If you are tired of battling metal with clunky handsaws, bandsaws might be the missing pieces in your workshop puzzle. With the multitude of types on offer, navigating the market to find a suitable option can feel like searching for buried treasure. Don’t worry, we at LSG Machine Tools will explore the key features of bandsaws to help you find your metal fabrication pot of gold.
Never Mistake Woodcutting Bandsaws for Metal Bandsaws
To the untrained eye, there may not appear to be a difference between woodworking and metal bandsaws; however, there are subtle differences. To ensure that you are selecting the right type, listed below are the unique characteristics of metal bandsaws:
Using the weight of the saw, the often-movable frame holding the saw slowly drops down to execute the cut.
By pivoting to a vertical orientation, bandsaws become adept at handling non-linear cuts in plate metal.
Since metal presents a greater challenge than wood, the bandsaws use blades equipped with smaller teeth positioned closely together. Operating at slower speeds, these blades produce precise cuts.
Make sure that the amperage of the motor suits the thickness of the metal being worked on. For example, if you are cutting hardened stainless steel, it is better to use a bandsaw operating at 10 amps.
Tackling Tough Tasks with Ease
As with selecting a woodworking bandsaw, prioritising metal fabrication bandsaws that tackle your toughest tasks is crucial. Ensure its maximum cutting capacity exceeds the diameter or width of your largest intended workpieces. Additionally, a motor powerful enough to handle ferrous and work-hardened metals is essential. While a vertical configuration might seem unnecessary for frequent cuts, it becomes highly advantageous when dealing with plate metal cuts.
Consider Your Available Floor Space
What you need to consider is that the tools you bring into your workshop need to have dedicated space, specifically bandsaws. As our vertical and horizontal orientation bandsaws are floor-standing and therefore only semi-portable, we would suggest that you ensure that the square meterage of your floor space can comfortably accommodate your chosen bandsaw.
We hope that our guide on what to look for when selecting metal fabrication bandsaws has shed some light on the type that is best for your requirements. If not, simply contact us; and we will assist you.