By: Arthur Cooper
Submitted: 2011-05-15 08:41:04 | Word Count: 664
A Powermatic band saw is a tool used to cut a number of objects. There is a blade with a continuous band of metal with teeth used to achieve a cut. The larger band saws sit on the floor and the smaller ones only require a work bench. Band saws usually have two wheels that rotate on the same plane. There are smaller band saws that are known to have three wheels. Some of these saws are powered by water, wind, steam, gas, animal power or electrical motor.
Band sawing is most often used for woodworking or metalworking. Many people opt to use band saws, as oppose to other cutting tools, to cut irregular shapes. Curves are also efficiently cut with the band saw. The width and lateral flexibility of the band determine the radius of a curve that can be cut by the saw.
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When switching between materials to cut, be sure that you are using the most appropriate band saw blade. Changing and tuning your blades will help the saw operate at its highest ability. If you are cutting wood, a regular tooth blade will be most suitable. If you are cutting hard wood, try using a hooked tooth blade. Soft wood usually requires a skip tooth blade. Hardened blades are used to cut through metal. These types of blades come in a variety of shapes, sizes and material. Blade widths can be as large as three quarters of an inch and as small as an eighth of an inch. If you are looking to cut round pieces you should use a thin blade that is also flexible. For straight lines, a wide blade is always best.
Band saws come in horizontal or vertical designs. Horizontal band saws most often have a gravity fed blade or it may be controlled by a hydraulic cylinder bleeding through an adjustable valve. You raise the saw, clamp the material to be cut in place and the saw descends through the material. After a cut, the Powermatic band saw automatically shuts off. Band speeds range from 40 feet per minute to 5,000 feet per minute. You can expect increase production and better blade life with the developments of new tooth pitches and new tooth geometries.
If you are looking to rip lumber you may want to work with a larger band saw instead of a circular saw. Blades on larger saws can range from 4" wide x 19" long x 22 ga thickness to 16" wide x 62" long x 11 ga thickness. In most cases the blades are mounted on wheels and flex when the blade changes from a circular to a straight position. Large band saws need benching. This is a deformation that is worked into the saw for counteracting the heating and forces of operation.
Machinery Values has a selection of Powermatic band saws available to suit your need. Contact us at www.machineryvalues.com to find the one that’s best for you today!
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