Chapter 11 Sawing and Cutoff Machines 163
11.3 Power Band Saw
The
horizontal band
saw, Figure 11-10, is fre-
quently referred to as the cutoff machine. It offers
the following advantages over the power hacksaw:
• Greater precision. The blade on a band saw
can be guided more accurately than the blade
on the reciprocating power saw. It is common
practice to cut directly “on the line” when band
sawing, because fi ner blades can be used.
• Faster speed. The long, continuous blade
moves in only one direction, so cutting is
also continuous. The blade can run at much
higher speeds because it rapidly dissipates
the cutting heat.
• Less waste. The small cross section of the
band saw blade makes smaller and fewer
chips than the thicker blade of the reciprocat-
ing power hacksaw, Figure 11-11.
11.3.1 Selecting a Band Saw Blade
Band saw blades are made with raker teeth or
wavy teeth, Figure 11-12. Most manufacturers also
make variations of these sets. The raker set is pre-
ferred for general use.
Avoid—
make sure movable
jaw of vise fits
solidly against work
Solid
vise jaw
Movable
vise jaw
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11-8. If the work is not clamped solidly, it will twist
and the blade will bind and be ruined in the first few seconds
of use.
Set stop gage
high enough to
allow cut piece
to fall away
from blade
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11-9. A stop gage is used when several pieces of the
same length must be cut. Set it high to permit the work to fall
free when completely cut.
Photo courtesy of Grizzly Industrial, Inc. www.grizzly.com
Figure  11-10. Horizontal band saw with built-in coolant
system, adjustable hydraulic down feed, automatic shutoff,
quick positioning vise, and –45° to +60° swivel mount.
Kerf made by cutoff wheel
By power hacksaw
By band saw
Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 11-11. Differences in the amount of metal converted
to chips (waste) by each cutoff machine.