. The composition of the unit includes a C-shaped frame, upper and lower pulleys, guide elements, a saw and a working platform, an electric motor, enclosing dampers. Also, special brake mechanisms are used to instantly stop sawing, and to delay the tape forin case of its rupture, a fixing device is provided. A guide bar is used to allow the user to adjust the cutting width.

When choosing, one should also take into account the location of the idle part of the band saw relative to the direction of the workpieces - it can be left- or right-handed. Band saws differ in wood and in the design of the frame. There are welded and cast bases. However, this criterion is more significant in relation to models designed for metal processing.

Vertical or horizontal?

This classification comes from the type of location of the band saw - respectively, it is vertical and horizontal. There are also modifications with an inclined saw arrangement, but these are rare specimens for specific or complex operations. In large models with a vertical saw, movement is only allowed for the console with the working element. A small-sized vertical band saw has a different principle of operation - only the saw frame is fixed in it, and the workpiece can move. Such models can be used for different types of work - both for the piece production of wood structures, and for the production of furniture.

Horizontal representatives of band saw units are considered the most powerful. Individual representatives of this category are able to saw frozen wood and hardwoods. It is noteworthy that in Soviet times a horizontal band saw was intended exclusively forfor wood processing, although its design features are more suitable for metal.

Automatic machines

Manual versions of band saws were once popular, but modern drives have practically replaced them, so the question is only in choosing the degree of automation. Automatic band saws for wood are more often used in enterprises that mass-produce wood products. In such mechanisms, the feed is carried out automatically - with the help of a motor and a feed vice. If the sawn-off element exceeds the stroke parameters in length, then its transfer will be performed in two approaches with interception. The choice of full automation, as a rule, justifies itself if mass processing of workpieces of small length is planned.

Semi-automatic models

Versions with semi-automatic control are more often used in the harvesting woodworking industry. Among the advantages that a semi-automatic band saw has is the possibility of manipulating the saw frame and vise in the same auto mode. In the process of work, double pressure is exerted on the workpiece (from the frame and hydraulic cylinder), which allows sawing hard workpieces without external force.

Characteristics of the saw

The main element of the machine, on which almost all the quality parameters of the finished product depend. The machine itself has a greater effect on the functionality andconvenience of work. The width of the band saw blade can be from 2.5 to 5 cm, and the thickness varies from 0.9 to 1.1 mm. In some modifications, the band saw machine provides for combination with other characteristics of the saw, but for standard operations it is better to stop at one of the listed sizes. Regarding the material, it is recommended to choose carbon steel models, which, however, are considered the most common. In addition, when choosing a band saw, it is important to take into account the type of manufacture, which ultimately determines the hardness. In particular, there are canvases with uniform hardening, with a flexible and hardened back.

Feed and Sawing Speed

This indicator is not always decisive, but if the machine is chosen for production tasks, it is worth paying attention to. The speed at which the cut is made determines the efficiency of using the aggregates if it is not coordinated with the feed rates and saw blade spacing. Typically, a band saw will run at 700-900 meters per minute, which is the same as most blades that have a typical spacing. Changing the feed rate is usually aimed at improving sawing efficiency.

Operating Rules

When performing cutting operations, it is always important to keep safety in mind, but at the same time, do not forget that the main goal is to obtain a smooth and accurate cut. First, you need to fix the wood blank to minimize vibration as much as possible.working canvas. This will affect not only the convenience of work, but also increase the productivity of the entire process.

Straight-line cutting is carried out along a guide line or by means of a movable stop, and if curved sawing is performed, in accordance with the applied markings or using special mechanisms for fixing and feeding the workpiece. In automatic mode, straight line cutting with a band saw is facilitated by a removable feeder. This automatic feeder is similar in design to a bracket with complementary rollers. By manipulating this device, you can easily control the process, but if you plan to create a figured cut, then the auto-feed mechanism is removed. Obviously, serial production in this format of work is impossible or requires other auxiliary mechanisms.

Producers

The market for band saws has one feature, which is a pronounced segmentation by manufacturers, each of which occupies its own sector. In other words, there is no serious competition between models with similar characteristics. For example, the entry level is represented by the Russian enterprise Zubr, which produces quite solid machine tools with basic capabilities and a cost of 20-30 thousand rubles. Oddly enough, the Japanese brand Makita is in this class and is generally presented quite modestly - mostly budget versions of medium performance.

Those who are planning to acquire a truly efficient and multifunctional device,you should immediately turn to Metabo products. The range of this brand contains specimens with a power of up to 1,900 W and a maximum cutting depth of 28 cm. The Jet band saw machine, which is suitable for both small carpentry and large-scale factories, can rightfully be attributed to the leaders of the segment. The most powerful machines are capable of delivering up to 5,500 watts, and their cutting depth reaches 45.5 cm.

Conclusion

Equipment for complex woodworking operations is not cheap, but it allows you to cope with the work as safely and efficiently as possible. Band saws in this regard are the best solution, as they combine several important parameters at once: reliability, mobility, ease of operation and the ability to replace critical mechanisms.

It is impossible to foresee how effective a particular band saw will be in certain working conditions. Nevertheless, a detailed analysis of the characteristics, including the depth of cut, speed, saw parameters, the configuration of the feed elements, will allow you to get as close as possible to the correct solution. The rest already depends on the quality of operation of the equipment. It requires regular cleaning, checking of all fasteners and clamps, as well as preventive treatment of external functional elements.