HOW TO SELECT YOUR BANDSAW BLADES
STEP 1
ANALYZE THE SAWING APPLICATION
Machine:
For most situations, knowing the blade dimensions (length x width x thickness) is all that is necessary.
For example: Name of the product Length x width x thickness tooth per inch
CONTESTOR GT® 4860 mm x 34 mm x 1,07mm 3/4 TPI
Material:
Find out the following characteristics of the material to be cut.
- Grade
- Hardness (if heat treated or hardened)
- Shape
- Size
- Is the material to be stacked (bundled) or cut one at a time?
Other customer needs:
The specifics of the application should be considered.
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Production or utility/general purpose sawing operation?
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What is more important, fast cutting or tool life?
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Is material finish important?
STEP 2
DETERMINE WHICH PRODUCT TO USE
Use the charts
- Find the material to be cut in the top row
- Read down the chart to find which blade is recommended
STEP 3
DETERMINE THE PROPER NUMBER OF TEETH PER INCH (TPI)
Use the tooth selection chart
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If having difficulty choosing between two pitches, the finer of the two will generally give better performance.
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When compromise is necessary, choose the correct TPI first.
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A general rule for bundles: Determine the correct TPI for one piece, and choose one pitch coarser for the bundle.
STEP 4
ORDER LENOX SAWING FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS
FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE AND LONGER LIFE ON ANY BLADE.
STEP 5
DETERMINE THE NEED FOR MERCURIZATION
This patented, enhanced mechanical design promotes more efficient tooth penetration and chip formation, easily cutting through the work hardened zone. The MERCURIZE symbol denotes any product that can be MERCURIZED™.
STEP 6
INSTALL THE BLADE AND FLUID
STEP 7
BREAK IN THE BLADE PROPERLY
Depending on the hardness and dimensions of the materials you wish to saw, you'll need to break in certain types of bandsaws.
Click here and discover the different steps !
STEP 8
RUN THE BLADE AT THE CORRECT SPEED AND FEED RATE
Consult the LENOX catalogue or SAW-CALC.
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF DEFECT BLADES
The tips mentioned above are key factors for a greater blade durability.
Should you experience any problems, click here and find out the most common causes.