Wellsaw 613 - Manual (Page 4)

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 de-
pendable operation. He carefully sets up each cutting
job to prevent damage to the machine and obtain the
best performance from the equipment.
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 uni-
form 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 satis-
factory result. Cutting charts indicate a good starting
point, but must be modified by direct experience if
optimum performance is desired. (See page 24)
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 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.
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 teeth 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 ne w blade. New blades
should be run initially with reduced feed pressure for
approximately 50 to 100 square inches of cutting.
12. Saw blade teeth may be hitting blade guides.
Check for proper blade size and guide adjustment.
Saw Blade Vibration
1. Incorrect blade speed for material being cut.
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 pressure.
7. Workpiece not firmly clamped in vice.
8. Worn or improperly adjusted saw guides. Check and
make necessary adjustments or repairs.
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.
Notes on Sawing Trouble Shooting
4