Bandsaw Basics: Bench Top Bandsaws

Knowing the best tools for the job is necessary to get it done and today, we’re going to give you a give you some tips about bench top bandsaws.

The first question is, what are Bench-top Bandsaws? For others who don’t know, they are the smallest of the power tools and can be mounted directly on a work table, a stand, and cabinet or on your shop-made stand. These Bandsaws are lightweight and with a wheel diameter of about 8” to 12”. However, they are not ideal for big projects. You can use them for small projects and in small workshops.

The main feature of this type of saw is that the motor is mounted directly to the unit, there is no belt system under the table. With its lightweight and small size, there are no exceptions like the 12” Jet and the 14” Shop Fox.

For several years, the bench-top saws were made with the three-wheel design, but these old models were phased out. The thing with the three-wheel saw, it offers the widest throat in the least amount of space, but the only drawback was its design such as:

·                 Difficulty in aligning the wheels

·                 Difficulty in tracking the blades

·                 Premature “blade wear” as reported by some users.

Here is a list of Bench-top bandsaws:

·         Craftsman BAS230 9-inch Band Saw

·         Ryobi BS903 9-inch Band Saw

·         Skil 3386 9-inch Band Saw

·         Central Machinery 96980 9-inch Band Saw

·         RIKON 10-305 10-inch Band Saw

·         Craftsman 21400 10-inch Band Saw

·         Proxxon MBS/E Band Saw

·         JET JWBS-10OS 10-inch Band Saw

There is no ultimate bench-top bandsaw. These types of bench-top bandsaws have their own unique features and depending on the type of work you need for them. Also, some of you may decide not just based on the type of work to be used, but also the price. And if you are looking for some bandsaw blades, visit us at www.capitalmachinery.com.au. 

Bandsaw Basics: Blades for Operation

Band saw tooth blades are available in different shapes, each with their own characteristics. In this section, we will be discussing about the different tooth types of the blades for our band saw machines.

1.       Regular tooth

This tooth is straight face with deep gullets to rake out chips. It is usually used for general metal cutting with straight rake.

2.       Hook tooth

It is equipped with deep gullets and widely spaced teeth with a 10 degree undercut face that helps to dig in and take a good cut while the gullets curl the chips. This tooth is good for cutting non-ferrous alloys, non-metallic materials, plastics and wood.

3.       Skip tooth 

It is similar to the hook tooth but characterized by a straight 90 degree tooth and a sharp angle at the junction of the tooth and gullet to break up chips. This type is well suited for non-ferrous materials, metals, wood and plastics.

4.       Variable tooth (Bi-Metal)

It is usually known as broach tooth or vari-tooth. This has different set angles and gullet depths. The cutting edge of the variable tooth reduces any vibration while the back absorbs the impacts of cutting and out of holes, slots and narrow webs. This is the best all-purpose blade when it comes to production and general shop cutting and contour. Use it for cutting of solid bars and structural bars.

Next is how to properly select the right number of teeth. Generally picking a coarse tooth (having a lesser number of teeth per inch (TPI)) for large sections and soft metals. For the finer tooth (more teeth per inch), it’s typically made for small sections and harder metals. Observe the rules illustrated below.

Different Tooth Sets                                                             

1.       RAKER SET

If you look into one, this has one tooth set to the right, one tooth set to the left and one tooth is aligned straight. This is mainly used for most production cutting of thick, solid metal sections on horizontal saws.

2.       WAVY SET

This has teeth set in groups with gradual increasing set to left and right. It is generally composed of several teeth per inch and is mainly used for cutting thin sections such as sheets, tubes, pipes and small shapes.

Bandsaw Maintenance Part 2

Since we’ve discuss the blades on our first blog series, we’re going to discuss 3 items for today which is the equipment condition and type, the coolant and the operator’s skill.

