What is a Portable Metal Band Saw?

Posted on Dec 2, 2020

portable metal band saw

A portable metal band saw is perfect for light-duty metalworking.  It is a versatile, easy-to-use, and highly effective electric-motor power saw with a continuous band of metal made of sharp saw teeth that stretches between two wheels.

What are portable metal band saws?

A portable metal band saw is perfect for light-duty metal working (aside from woodworking). It is a versatile, easy-to-use, and highly effective electric-motor power saw with a continuous band of metal made of sharp saw teeth that stretches between two wheels. Attributed to the evenly distributed tooth load, this type of portable unit can provide uniform cutting, even when tackling irregular or curved shapes.
A portable band saw is usually smaller in size compared with regular band saws. It is more compact and therefore easier to transport. Topping this, some are cordless which allows you to saw wherever you may be—power outlet nearby or not. 
 

:: Read More: The Manual Band Saw for Any Occasion

How to use one?

Just like electrically powered saws, correct clothing and protective gear are paramount. You may already be adept at operating a portable band saw, but it is recommended that you fully read the operator's manual as there are many differences between tool brands and versions. 

A band saw has two handles, which are located on each end of the saw. The handles allow you to hold and guide the saw while operating with the best control. The saw starts working when you squeeze the trigger situated on each of these handles.

Most portable sawing units have a tracking adjustment function that adjusts the path of the blade, as well as a tension release handle at the front for quick blade changing. Make sure that the material you are cutting is tied down and supported to prevent the workpiece from slipping off during sawing. When cutting piping, for instance, mark it all the way around to make sure you can obtain a straight cut. When sawing, do not apply excessive force because the saw will work its way through the material with each passing at its own pace. Wait for the saw to stop moving fully as you release the trigger before putting it down.
 

What's the industrial performance of a portable metal band saw?

The portable sewing machines can either be vertical or horizontal designs. They are often of industrial uses, such as in machine shops or fabrication shops. The band normally ranges from 0.3 m/s t to 28m/s. Some specialized mini metal cutting band saws are designed to perform heavy-duty cutting on cast iron and are capable of running at 80 m/s. These band saws are usually with brush wheels to keep chips from getting stuck in between the blade's teeth. Cutting fluid is usually applied to these devices to cool down the blade. The coolant washes away the swarf and keeps the blade cool and lubricated.
 

What affects the proficiency of a portable metal band saw?

There are many reasons that could affect the efficiency of metal cutting, such as band speed, vise loading, feed rate, lubrication, or tooth design whatsoever. Sometimes, the condition of the machine or the materials you apply to the machine would be factors, too. We have outlined these factors as shown below:

● Gullet Capacity: The gullet capacity means the space between the tooth tip and the blade’s inner surface. The chips would have stuffed into that space as the metal cutting is undergone. It wouldn’t be a problem for these chips to fall off the gullet to the ground naturally as long as the blade is with a proper design and adjustment. If not, the chips could potentially get into the gullet and jam the machine.

Feed: The term feed stand means how deep the tooth could penetrate into the materials. For metal cutting to be effective, you will require something of a higher feed rate, which will allow metal cutting to be as reliable as possible. Do note that the feed rate is often determined by the performance of the machine and the life of the blades.

The deeper feed would cause a low shear plane angle as mentioned above. The mini metal cutting band saw would cut faster but such metal cutting would soon wear out the life expectancy of blades. A lighter feed would increase the shear plane angle, but it would take more cuts to deal with a single chip. It would be best recommended to evaluate the shape and color of chips to adjust your metal cutting.

Chips Removal: One factor that directly affects the performance of mini metal cutting band saw is whether it is able to effectively remove the chips off the metals. The angle made by the metal cutting process would sometimes refer to a shear plane angle. This would be a very crucial point related to metal cutting performance.

Normally, the depth of penetration would decide the thickness of the chips. If you lower the shear plane angle, you would get thick chips and lower metal cutting efficiency in return. If you have a higher sheer angle, you get thinner chips and higher metal cutting proficiency. However, the shear plane angle would sometimes be affected by various materials, feed, band speed, or even gullet capacity.

Band speed: The band speed is limited by the performance of machines and the generating heat during the metal cutting section. The high rotation speed of blades or the heavy-duty metal-cutting would cause the blade to wear. By observing the color and shape of chips, you can learn and adjust the speed. The chips should maintain a warm temperature and easy to touch. The right color of chips should be around silver.

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