Wellsaw 1318-SA - Manual (Page 7)

5
Notes on Sawing
It is widely recognized that a proficient operator is a
key to optimum bandsawing. He makes certain the
machine is properly maintained and adjusted for
dependable operation. He carefully sets up each cutting
job to prevent damage to the machine and obtain the
best performance from the equipment.
Experienced blade dealers can be very helpful in
selecting the grade and proper tooth blade for each
sawing job. All blades should be straight, have sharp
teeth with uniform set, and be “broken in” at a reduced
feed rate to obtain good cutting performance and blade
life.
Every cutting situation has special characteristics
requiring some experimentation to determine which
blade, speed and feed rate will achieve the most
satisfactory result. Cutting charts indicate a good
starting point, but must be modified by direct
experience if optimum performance is desired.
Here are some helpful pointers for adjusting speed and
feed for good cutting performance.
1. Make sure the saw is cutting a good chip from the
workpiece.
2. Watch for blue chips or excessive “smoke” indicating
heat in the cut which could damage the blade or work
harden the material being cut
3. Watch for excessive vibration or chatter marks on
the cut-off piece indicating possible damage to the saw
teeth by “hammering”.
4. Check the cut-off piece for flatness. A dull blade or
excessive feed will produce a “belly” in the cut.
5. Inspect the blade for worn, rounded or shiny cutting
edges. Avoid force cutting which will allow chips to
“weld” to saw teeth and eventually cause the teeth to be
stripped off the blade.
6. When experimenting, start with a slow speed and
feed rate. Gradually increase blade speed and then feed
pressure by small amounts until adverse effects are
noted. You can then set the speed and feed at a
reasonable level for continuous cutting. Remember
that blade speed and feed pressure must be balanced to
keep cutting a good chip.
Trouble Shooting
Premature Dulling of Blade Teeth
1. Feed rate too high or low. Check recommendation.
2. Blade speed too slow or too fast.
3. Faulty material; heavy scale, hard spots, etc.
4. Verify material analysis.
5. If coolant flow is not covering saw teeth, increase
coolant flow rate.
6. If saw is vibrating in cut, reduce blade speed or
increase feed rate.
7. Chipped or broken tooth may be lodged in cut.
8. “Chip welding” caused by improper feed and
speed.
9. Incorrect coolant mixture.
10. Incorrect blade selection
11. Improper break-in of new blade. New blades
should be run initially with reduced feed pressure for
approximately 50 to100 square inches.
12. Saw blade teeth may be hitting blade guides.
Check for proper blade size.
Saw Blade Vibration
1. Incorrect blade speed for material.
2. Blade tension insufficient.
3. Back-up bearing may be worn.
4. Incorrect choice of saw tooth pitch.
5. Incorrect coolant mixture.
6. Incorrect feed setting. Increase feed.
7. Workpiece not firmly clamped in vice.
8. Worn or improperly adjusted saw guides. Check
and make necessary adjustments.
Blade Teeth Chipping or Ripping Out
1. Blade pitch too coarse. Use a fine pitch saw blade
on thin work sections.
2. Improper break-in of new blade. Do not start a
new blade in an old cut.
3. Work piece not held firmly enough. Clamp work
securely.
4. Introduce cooling if it is not being used.
5. Faulty material; scale or hard spots.
6. Blade gullets may be loaded. Use higher viscosity
lubricant or coolant.
7. Blade speed and feed may need adjustment.