1.       Equipment Condition and Type

As is always the case, keeping your equipment well-maintained and vibration-free will ensure accuracy and longer blade life. Blade wear patterns may be a sign that a wheel adjustment is needed or guides are worn and are causing problems. If this happens, make sure to make the right move and inspect the machine before using it. If you aren’t capable, make sure to call in some experts to do the checking for you.

The type of the machine you are also using is important. For example, there are parts that aren’t the same with other bandsaw machines. You might want to do some research on your machine by typing in the serial number on search engines or reading the manual. You can also take some advice from the experts.

2.       Coolant

During the bandsaw operation, the blade and the metal creates friction and produces heat. Heat is the number one cause why you blade isn’t cutting well. It is important to choose the right coolant for your cutting applications. Choosing the proper coolant will help you improve the cut and also the life of your saw blades.

3.       Operator Skill

Like with any job, knowing your equipment and understanding the operation and processes, as well as being able to troubleshoot or get service when equipment fails, are vital to the success of your company. Being properly trained and having the correct resources are also contributing factors to the success of your company.

Following are just a few skills necessary to ensure continued productivity:

•Ability to observe the cut to ensure the down feed is correct, especially if you’re using a manual feed system

•Ability to make different types of cuts when using a manual down feed band saw

•Ability to read the chips to determine if the blade and equipment are cutting properly

•Ability to identify equipment problems and get assistance or service

Bandsaw Machine Maintenance Part 1

Band saw Machines are integral part of a machine or metal fabrication shops. But maintenance is also important to keep the process running without delays. Today, we’re going to start with our blog series on different ways to maintain your band saw machine.

First, we’re going to discuss about band saw blades. The Band saw blade’s teeth are exposed to different stress in different angles when cutting structural steel. For example, you are cutting a piece of steel tube, the blade is required to cut through two walls thus causing damage. The tooth is being release in a forward motion by both the speed and the downward motion of the feed pressure. Similar shocks occur when cutting other shapes such as angles, channels and I-beams.

In other cases, solids or shapes strikes a number of pass is increasing considerably. Thus, this repeated impact and the stress from cutting these heavy duty materials can cause the teeth of the band saw to crack and destroyed.

The no. 1 reason these band saw blades fail in fabrication shops is the repetitive shocks or impacts on the blade, and not through excessive use.

Another reason for a blade to worn out is heat and friction. If you are not using coolants or fluid, you might want to reconsider using one. It can help disperse heat and prevents chips from getting stuck.

 It is NOT possible for just one blade to work well for every purpose like a jack of all trades as you might say. 

You need to know the type of band saw blade that is strong enough to resist the forces being applied to it while providing a smooth cut without having the need for any secondary applications such as filing and grinding.

For our next article, we’ll be discussing different types of blades according to the material to be cut. If you are looking for bandsaws, don’t hesitate to visit us at www.capitalmachinery.com.au. 

Shear Blade Essentials

Buying a shear blade is easier than ever through online stores that offers different methods of payment. Since it is easy to buy shear blades, it doesn’t mean that you should take this decision lightly. The quality of the blade really matters and knowing how to take care of the blade is just as important as buying a good one. Luckily, keeping a blade sharp, clean and fresh is fairly simple.

Today, we’re going to give you some tips on how to maintain your very own shear blade.

Set the Blade and Clearance Properly

If you are starting with your cutting process, make sure to set the blade properly first. Setting the shear blade properly is a main key to extending the blade’s life and machinery efficiency. Set proper clearance to ensure proper cut quality. Before setting the blade, check the blade seat is flat to ensure that the tooling is set properly to eliminate blade chipping during shifting of the machine.

Clearance is also important for blades. If the clearance is too high, metal jams between the blade and machine. If the blade has no clearance at all, it will break. Setting the clearance are too loose will cause premature wear and failure.

Basic Maintenance Plan

Here are some of our recommendations for your basic maintenance plan:

The Air system should be properly maintained to ensure clean air. Regulators should also be maintained to help the pneumatic mechanism to properly function.

