How to choose a band saw. Wood Band Saws

The principle of the band saw machines was mastered in the nineteenth century and today it continues to be relevant. Of course, modern models of such units in the structural plan have little in common with the first versions, but the basic technological features remain the same. These include a saw, which has the form of a ring, with which you can perform straight and curved cuts. The band saw is used in different areas, but the main are woodworking factories and furniture enterprises. The device with the same quality carries out roughing and produces precision cuts in carpentry.

Machine construction

Much of the processing of wood depends on the parameters of the machine itself, so its design should be considered most carefully, as well as individual components. The structure of the unit includes a C-shaped frame, upper and lower pulleys, guiding elements, saw and working platform, electric motor, enclosing flaps. Also, for special stopping of sawing, special brake mechanisms are used, and for the delay of the tape in the event of a rupture, a fixing device is provided. In order for the user to adjust the width of the cut, a guide ruler is used.

When choosing, one should also take into account the position of the blank part of the band saw with respect to the direction of the workpieces - it can be left or right. Divided band saws for wood and in the structural design of the frame. There are welded and cast foundations. However, this criterion is more significant with respect to models intended for metal processing.

Vertical or horizontal?

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

Horizontal representatives of band saw units are considered to be the most powerful. Some representatives of this category are able to saw frozen wood and hard rock. It is noteworthy that in the Soviet era the horizontal band saw was intended exclusively for wood processing, although its structural features are more suitable for metal.

Automatic machines

Once popular and manual versions of band saws, but modern drives have almost 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 serially produce wood products. In such mechanisms, the feed is carried out automatically - with the help of an engine and a feeder clamp. If the sawn-off element is longer than the stroke parameters, its transfer will be performed in two approaches with interception. The choice of full automation, as a rule, justifies itself, if mass processing of short lengths is planned.

Semi-automatic models

Versions with semi-automatic control are more often used in the procurement woodworking industry. Among the advantages that the band saw semiautomatic machine has, it is noted that it is possible to manipulate the saw frame and vice in the same auto mode. In the process of working on the workpiece is a double pressure (from the frame and hydraulic cylinder), which allows you to saw solid workpieces without external force.

Saw characteristics

The main element of the machine, on which almost all the quality parameters of the finished product depend. The machine itself has a greater impact on the functionality and convenience 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 alignment 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 models from carbon steel, which, however, are considered the most common. In addition, in choosing a band saw it is important to consider the type of fabrication, which will eventually determine the hardness. In particular, there are webs with uniform hardening, with a flexible and hardened back.

Feeding and sawing speed

Not always this indicator becomes decisive, but if the machine is chosen for production tasks, it is worth paying attention to. The speed at which the saw is performed determines the efficiency of the use of the aggregates in the event that it is not coordinated with the feed rate and the interdental intervals of the saw. As a rule, the band saw works at a speed of 700-900 meters per minute, which corresponds to the majority of canvases having a typical interdental distance. The change in feed rate, as a rule, aims to improve the efficiency of sawing.

Rules of operation

When performing cutting operations, it is always important to remember safety, but do not forget that the main goal is to get a smooth and accurate cut. First, you need to fix the wood preform to minimize vibration of the working cloth. This will not only affect the usability of the work, but will also increase the productivity of the entire process.

Straight cutting is carried out along the guide line or by means of a movable stop, and if curvilinear cutting is performed - in accordance with the marked markings or with the help of special mechanisms for fixing and feeding the workpiece. In automatic mode, straight cutting with a band saw is facilitated by a removable feeder. This automatic document feeder resembles a bracket with its complementary rollers. Manipulating this device you can easily control the process, but if you plan to create a figured cut, the mechanism of the automatic feeder is removed. Obviously, serial production in this format is impossible or requires other support mechanisms.

Manufacturers

The market of band saw machines has one feature, which consists in a pronounced segmentation by producers, each of which occupies its sector. In other words, there is no serious competition between similar models in terms of characteristics. For example, the initial level is represented by the Russian company Zubr, which produces quite solid machines with basic capabilities and costs 20-30 thousand rubles. Ironically, the Japanese brand Makita is in this class and in general is presented quite modestly - mostly budget versions of average performance.

Those who plan to acquire a truly effective and multifunctional device, it's worth to turn to Metabo products. The assortment of this brand contains copies of up to 1,900 watts and a maximum cutting depth of 28 cm. The leaders of the same segment can rightly be referred to as the band saw Jet, which is suitable for small carpentry and for large-scale factories. The most powerful machines are capable of providing up to 5,500 watts, and the depth of their cutting reaches 45.5 cm.

Conclusion

The equipment for performing complex operations on wood processing costs not cheap, but it allows you to cope with work as safely and qualitatively as possible. Band saws in this regard are the optimal solution, since they combine several important parameters: reliability, mobility, ease of operation and the possibility of replacing critical mechanisms.

It is impossible to foresee in advance how effective a particular band saw is in certain working conditions. Nevertheless, a detailed analysis of the characteristics, among which the depth of cut, speed, parameters of the saw, the configuration of the feeding elements, will make it possible to get as close as possible to the correct solution. The rest depends on the quality of the equipment. It requires regular cleaning, checking of all fastenings and clamps, as well as preventive treatment of external functional elements.