Chip Characteristics
Reading chips provide information on how to improve the efficiency of the blade. For example, adjustments can be made to band speed or feed rate.
CHIP FORM
Thick, Hard, Springy
Thick, Curly, Springy
Thin, Straight, Springy
Thin, Tightly, Curled
Condition Thick, Hard, Short Thick, Hard, Brittle Thick, Hard, Springy
Powdery
Silver or Light Straw
Color
Blue or Brown
Blue or Brown
Silver
Silver
Silver
Silver
Silver
Band Speed
Reduce
Reduce
OK
Reduce Slightly
OK
OK
Reduce
OK
Feed Rate
Reduce
Reduce
Reduce Slightly Increase Slightly
OK
Increase
Increase
Reduce
Check Cutting Fluid & Mix Ratio
Check Cutting Fluid & Mix Ratio
Check for Correct Blade Pitch
Check for Correct Blade Pitch
Use a Coarser Pitch Blade
Other
Blade Break-in
WHY BREAK-IN A BAND SAW BLADE? The band saw blade’s teeth are razor sharp. In order to withstand the cutting pressures of band sawing, the tooth tip should be honed to form a very small edge radius. If a proper break-in procedure has not been performed and the tooth tips are damaged, the blade life, and performance are reduced significantly.
New blade
With break-in
Without break-in
BREAKING IN THE BLADE
Bi-Metal Procedure 1. Reduce feed force during first 20 minutes of cutting to 50% of normal feed. 2. Gradually increase feed force in 4 steps to normal over the course of 10 minutes. 3. Run normal band speed. Carbide Tipped T3P / T7P / T3N Procedure 1. Reduce band speed during first 20 minutes of cutting to 70% of normal speed. 2. Reduce feed force during first 20 minutes of cutting to 50% of normal feed. 3. Gradually increase bandspeed and feed force in 4 steps to normal after 10 minutes.
Bi-Metal
Triple Chip Carbide Tipped
www.dgisupply.ca l 1-800-923-6255
17
Powered by FlippingBook