Lubrication should be checked before you begin operation. The lubrication system should be cleaned, filled and properly filtered.

Machine clutch and brakes must be examined for lining, thickness, clearances and signs of failure. If these are worn out, they should be replaced immediately to avoid costly repairs.

Air leaks or failure on the counterbalance cylinders should be dealt with immediately.

Repair Immediately

Call in the experts quickly if you find unusual wear or need for adjustment.  Disastrous failures often start with little problems that are ignored. Addressing these problems quickly is less expensive in the long term.

Getting A Good Deal on Industrial Press Brakes

The cost of buying a new industrial press brake is very expensive and you need a lot of capital for your business to purchase one. Since it is not easy to buy a new one without shelling a good amount of money, there are great ways to get a deal with this type of machine believe it or not. Here are some tips you can follow.

Buy One on an Auction Site

Many people or business owners never considered this option but there are several online auction sites that offer industrial press brakes. Since the price starts pretty reasonable and is only driven up when many people bid on it, there’s a chance that you can get one for far less than you would if you purchased one at the regular price.

Consider Used Equipment

Used equipment are also perfect if you don’t have the budget to buy a new machine. It can be good as new as long as it is maintained properly and think of it as an advantage on your financial standpoint. There are plenty of used machine are still in great shape and looking at a few to see if they can fit your needs is a great start.

Get an Older Model

Business owners are always rushing to get the newest models on the market but sometimes the older models are just as good. Sometimes the changes are so subtle that they barely make a difference when it comes to performance. If you see something that you like, wait until it is older then go make a purchase. The price is more reasonable by that time.

As you were told earlier, it is quite possible to get a good deal when you are in the market for this equipment. It is not always necessary to spend a bundle to get what you need.

Safety Measures when Using Metal Working Fluids

When cutting different types of metal, we use coolants to help eliminate heat that is caused by friction. Also, metal working fluids helps lubricate metal working machines for optimal working process. But, working with coolants is also known to be dangerous and can cause injuries if not handled properly. With Knowledge and awareness we can prevent hazards when using Metal Working Fluids.  Here are some safety measures you should remember.

·         Make sure to check the manual and have proper training provided by your employer on the safety system of work especially when working with metalworking fluids.

·         Don’t forget to use splashguards if provided to control any splashes or mist.

·         Minimize the mist production if possible as well as vapor through volume control and delivery rate of the fluid to the cutting edge of the tool.

·         Ventilation is important for any enclosures to help remove or control the mist coming out of the machine.

·         You should allow some time delay before you open the doors on these machine enclosures to make sure that all the vapors have settled or removed by the ventilation. Do not rush right away and leave it some time.

·          Make sure to report any damages or breaks on the splash guards. Same goes for broken ventilation hoods and control equipment. 

·          For improvement on the ventilation, open workroom doors and windows for natural ventilation to occur.

·         Avoid the use of compresses air when you remove any excess metalworking fluids machine parts or equipment.

Protecting Your Skin

·         Minimize contact with any wet surfaces.

·          Never put your unprotected hands in fluid sumps or coolants and also do not use any oily rags to wipe them clean.

·         Always wear suitable protection gear when needed.

·         Be sure to not contaminate the insides of your protective gears like your gloves with these metalworking fluids.

·         Always keep your hands clean. Pre-work creams help in removing any contaminants later. Do not assume that they serve as gloves as they do not effective in protecting your hands, but they help in keeping the natural moisture content of your skin after you wash your hands.

·          For any cuts or abrasions, be sure to cover them with waterproof dressings.

·          Make sure to regularly wash with soap and water when removing any contaminants from your skin. Do not use any abrasive or powerful solvent cleaners as they would only irritate your skin.

Bench Top Bandsaws

What are benchtop bandsaws? They are the smallest of the power tools and it can be mounted on a work table, a cabinet, a stand or on your shop-made stand. These benchtop bandsaws are lightweight with a wheel diameter of 8” to 12”. However, these bandsaws are made for moderate to small projects. You can have these kinds of bandsaws for small workshops.

