Maintaining Your Bandsaw Blades
Bandsaw blades are crucial elements of your cutting process. Just like the machine itself, it needs to be properly maintained in order to continue performing productively. Some of the problems that may arise from damaged bandsaws include rough cuts without clean finishes, damage to the cutting material, and damage to the machine itself.
Thankfully, it is not difficult to keep your bandsaw blades in tip-top shape if you stick to just a few key points:
Preventative Maintenance
This also applies to the bandsaw machine itself. Make sure you have a schedule of sorts of planned cleanings and lubrications. Target the bearings especially, as any rust or debris buildup can spell disaster. Make sure you blow away any buildup of swarf or dust. If your machine is in bad shape, it will inevitably affect the quality of your blades as well. You want to reduce repair and replacement costs as much as possible.
Test Your Blades
Whenever you install a new blade, make sure you test it before using it full-time. This process is referred to as running in or bedding in. Run your bandsaw at a reduced rate and feed force. This will acclimatize the blade’s edges to the cutting material, ensuring your initial cuts will run smoother.
Tensioning
It is important to check the tension of your bandsaw blade frequently. If the tension is too tight, the blade may experience micro-cracking. Over time, this will cause significant damage to your blade. There will also be problems if the tension is too loose.
Lubricant and Coolant
Ensure you only use the right lubricants and coolants for your applications. Suppliers like Industrial Bandsaw Services offer a variety of different types that you can choose from. Different coolants work better with different metals, so it is best to not resort to a generic coolant product.
If you follow all these steps, your bandsaw blades should have a good lifespan. Feel free to give us at Industrial Bandsaw Services a call for more information about our coolants and lubricants!
