How to choose a band saw: cutting capacity and motor

A band saw is used to cut metal, sections or wood with a continuous loop blade. To choose, start from the cross-section of the largest piece you need to cut: in the collection the cutting capacity ranges from about 190 x 80 mm to 445 x 330 mm. Then look at the motor: single-phase 230 V for the small workshop, three-phase 400 V for large machines, and a cordless model for cutting on site or where there is no socket.

The types

• Metal-cutting band saws, with manual feed or gravity hydraulic feed: the piece is clamped in the vice and the blade descends by itself, at a controlled speed. Examples are the Fervi 0255 and the Fervi 0230.
• Wood band saws: the piece is pushed against the fence, such as the Fervi 0302/245 and the 0302/305.
• Portable cordless band saws, such as the compact M18 FUEL Milwaukee, which you take to the piece to be cut.
• Control instruments: the blade tension gauge and the Lenox tachometer are used to set up the machine and check that it works under the right conditions.

How to choose by job

The features to look at

Cutting capacity

It is the maximum cross-section of the piece, generally width by height. In the collection it ranges from 190 x 80 mm to 445 x 330 mm. Always choose with a margin over the largest piece you cut.

Motor and voltage

Stationary machines have motors from 250 W to 1.1 kW at 230 V single-phase, or three-phase at 400 V. The portable one is cordless, at 12 or 18 V. Three-phase requires the right electrical system in the workshop.

Cutting speed

It ranges from about 6 to 16 m/s, or from 36 to 72 m/min on data sheets that use this unit. Hard metals need lower speeds; wood and soft metals need higher speeds. Some machines have several selectable speeds.

Flywheel

The flywheel diameter, from 200 to 455 mm, gives an idea of the machine's size: the larger it is, the larger the machine.

Weight and dimensions

From the few kilos of the portable model to over 200 kg for stationary machines. The overall and packaging dimensions tell you where you will put it and how it fits in the van.

Common mistakes

• Buying a machine at the limit of the cross-section: if the piece is close to maximum capacity, cutting will be slow and the blade wears out quickly.
• Wrong blade tension: too slack and it wanders, too tight and it breaks. Set it to the stated value, if necessary with a gauge.
• Forgetting the cutting fluid on metal: on metal the blade needs to be cooled.
• Leaving the blade tensioned while the machine is idle for a long time: in these cases the tension should be slackened.
• Putting your hands near the blade: on wood use the push stick.

Frequently asked questions

Does a band saw cut both metal and wood?

Machines are designed for one or the other, because speed and blade change. Check on the data sheet which material it is intended for.

230 V or 400 V?

230 V if you have a normal socket and do not work continuously. 400 V three-phase for large machines and heavy use, if the workshop has the supply.

What is the difference between manual and hydraulic feed?

With manual feed you guide the advance yourself. With gravity hydraulic feed the cylinder regulates the descent, for a more constant cut.

Why do you need to check blade tension?

A blade that is too slack cuts crooked, one that is too tight is damaged. That is why dedicated gauges exist.

Band saws for metal, wood saws, cordless versions and control instruments are in the Band saws collection: to choose the machine or for a quote, write to the AMES technicians.