The main feature for this type of bandsaw is that the motor is mounted directly to the unit and there’s no belt system under the table and with its lightweight and small size, there are no exceptions like the 12” jet and 14” shop fox.

For years, the bench top bandsaws we’re made with the three wheel design but these models are now phased out. The thing about the three-wheel saw, it offers the widest throat in the least amount of space, but the only drawback was its design such as:

·         Alignment of Wheel

·         Tracking of blades

·         And for some, Premature Blade wear

Here are some of the Bench-Top Bandsaw recommend:

1.       Craftsman BAS230 9-inch Band Saw

2.       Ryobi BS903 9-inch Band Saw

3.       Skil 3386 9-inch Band Saw

4.       Central Machinery 96980 9-inch Band Saw

5.       RIKON 10-305 10-inch Band Saw

6.       Craftsman 21400 10-inch Band Saw

7.       Proxxon MBS/E Band Saw

8.       JET JWBS-10OS 10-inch Band Saw

These types of bench-top bandsaws have their own unique features on different types of work you need them for. Also, some of you may decide not just based on the type of work but also the price of the bandsaw. As years goes by, efficiency will also decrease and as an owner, one must know how to maintain now only the bandsaw but also the bandsaw blade. Visit us at www.capitalmachiner.com.au for more information and tips about these machinery. 

Effective Bandsaw Operations

Aside from the blade itself, we need to look into other factors that makes operations. Today, we’ll determine these factors.

1.       Equipment and Condition Type

The most important part of owning a bandsaw is how effective you’ll maintain it. A well-maintained and vibration free bandsaw will ensure accuracy and longer blade-life. Blade wear patterns may be a sign that wheel adjustment is needed or guides are worn out and are causing problems.

2.       Coolant

Choosing the right coolant for your cutting operations is important. High-speed cutting creates friction which generates heat and heat causes the blade to dull. Thus, choosing the right coolant will help improve cutting operations, accuracy and longevity of your saw blades.

3.       Operator Skills

Like any other job, skills are important to keep the production and the company running smoothly. As an effective bandsaw operator, one must understand the process and operations of the machine. Also, one must be knowledgeable on troubleshooting or get service when the machine fails. Being trained and having the correct resources contributes to the success of the company.

Here are some tips to ensure productivity:

·         Ability to observe the cut to ensure the down feed is correct especially if you are using a manual feed system.

·         Ability to create different cuts when using manual feed band saw

·         Ability to read the chips to determine if the blade and equipment are working properly

·         Ability to identify equipment problems and get assistance or service.

And if you are looking for quality blades or band saw, visit us at www.capitalmachinery.com.au.

Drill Press Maintenance Check

To ensure that your expensive floor drill press keeps on operating as it should, you will need to carry out some routine maintenance every now and then. Nothing overtly complicated, just some occasional tender, love and care to keep your machine running smoothly and accurately. The fact is, there are a few things that left unchecked can end up compromising the drill’s performance. The pulley and drive belt, chuck, spindle and table platform are all components that will have a detrimental impact on your work if they are not configured correctly.

Create a schedule to maintain these key wear parts:

Transmission/gearbox: Every 30 days or after 40 hours of use, verify the transmission oil level offers adequate lubrication. Low oil can cause motor lockup.

Flexible Drive Shaft: Examine, clean and grease the flexible drive shaft after every 50 hours of operation. Apply sufficient grease so that it’s not gumming up the flex shaft but not so little that it’s dry because that can cause the cable to break.

Clutch: Check the clutch every 30 days or when you lubricate the flexible drive shaft. Clean the shoes and drums and replace if any clutch padding is missing. A worn clutch can slip or cause the drill to jerk and worn springs might result in the auger spinning at idle or overheating.

