Band saws are an integral element of the machines of the same name, designed for processing various materials. The cutting parts are constantly subjected to increased loads during operation, as a result of which they become dull and require sharpening from time to time. Sharpening a band saw can be carried out in a specialized workshop or at home, subject to certain technology and the availability of appropriate devices.In order to correctly sharpen the saw blade, you need to know the features of its design and understand the differences between tape cutters. In our article, we will tell you how to sharpen a blunt tool and return it to its former sharpness.
Types of saws
Band saws can be distinguished by the type of teeth, taking into account the configuration of which they select the necessary sample for processing a certain type of material. The selection of the configuration of the teeth of the saw is based on the characteristics of the lumber, in particular, on the parameters of its hardness:than denser wood, the smaller will be the front angle of the tape cutters and the pitch between them.
Observing this rule, it is possible to significantly improve the quality of cuts and extend the operational period of the tool.
Sawing of thin materials is usually carried out using a saw blade, which has a standard or small step between the cutters, otherwise the risk of damage to the working tool increases many times. The saw with a large pitch of teeth is designed to cut metal or wooden thick-walled workpieces with it, which must be tightly fixed before proceeding with the processing process.
Work rules
If you decide to sharpen the band saw at home without resorting to the services of a specialist, read the rules for performing this procedure.
To perform the correct sharpening of the band saw, you will need a special sharpening machine and the instructions below. The configuration of the grinding wheel, which can be flat, profile, dish-shaped or made in the shape of a bowl, is selected depending on the technical characteristics of the saw. We draw your attention to the fact that strict adherence to safety rules will protect you from injuries, and the tool from breakage. To protect the airways from the characteristic heavy dust, work must be carried out in a respirator or special mask. So, let's move on to the phased implementation of work.
- When sharpening a band saw, be sure to check the grinding wheel for uneven abrasion and all kinds of defects, the presence of which will not allow you to remove an even layer of metal and lead to undesirable consequences in the form of damage to the torch.
- Sharpen a dull tool without jerking and abrupt movement of the tool on the surface of the abrasive wheel, otherwise the structure and height of the teeth will be violated.
- The third rule most likely concerns the mechanism of the grinding wheel, which should contain coolant that prevents the unit from overheating. This option will protect the grinder from failure and help to sharpen the blade accurately.
- Upon completion of work, it is necessary to carefully inspect the surface of the saw and make sure that there are no snags or chips on it. In case of detection of such defects, the saw must be sharpened on the wheel again, bringing it to the machine at a certain angle, or bring to the necessary parameters on the grinder.
Turning Methods
Sharpening of band saws on wood is carried out in two ways: on professional equipment (full-profile) or by sharpening the edges of the cutters. In the first case, we are talking about the most accurate machine version of sharpening, during which the whole process is carried out using automation. In order to sharpen the tool properly, it will be enough to choose the main element of the machine - the elbor circle, everything else is controlled by electronics. The cost of such work is quite high, and it is hardly suitable for those who often face the need for sharpening saws due to their intensive use, unless, of course, the master does not own such a machine. It is worth noting the fact that buying a set of abrasive wheels for all types of band saws also requires additional costs, and for one-time manipulations there is no point in acquiring it.
The second method involves exclusively sharpening the teeth, and can be performed both manually and automatically using a special device. Correct manual sharpening requires the presence of an engraver and certain skills of the person who works with him. In order not to spoil the metal and avoid damage to the teeth, the movements of the master must be accurate and fast enough. When starting such procedures for the first time, it is advisable to conduct test sharpening on an unnecessary sheet of metal in order to avoid damage to an expensive tool.
The correct sharpening of band saw blades involves the processing of the rear and front edges of the cutters, although most of the masters who perform this process manually are limited only by sharpening the rear edges. This method will allow you to use the tool for its intended purpose, in addition, it is implemented much easier than bilateral sharpening. The sharpening of the leading edges can be carried out correctly in the presence of a grinding machine. Here, as well as in the case with full-profile sharpening, it is necessary to choose the size of the grinding wheel correctly, and then the cutting tape will gain the necessary sharpness. There is a winter method of sharpening the tape, in which the sharpening angle is 90 degrees, and instead of water, coolant or diesel fuel is poured into the machine.
Wiring
Unfortunately, the standard sharpening is sometimes not enough to return the saw to the necessary degree of sharpness, an important condition for which is the magnitude of the limb of the incisors, called the layout in the professional language. The essence of this condition is that at the time of sawing when the tool touches the lumber, the friction force is reduced and the material can move freely between the teeth of the blade.
In most cases, standard wiring is used, during which the cutters alternately extend in different directions relative to each other by a distance not exceeding 0.4 mm. To raise a saw is quite possible at home, while it is necessary to exercise strict control over the angle of deviation of the cutting elements - it must be the same.
There is also a protective wiring, which is mainly used in professional workshops. With this procedure, the two incisors must be bent at different angles, while the third tooth remains untouched. No less complicated is the wavy layout, and its essence is fully reflected in the name. In this case, the teeth gently bend in one direction and tightly close together, and the tape acquires a wavy configuration. On the video, you can see how the wiring of band saws is carried out at home.