¶ Introduction
A coolant fed saw used to break down and process metal in the shop. It has multiple adjustments that must work together to operate successfully. It can be used to cut tube, pipe, and solid stock but should not be used for sheet metal. Use a chip brush, and in case of spills, a rag, to clean up work area when finished.
¶ Shop Access
A membership or day pass is required to access the Metal Shop.
The Shop Safety Class Metal 1: Shop safety is required to operate the Dayton 7 x 12" Metal Cutting Band Saw.
¶ Machine Reservations
The horizontal bandsaw does not require a machine reservation and is available on a first come first serve basis.
¶ Machine Overview
The horizontal bandsaw is an excellent choice for any members and day pass users looking to cut down stock with accurate and repeatable cuts. The horizontal bandsaw is more precise than the chop saw and less likely to cause heat warping. The horizontal bandsaw does not kick off sparks unlike many of the other cutting tools within the Metal Shop.
¶ Machines Available
- One Dayton 7 x 12" Metal Cutting Band Saw.
¶ Machine Comparison Chart
| Number of Machines | Name | Compatible Material | Freehand Cutting?  / |
Cuts square pipe/tubing? / |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Horizontal Bandsaw | Mild steel square tube, round bar, and stock | |
|
| 5 | Angle grinder with cut-off wheel attachment | Mild steel | |
|
| 1 | Vertical bandsaw | 14 ga and under mild steel, 18 ga and under stainless steel, and 1/8" and under aluminum | |
|
| 1 | Chop saw | Mild steel | |
|
| 1 | Shear | Mild steel sheet metal only | |
|
¶ Parts of the Machine
Click to expand
¶ Material Considerations
¶ Acceptable Materials:
¶ Use with Caution and Proper Technique:
Round bar
¶ Forbidden Materials:
¶ Safety
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
• Sturdy, close-toed shoes must be worn at all times. Leather steel-toed boots are recommended for any metal working.
• Safety glasses should be worn at all times.
• Long hair, jewelry, and loose clothing must be tied back to prevent getting caught in moving parts.
• Earmuffs or silicone ear plugs should be worn while machines are running, the volume in the Metal Shop can reach an excess of 100 decibels, which can cause permanent hearing damage after just 15 minutes of exposure.
For more information on shop safety visit Metal Shop under "Safety."
¶ Step-by-Step Guides
¶ Before You Begin
When cutting your piece to a specific dimension mark the point and direction of the cut on your workpiece using a scribe or marker.
- All blade guards are in place.
- There is no debris inside the blade guard or covers.
- There is no debris on the blade or blade wheels.
- All hoses and line cords are out of the blade path.
¶ Using the Machine
The horizontal bandsaw is on a pivot and has a coolant cooled blade. You can control the rate of decent of the blade and the amount of coolant.
- Lift the bandsaw head using the lift handle on the left top side. It has a spring assist for lifting. You do not have to lift it all the way: just a few inches is best for the following setup tasks.
You cannot push the bandsaw head back down by hand. You must use the hydraulic controls to let the bandsaw head back down.
¶ Speed of descent
The horizontal bandsaw is on a pivot. If you lift the head of the horizontal bandsaw and then let go, the blade is going to slowly begin to come down. You have full control over the speed of the blades descent by using the valve and dial on the hydraulic system.
- Closing the valve (release lever) on the hydraulic system will cause the machine to stop in place.
Closed is when the valve handle is perpendicular to the coolant line. Open is when the valve handle is in the same direction as the coolant line.
- When the valve is open, the dial controls the speed of the blades descent.
¶ Coolant Rate
You only need enough coolant to coat the blade. Using enough coolant increases the life of the blade and makes a better cut.
With the bandsaw head already lifted a few inches and held in place with the hydraulic valve set to off, set the coolant flow by
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Turn on the machine using the switch that was hidden behind the guard and has now been exposed by lifting the bandsaw head. The blade will start moving.
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Turn on the coolant pump using the switch on the front of the machine. You may be able to hear the pump start although coolant may not flow because the flow rate lever may be set to off. Switch is pictured below in the 'off' position.
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Adjust the amount of coolant by turning the lever above the blade until the coolant coats the blade. Be careful of your fingers and hands around the blade. Adjust the amount of coolant until it coats the blade with spraying past the blade or onto the floor.
Fully closed is when the valve handle is perpendicular to the coolant line. Fully open is when the valve handle is in the same direction as the coolant line.
¶ Loading and Securing your Material
Make sure the machine is off and the blade is still before you start.
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Lift bandsaw head a few inches and hold it in place with the hydraulic valve set to off.
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Release the vise grip on the horizontal bandsaw by loosening the knobs and walk it back with the handwheel to make space for your workpiece.
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Load your workpiece and align the mark you made on your workpiece with the bandsaw blade when viewed from above.
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Firmly lock your workpiece in place with the vise before cutting. Make sure that it does not wiggle and the vise does not move.
Never attempt "freehand" cuts on the horizontal bandsaw!
¶ Recommended clamping configurations
¶ Setting the blade guides
Make sure the machine is off and the blade is still before you start.
The blade guides support the blade during the cut. It is important to set them close to the workpiece but not so close that they impact the workpiece as the bandsaw head comes down.
- Loosen the knob to release the guide.
- Slide left/right as needed.
- Tighten the knob to secure the guide.
- Repeat steps 1-3 for the other guide.
¶ Make a cut
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Power on the horizontal bandsaw using the power switch. The blade will begin to revolve. Make sure that the coolant is flowing.
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Release the bandsaw head by turning the hydraulic valve to open. You can adjust the rate of descent using the dial on the hydraulic feed mechanism.
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Monitor the horizontal bandsaw as the cut is made.
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The horizontal bandsaw will automatically turn itself off after the cut is complete.
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Even when using coolant the workpiece may be
hot, use caution when handling!
¶ Machine Maintenance
- Perform a Blade Change on the Horizontal Bandsaw SOP
- Keep saw clean and dry. Sweep off spots where chips have collected and wipe off spots where coolant splashed.
- Lubricate the unpainted surfaces with a light application of medium consistency machine oil to prevent corrosion after cleaning.
- Grease the vise lead screw if vise action becomes difficult.
- Replace dull blades and blades from which teeth have been stripped. A clean saw with a sharp blade will yield the best cut.
- Internal parts of the band saw have been completely lubricated at the factory and do not need to be relubricated.
¶ Filling Coolant tank
- The coolant tank can hold up to 2.25 gallons of coolant.
For proper operation, the pump must be completely submerged in fluid. - Check that the fluid level is sufficient before attempting wet-cut operations. Usually two gallons is sufficient.
- Check that the tank is not filled with debris.
Do not allow shavings to flow through the pump. Change the fluid and clean the tank often. Whenever possible, the chips should be cleaned out of the chip tray before they are washed into the coolant reservoir.
¶ Troubleshooting
¶ References
Dayton 7 x 12" Metal Cutting Band Saw Operating Instructions and Parts Manual.
¶ Video Walkthroughs
¶ Glossary
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