1. Start

2. PREPARING FOR MACHINING OPERATIONS tab
Introduction
Intro
Introduction
Unit 1
Using Reciprocating & Horizontal Band Cutoff Machines
Unit 2
Abrasive and Cold Saws
Unit 3
Preparing to Use the Vertical Band Machine
Unit 4
Using the Vertical Band Machine

3. USING THE VERTICAL BAND MACHINE
tab
Introduction
After a machine tool has been properly adjusted and set up, it is ready for performing a machining task.

4. OBJECTIVES
tab
After completing this unit, you should be able to…
Use the vertical band machine job selector.
Operate the band machine controls
Perform typical sawing operations on the vertical band machine.

5. Selecting A Blade For The Vertical Band Machine
USING THE VERTICAL BAND MACHINE
tab
Selecting A Blade For The Vertical Band Machine
The standard carbon steel blade has saw teeth fully hardened, while the back of the blade remains soft.
Available in greatest variety of width, set, pitch & gage.
The carbon alloy steel blade has hardened teeth and a hardened back.
Well suited to contour sawing.
High-speed & bimetallic high-speed steel blades are used in high-production & severe sawing applications.

6. Selecting A Blade For The Vertical Band Machine
USING THE VERTICAL BAND MACHINE
tab
Selecting A Blade For The Vertical Band Machine
Machinists choose from three tooth sets.
Raker & wave set are most common in metalworking.
Straight set may be used for cutting thin materials.
Wave set is best for accurate cuts through materials with variable cross-sections.
Raker set may be used for general- purpose sawing.
Fig. G-105 Blade set patterns (Courtesy

7. Selecting A Blade For The Vertical Band Machine
USING THE VERTICAL BAND MACHINE
tab
Selecting A Blade For The Vertical Band Machine
There is a choice of tooth forms.
Precision or regular tooth form is best for accurate cuts where a good finish may be required.
Hook form is fast cutting but leaves a rougher finish.
Skip tooth is useful on deep cuts where additional chip clearance is required.
Fig. G-106 Saw tooth forms.

8. Selecting A Blade For The Vertical Band Machine
USING THE VERTICAL BAND MACHINE
tab
Selecting A Blade For The Vertical Band Machine
Straight, scalloped & wavy edges are used cutting nonmetallic substances that would tear saw teeth.
Continuous and segmented diamond- edged bands are used for cutting hard nonmetallic materials.
Fig. G-107 Straight, scalloped & wavy edge bands.
Fig. G-108 Continuous edge diamond band. (Courtesy of DoALL Company).
Fig. G-109 Segmented diamond edge band.

9. Using The Job Selector On The VBM
USING THE VERTICAL BAND MACHINE
tab
Using The Job Selector On The VBM
Fig. G-110 Job selector on the vertical band machine.
Job selectors are usually attached to the machine tool and are frequently arranged by material.
Saw velocity, read at the top of the column, is dependent on material thickness.
The selector also indicates recommended pitch, set, feed, and temper.

10. Using The Job Selector On The VBM
USING THE VERTICAL BAND MACHINE
tab
Using The Job Selector On The VBM
Fig. G-111 The job selector set for a nonferrous material.
The job selector will provide information on sawing of nonmetallic materials.
Information on band filing can also be determined from the job selector.

11. Setting Saw Velocity On The Vertical Band Machine
USING THE VERTICAL BAND MACHINE
tab
Setting Saw Velocity On The Vertical Band Machine
Most vertical band machines are equipped with a variable-speed drive that permits a wide selection of band velocities.
The typical variable- speed drive uses a split-flange pulley to vary the speed of the drive wheel.
Fig. G-112 Vertical band machine variable-speed drive (DoALL Company).

12. USING THE VERTICAL BAND MACHINE tab
Setting Band Velocity
Band velocity is indicated on the band velocity indicator, measured in feet per minute.
Band velocity is regulated by adjusting the speed control.
Fig. G-113 Band speed indicator.

13. USING THE VERTICAL BAND MACHINE tab
Setting Speed Ranges
Most band machines with a variable-speed drive have both a high- and a low-speed range, selected by operating the speed range shift lever.
This setting must be made while the band is stopped or is running at the lowest speed in the range.
Some band machines are equipped with an interlock to prevent speed range shifts except at low band velocity
Fig. G-114 Speed range & band speed controls.

14. Straight Cutting On The Vertical Band Machine
USING THE VERTICAL BAND MACHINE
tab
Straight Cutting On The Vertical Band Machine
Adjust the upper guidepost so it is as close to the workpiece as possible.
This will maximize safety by properly supporting and guarding the band.
It will also help make the cut more accurate.
Fig. G-116 Adjusting the upper guide post. (Asnuntuck Community College).

15. Straight Cutting On The Vertical Band Machine
USING THE VERTICAL BAND MACHINE
tab
Straight Cutting On The Vertical Band Machine
Be sure to use a band of the proper pitch for the thickness of the material to be cut.
If the band pitch is too fine, the teeth will clog.
This can strip and break the saw teeth by overloading them.
Fig. G-117 Using too fine a pitch blade results in clogged teeth.
Fig. G-118 Stripped and broken teeth resulting from overloading the saw.

16. Straight Cutting On The Vertical Band Machine
USING THE VERTICAL BAND MACHINE
tab
Straight Cutting On The Vertical Band Machine
Slow cutting will result from using a fine-pitch band on thick material.
Fig. G-119 Saw cut with a fine pitch blade in thick material.

17. Straight Cutting On The Vertical Band Machine
USING THE VERTICAL BAND MACHINE
tab
Straight Cutting On The Vertical Band Machine
Correct pitch for results in more efficient cutting in the same amount of time & same feeding pressure.
Fig. G-120 Saw cut with correct pitch band for thick material.

18. Straight Cutting On The Vertical Band Machine
USING THE VERTICAL BAND MACHINE
tab
Straight Cutting On The Vertical Band Machine
A sudden shock will cause the saw teeth to chip or fracture, quickly reducing band life.
Fig. G-121 Chipped and fractured teeth resulting from shock and vibration.
Fig. G-122 Scored bands can become brittle and lose flexibility.
See that chips are cleared from the band guides can score the band, making it brittle and subject to breakage.

19. USING THE VERTICAL BAND MACHINE tab
Cutting Fluids
Many band machines are equipped with a mist coolant system, where liquid cutting fluids are mixed with air to form a mist.
Set liquid flow first, then add air to create a mist.
Do not use more coolant than necessary.
Overuse of air may cause a mist fog around the machine.
Coolant mist shouldn’t be inhaled.
Fig. G-123 Adjusting the coolant and air mix on the vertical band machine.

20. Contour Cutting On The Vertical Band Machine
USING THE VERTICAL BAND MACHINE
tab
Contour Cutting On The Vertical Band Machine
Ability of the saw to cut a specific radius depends on its width.
A narrow band can cut a smaller radius.
Use the widest band available for straight cuts.
For small-radius cutting, a narrow band is required to follow the required radius.
Fig. G-124 Minimum radius per saw width chart. (Olson Saw Company).

21. Internet Resources tab
Information on band saw welders and band welding:

22. End