How Bandsaw Blades Affect a Sawmill's Productivity
Sawmills see a heavy load of work throughout the year. Sawmill owners are constantly on the lookout to improve the productivity of their businesses. The sawmill industry has seen a revolution in terms of the tools and equipment used for cutting logs effectively. One of the most important tools in a sawmill is the bandsaw and the most crucial aspect of the bandsaw is the sawmill bandsaw blade.
Be it a portable sawmill or a conventional industrial bandsaw, the cutting tool cannot do its job without the right wood bandsaw blade. The productivity of a sawmill can be greatly affected by the type of bandsaw mill blades that are used. In this blog post, we will explore how different types of bandsaw blades can affect a sawmill's productivity. We will also discuss the factors that should be considered when choosing the right type of wood bandsaw blade for your sawmill.
Types of bandsaw blades
There are two main types of bandsaw blades:
-Carbon steel blades
-Bi-metal blades.
Carbon steel wood bandsaw blades are the most common type of blade used in sawmills. They are less expensive than bi-metal blades and they can be sharpened more easily. However, carbon steel blades are not as durable as bi-metal blades and they will eventually need to be replaced.
Bi-metal wood bandsaw blades are more expensive than carbon steel blades, but they are much more durable. They are also able to withstand higher temperatures, which means that they can be used for cutting materials that are heat-sensitive.
When choosing the right type of sawmill bandsaw blade, you should consider the type of material you will be cutting, the frequency of use, and the budget you have for replacement blades. If you are cutting a lot of hardwood, then a bi-metal blade will likely be the best option. However, if you are only occasionally cutting hardwood and you have a limited budget, then a carbon steel blade may be a better option.
Factors to consider while choosing bandsaw blades for sawmills
Bandwidth
Bandwidth refers to the width of the band saw blade. The wider the blade, the more area it can cover, and the faster it can cut through wood. A typical band saw blade is about 1-2 inches wide. The width of the sawmill band saw blades affects the productivity of the business in two ways: cutting speed and kerf. Cutting speed is how fast the blade can cut through the wood. Kerf is the width of the cut that the blade makes.
A wider band saw blade can cut faster because it has a larger surface area. It can also make a narrower kerf, which means there is less waste when cutting lumber. This makes wider blades more efficient and helps increase productivity at the sawmill. The band saw blades are available in various widths, from 1/8 inch to 2 inches. The most common widths are 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, and 1 inch. You can find the band saw blades at Industrial Bandsaw Services, Ontario's best bandsaw supplies store.
Blade Strength
The strength of a sawmill wood bandsaw blade has a direct effect on the productivity of a sawmill. A stronger blade will be able to cut through tougher materials, allowing the sawmill to handle larger and tougher logs. With a stronger blade, the sawmill will be able to produce more lumber in a shorter amount of time.
A band saw blade's strength is determined by its width, thickness, and composition. The thicker and wider the blade, the stronger it will be. The type of steel used to make the blade also affects its strength. Some steels are designed specifically for durability, while others are designed for flexibility. The right steel for the job depends on what type of lumber the sawmill is cutting.
For example, if a sawmill is cutting hardwoods like oak or maple, it will need a stronger and more durable wood bandsaw blade. A band made out of carbon steel would be a good choice for this application. Carbon steel is very strong and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. However, it is not as flexible as some other types of steel. This means that it is more likely to break if it hits something hard, like a knot in the wood.
If a sawmill is cutting softer woods like pine or cedar, it will need a more flexible wood bandsaw blade. A band made out of high-speed steel would be a good choice for this application. High-speed steel is not as strong as carbon steel, but it is much more flexible
Blade Speed
Wood bandsaw blades come in a wide range of sizes and speeds. The speed of the blade is one of the most important factors in determining the productivity of a sawmill. The faster the blade, the more cuts per minute it can make. This means that a sawmill with a faster blade can produce more lumber in a given amount of time. However, speed is not the only factor when choosing a bandsaw blade. The size of the blade also plays a role in productivity.
Teeth per inch (TPI)
Bandsaw mill blades come in a variety of sizes, each with a different number of teeth per inch (TPI). The most common sizes are 4 TPI, 6 TPI, and 8 TPI. The number of teeth per inch affects a sawmill's productivity in two ways: the speed at which the blade can cut and the amount of waste that is produced.
4 TPI blades are the fastest cutting blades, but they also produce the most waste. 6 TPI blades strike a balance between speed and waste production, while 8 TPI blades are the slowest cutting but produce the least amount of waste. The best way to determine which blade size is right for your sawmill is to experiment with different sizes and see what produces the best results.
Tooth shape
Bandsaw blades also come in a variety of tooth shapes. The most common tooth shapes are standard, skip, and variable. Standard teeth are the most common type of tooth shape and are well-suited for cutting softwoods. Skip teeth are more aggressive than standard teeth and are better for cutting hardwoods. Variable teeth are a combination of standard and skip teeth and offer a balance between the two. Consult our expert team at Industrial Bandsaw Services if you are unsure about the TPI you should choose for your bandsaw.
Conclusion
Overall, it is clear that bandsaw mill blades have a direct impact on a sawmill's productivity. By investing in high-quality wood bandsaw blades, sawmills can improve their output and efficiency. Additionally, regular maintenance and sharpening of the blades are essential to keeping them running at peak performance. We list in this blog the factors that influence bandsaw blades’ productivity, and thus the productivity of sawmills. You can rely on Industrial Bandsaw Services for all your bandsaw supply needs. Call us today if you are looking for the best bandsaw parts, blades, or lubricants for your industrial bandsaw.
