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How To Cut Metal With Band Saw?

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Metal is not a material on which you can do easy cuts. It is even harder when you need to make angled or curved cuts. Cutting metal requires more skills than when cutting wood. You may hear it a lot but having a piece of basic knowledge on how the saws work can be very useful.

The band saw is powerful and is usually used for cutting thick wood. Nevertheless, there are few designed models that are equipped with more powerful blades that can cut metals.

The band saw’s blade works in a looped way and it is connected to the band which goes around two wheels. The upper one contains and leads the blade whereas the bottom one alters the speed.

This blade works in only one direction different from some saws that work with an up and down movement. In general, band saws are not produced for cutting thin metals, it is recommended that the metal must be thicker than the depth of 3 teeth of the band saw’s blade.

Related Read — Check The Best Bandsaws For Cutting Metal

Can Bandsaw Cut Metal?

There have been produced different blade widths, each created for e specific cut. If you are trying to make a straight cut on a thicker metal then you have to use the band saw with thicker blades.

But if you need to make curved cuts you should use the band saw which has a thinner blade. Henceforth, blades that possess more teeth per inch result in smoother cuts, and blades with fewer teeth per inch result in lighter work when cutting thicker metals.

Many models of band saws are available out there. Such as cordless units, benchtop bandsaws, or as a freestanding floor model. Additional options, as it happens in most power tools, go from classical options for a smaller DIY project to more completed additional options.

These more completed additional options are equipped to the models which are more professional. Additional options include miter cuts, more advanced speed options, and a hydraulic descent (an extra feature added to the standard descent. There are two ways with which we can measure the speed of a band saw: meters per minute (MPM) or revolution per minute (rpm).

Related Read — Best Bandsaws For Woodworking

How To Cut Metal With A Bandsaw?

There are few things you must know and do before starting to work with a band saw:

  • Establish the right personal protective equipment together with ear and eye protection.
  • Before you begin with the cutting, draw the lines where you want to do the cutting.
  • Check the blade and secure that it is a blade that allows you to cut metal, also check if it is fixed in place.
  • Place the blade at the desired angle and double-check if it is in the right place.
  • Regulate all the options for the cut you need to make including speed and miter angle.
  • To begin the process, you must connect the power. It is important to move aside the cables so they do not get in the way when the blade is working. After that, you can turn on the engine.
  • The band saw must be put in a vertical position, by putting the metal on the plate and pushing it in the direction of the blade while pressuring it, to cut. According to the needed cut, the blade can cut through the entire workpiece or you can pull it back when you have reached the desired cut. If you want to make more cuts you can rotate it and push it through the blade once again.
    • When you want to make more complex cuts than you must do more than one cut. You must take out the work-piece and adjusted in the desired position a few times until you have reached the necessary cut.
    • In addition to that, angled cuts become more efficient if you begin cutting the workpiece from the thinnest part and continuing to the thickest parts. This reduces the risk of the blade from getting off the cutting line. When encountering both ends of the workpiece shallow, then do a cut from each end separately until you reach its middle.

Related Read — Bandsaw Vs Circular Saw?

There are more models of the band saw that you use to cut metal, besides the standard one. You have to place them correctly as well before going through with the cut.

  • You can use the hydraulic band saw. When using the arm abilities of the hydraulic band saw you must first place the metal on the table you are working on and secure it tightly. After that lower the arm so the blade can go down and cut the work-piece.
  • A cordless band saw model can also be used to cut metal. When using this model, you must secure the work-piece then align it with the blade. Position it at a line on which you need to cut. Afterward, lower the blade to achieve the cuts. When you complete the work turn off the engine and pull it away from the place you are working.

Surely, every saw comes with its risks and damages. In some situations, the blade may start to stick. In these times you must stop the work and paint the blade with a wax stick. Put it directly to the teeth area. This will loosen up the blade and make it efficient once again.

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We’re a team of engineers, contractors, technicians, and woodworking experts who use power tools daily and share fact-based information, tips, and recommendations. At thetoolgeeks.com, we debunk myths about power tools and share methods to use them effectively.

The Tool Geeks Team

We're a team of engineers, contractors, technicians, and woodworking experts who use power tools daily and share fact-based information, tips, and recommendations. At thetoolgeeks.com, we debunk myths about power tools and share methods to use them effectively.

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