Band saws

What are industrial band saws and what types are there?

Industrial band saws are power tools used for tasks related to metalworking and traditional carpentry.

They are composed of a toothed metal band or strip ranging in length from three to twenty millimeters wide. This strip is provided with a certain degree of flexibility to perform its functions.

In addition, the band is held vertically by two wheels that are located on the same plane. There is a small space between the two wheels to allow the industrial band saw to work. These wheels are responsible for rotating the band, turning the saw into a powerful and precise tool.

Features of industrial band saws

Both metal and wood industrial band saws have certain characteristics in common:

Depth of cut

The depth of cut refers to the thickness of the cut the tool can make. This feature varies depending on the model of industrial bandsaw, but typically ranges from thirty to fifteen centimeters.

Cutting width

The width of the cut is defined as the amount of space available to make the cut. The measurement of the width of the cut begins at the table, where the material to be processed is placed, and ends at the beginning of the feed line.

Generally, the cutting width is at least thirty centimeters, but it can be wider depending on the range of the industrial band saw.

Cutting speed

Cutting speed refers to how many meters a band saw can cut in one minute. Cutting speed is the characteristic that varies most depending on the model of industrial band saw, but low-end models are usually capable of cutting at least 200 meters per minute.

The most advanced models, on the other hand, are capable of cutting up to 1,500 meters in one minute.

Structural characteristics of band saws

In addition to the characteristics related to their composition, industrial band saws also have some structural features that vary according to the range of the tool.

Structure

The simplest band saws are made from less expensive but also less durable materials, such as plastic. In contrast, more advanced models are usually made of metal. Industrially, bandsaws made from more durable materials are also considered safer.

Table

The table is the part of the structure where the work material is placed. The elements that make up the table are more varied than those of the structure, as it is possible to find tables made of steel, aluminum, sheet metal, or cast iron. Furthermore, the most sophisticated tables incorporate a mechanism that allows them to rotate 45 degrees.

Security mechanisms

The number of safety mechanisms incorporated into a particular industrial band saw can also vary. Some have brake pedals, while others have emergency shut-off switches.

Sawdust extractor

The sawdust extractor is a unique component of wood band saws . However, not all have one, as it is not an essential component for operation, but rather an additional feature to facilitate the machine's cleaning process.

Types of band saws

There are two types of industrial band saws, and they are classified according to the working materials for which they are designed.

Wood band saws

They have less power because they are designed only for cutting wood. However, high-end models may be able to cut low-strength metals. Furthermore, because they have less power, they also do not incorporate a cooling system.

The elements that are usually used to make the bands of this type of band saws are carbon and steel or bimetallic.

Metal band saws

They are designed to work with metallic materials such as steel, iron, or aluminum. Functionally, they are identical to wood band saws, so the main difference is in power.

It's worth mentioning that harder metals require the use of more sophisticated metal bandsaws. They also incorporate a cooling system to protect them from overheating caused by cutting metal on the blades.

The elements used to make the bandsaw blades are also harder, with the most common being bimetallic carbide blades or, in the case of the most advanced ones, diamond blades.