6.Place it between the fingers of both blade guides and onto both wheels. Position next to
both wheel flanges. Make sure teeth point down toward the table.
7.Be sure that blade rests against ball bearing (A, Fig. 13), not behind it.
8.Replace blade guard on column.
9.Tension the saw blade by turning tension hand wheel. Rotate the wheel by hand and make sure the blade is properly seated in the blade guides. Blade guides will have to be adjusted if the replacement blade is a different type and width.
Blade Selection
Proper blade selection is just as important to band saw operation as is blade speed and material feed. Proper blade selection will impact blade life, straightness of cut, cut finish, and efficiency of
operation. Excess blade breakage, stripping ofFig. 13 teeth, and waviness of cut are some of the results of
improper blade selection.
Blades are classified by material composition, tooth shape, pitch of teeth, and type of set, gage of the band material, and kerf of the set (width of cut).
Material Composition
Carbon Steel - low cost, for use with
High Speed Steel - resists heat generated by dry cutting. Used for ferrous metals and are more expensive than carbon steel blades;
Alloy Steel - tough and wear resistant, cuts faster
with longer blade life. Used on hard materials. More expensive than carbon or high speed steel.
Carbide Tipped - for cutting unusual materials such as uranium, titanium, or beryllium.
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