The vertical metal cutting band saw
The vertical band saw is often referred to as a contour machine that is manufactured into a variety of sizes and models. Making a choice for the size of the contour machine is determined by throat depth which is the distance from the saw band to the column. A typical contour machine is identified through its main parts.
· The head is the largest unit located at the top of the contour machine and contains the band saw’s idler wheel the drive motor switch, the tension adjustment hand wheel including its mechanisms, a flexible air line and the adjustable post. The air line is used to direct a jet of air to the work so that the layout lines will be free from chips while the adjustable post supports the upper saw guide. The job selector dial can also be found at the head of the metal cutting band saw.
· The speed indicator dial is found in the column. This is driven by a cable from the transmission and indicates the speed in feet per minute. Another item found in the column is the butt welder.
· The base contains the metal cutting band saw drive wheel, motor and transmission. It also supports the table and contains the lower saw band guide. The power feed mechanism and the variable speed unit is mounted within the base while the feed adjustment handle and foot pedal are on the front of the base.
The horizontal metal cutting band saw
The horizontal metal cutting band saw does a more efficient job than a power hacksaw. The blade is a continuous band that revolves around the drive wheel and idler wheel in the band support frame. Rollers are used by the two band guides to twist the band so that the teeth are in a proper cutting position. The guides can be adjusted so that they are slightly farther apart than the material that will be cut. This ensures maximum support to the band saw and helps ensure a straight cut.
The vise on the horizontal metal cutting band saw is also similar to the power hacksaw but it has a much greater capacity for large stock. The horizontal band saw is operated hydraulically through controls located at the front side of the machine. The motor and pump assembly supplies hydraulic fluid from a reservoir located at the base of the cylinder. Sometimes speed and feed charts are provided on the machine but in their absence, the operator’s manual can be consulted for the proper settings.