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Find SuppliersPosted on Sep 30, 2020
The versatility of band saws can open up a world of unique designs for woodworking. A well-adjusted band saw can provide you with a way to cut larger sweep curves and cut custom veneers. Band saws come in many different shapes and sizes, each with its unique selling points and use.
Band saws are considered to be one of the most versatile power tools on the market and are known for being able to cut almost all materials. The materials used for any type of project you want to complete will determine which type of band saw to use. Vertically or horizontally, meat, wood, and metal only covered some band saws. European band saws or European band saws have some unique features and standards that distinguish them from their American counterparts. In this article, we will look at some of the most important differences.
Just like for other band saws, the throat capacity of European band saws is the distance between the blade and the column. This measurement is also a quick reference for band saw size designation. This means, a 14 "band saw between the blade and the column should have a cutting power equivalent to 14" Resaw capability refers to the distance from the table shown on the band to the maximum height of the assembly of the saw blade guide.
The two most popular styles currently available are steel frame and cast iron frame. The steel frame is a typical representative of European band saws. For some time now Steel frame tape saws were popular on the European market , creating a buzz on the American market. These saws have a one-piece frame made of heavy welded steel plates. The popularity of this design is due to the construction method, which enables manufacturers to increase cutting capabilities without sacrificing flexibility and strength. Cast iron frame band saws have existed for several generations. Traditionally, they are available on a 14-inch platform and include two large machined castings, upper and lower components.
The importance of high-quality blade guides cannot be overestimated. The band saw is equipped with upper and lower guide rails, each guide rail should include two components: trust support element and side support. Bearing blade guides are the most common form of guides, which use sealed bearings to guide and support the blades. By using 10 touchpoints with the rim, ceramic rim guides maintain stability. Since the ceramic material is not moving, the heat of the blade is dispersed and therefore the service life is prolonged and the working life has been extended for many years.
Horsepower requirements will depend on cutting requirements. In general, to cut thinner blanks and perform smaller re-saws, usually, 1-1/2 horsepower motors can solve the problem if you intend to produce your own veneers by slicing large exotic hardwoods or by slicing blanks of logs, consider using a 2-1⁄2 to 3 horsepower engine. Please notice that engines with a power level of 2 hours or more normally need 220V power.
:: Read more : The Main Components of the Band Saw Machines
In Europe, some regulations on chainsaws are related to the safety of chainsaws in the United States, which do not yet exist in the United States. On European band saws, the saw blade is required to stop less than ten seconds after the stop switch is engaged. The saw is realized by the electronic or mechanical stopping of the motor. The power and stop switch must be located in the upper left corner of the cabinet. On larger flat saws, they can also be located on the upper left or above the saw. In addition, a European band saw needs a separate power switch, which cuts off all power to the tool and can be locked with a key or lock. The close button is fairly standard and is a slightly larger round red button. Once it is pressed, it must be intentionally released before the start button is engaged. These requirements are not inconvenient, they help protect users.
The standard voltage of a European band saw is 220 volts, as is the more efficient three-phase power supply. In the United States, 110V is the standard voltage for contractors and portable saws that are usually less than 1½ horsepower. The minimum voltage of 220 volts exceeds 2 hp. Table saw users can benefit from the additional power of a 220V larger motor and the additional cutting power that this voltage allows, especially when cutting hardwood rootstocks.
European band saws have a viable protection system on the saw blade, which is standard. The US table saw regulations require the use of three devices to ensure blade safety. They are the blade cover, the anti-collision claw and the separator. Table saws made in the United States have chosen to implement these regulations into a device commonly referred to as a guard. All table saws in the United States are equipped with guards. As readers of this article may know, many woodworkers do not use this equipment. From my years of experience in teaching table saws, anecdotal feedback tells me that the overall average level of woodworkers using guards on table saws in the United States is about 5%. It is necessary to remove the shield several times and then reinstall the equipment, which means that many people will not be disturbed. Although the protective cover is not the most feasible design for daily carpentry, it can indeed achieve the expected safety purpose. European band saws have a more feasible blade safety system. It consists only of the riving knife and the blade cover.
The blade cover is an essential part of blade safety. Whether the blade is running or not, this is an obstacle between our hands and the blade. There are some criteria for the blade cover on the European table saws. The overall cover width for the mounting of the cover on the riving knife is 40 mm. The narrower the blade cover, the less interference with your work. When shredding narrow workpieces, The space between the fence and the blade cover is particularly valuable. When the blade cover is installed on the cutter, non-through cutting cannot be performed on the table saw. Therefore, European regulations require that the blade must be removed or reinstalled in less than 10 seconds cover.
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