Wellsaw 1016 - Manual (Page 6)

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.