Saws

Bandsaws are often the most efficient metal removal machine tools in the shop. Most materials, from wood and plastics to aluminum and steel, can be cut on the three bandsaws in the shop. Certain metals require specific blades, so check with someone in the shop before cutting steels or hardened materials.

We use two different vertical bandsaws in the shop, and one horizontal bandsaw. The horizontal saw has the ability to swivel and thus can make mitre cuts. The green Powermatic is reserved for steel and other hard materials, while the gray MSC is reserved for soft plastics, wood, and non-ferrous metal alloys.

• Blade guide must be set to just clear the top of the workpiece
• Hold round stock in an inverted vise
• When feeding the work by hand be sure that your fingers are clear of the blade
• Analyze any chatter. Chatter is a sign that something is loose, or speeds/feeds are excessive. Correct these conditions before proceeding.
• Use a stick of wood or a machine vise to feed the workpiece into the saw blade
• Do not change speeds without consulting a technician