Wellsaw 1316S-Auto - Manual (Page 8)

8
NOTES ON SAWING
It is widely recognized that a profi cient operator is a key to
optimum bandsawing. He makes certain the machine is
properly maintained and adjusted for dependable opera-
tion. He carefully sets up each cutting job to prevent dam-
age 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
modifi ed by direct experience if optimum performance is
desired.
Here are some helpful pointers for adjusting speed and
feed for 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 for fl atness. 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 rea-
sonable level for continuous cutting. Remember that
blade speed and feed pressure must be balanced to
keep cutting a good chip.
CUTTING TIPS
1. Select blade and speed for material being cut. Use the
coarsest tooth blade suitable for the workpiece while
proving for at least two teeth cutting at all times. Use
fastest suitable band speed and minimum feed source
adequate to produce good cutting action. Work with
work-hardening steels, maintain a steady feed; do not
let teeth rub without cutting.
2. Keep the blade guides as close as possible to the
workpiece.
3. If teeth wear off unusually fast, use a slower band
speed.
PREMATURE DULLING OF BLADE
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 fl ow is not covering saw teeth, increase cool-
ant fl ow rate.
6. If saw is vibrating in cut, reduce a 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 approxi-
mately 50 to 100 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 insuffi cient.
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. Work piece not fi rmly clamped to 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 fi ne 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 fi rmly enough. Clamp work se-
curely.
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.
TROUBLE SHOOTING