Lubrication: It is essential to lubricate our drilling machines because moving parts from the drill generates heat and friction. Make sure to check the guide given by the manufacturer in terms of proper lubrication. Make sure to clean the drill after every usage to prevent dirt build up that causes the machine to slow down. Clean the T-slots, groves, belts and pulleys. Also remember to remove the chips to avoid unnecessary damage to the drill. Put a light coat on the unpainted parts of the drill to prevent rust.

Belt and Vibration: Worn out or bent belt can be a source of a very annoying noise and vibration for the drilling machine. Remove the head of the drill and rotate the belt manually, if it has cracks or lumpy section better to replace it right away. If the belt looks normal, check if the tension is normal; if it is too loose or too tight.

Guide in Buying Used Machinery

Are you looking to invest your money into used machinery? Then there are guidelines to follow before buying one. One of the reasons why used machinery is better than buying a new one is the price. We can save a lot of money and own the machine. But if we are not careful, we may end up buying a defective one that will cost us more revenue than the process of your operation.

Here’s the advice:

Evaluate the Price

Compare the brand new and the used price of the machine and make sure to base it on your budget cost. Here’s an example, if a machine will cost you 20% more than your budget and produces 20% more or even higher, you’ve got yourself a great deal. Make sure to evaluate the extra cost of the machinery and the productivity value.

Inspect the Machine

After evaluating the price, you are now ready to find the suitable used machinery for your business. At times, sellers won’t sell you a defective machine but it is also smart if we check the machine first before buying it. If you are not familiar with the machine, make sure you have a technician beside you to do the inspection. Make sure the machine is tested first before the final purchase. Ask for videos and photos of the machine if there’s any.

After inspecting the machine, make sure to ask if the manual for the machine is still available. Ask for part, maintenance, electrical, ladder and programming manuals. This will help you maintain your machinery.

Service records and Inspections

Remember to get these records if they are available. These records will tell you on how well the machine is maintained and the potential problems that may arise during the operation.

Buy from a Reputable Seller

Buying from a reputable seller is an advantage on your part. If they are selling used machinery, expect that they are knowledgeable and will give you all the information you need. 

Maintaining your Power Tools

Power tools are your investment in helping to get the job done. Like any other tool or machine, power tools also needs maintenance and proper handling. Failure to do this can cause accidents and unwanted repairs. Today, we’ll going to give you some tips on how to handle your power tools and simple maintenance task.

Always keep the Tools Dry

If the tools are not stored properly, it can cause wear and tear. So if you are finished on using the power tool, keep it away from excessive heat or cold. Moisture is a component to rust and rusting occurs on metals especially on your power tools.

Controlling Dust and Dirt

Wood particles, metal shavings dust and other particles are all bad for your power tools especially the cordless ones. If these particles are not cleaned and removed from the power tool, it can slow down the performance and motor especially on a power drill. As soon as you are finished with your work, be sure to used compressed air to blow out any particles that are in vents, cracks, openings or anything that collects dust and dirt.

Cleaning your Power Tools Regularly

As said on number two, dust, dirt, grimes and grease can definitely slow down the tool’s performance. Make sure to schedule a general and deep cleaning for your tools. Disassembling the tool parts for cleaning is highly advisable.

Lubrication of Air Tools

The air tool moving parts should be lubricated in order to have better performance. However, control your lubrication process because putting too much oil can cause a lot of sticky build-up; just a drop or two is needed for a thousand of movements.

Always refer to the Manual

In case that your power tool isn’t working that well, it is suitable to refer to your manual and take a look at the troubleshooting guide.

Coiling the Cords and Hoses Properly

Damaged cords and hose are alarming and can cause hazardous problems if not taken cared immediately. It can also lead to your power tools not working properly. Make sure that your cords and hose are coiled properly. 

Characteristics of a Band saw Blade

Knowing the characteristics of your bandsaw blade will help you keep your blade to last longer and cut better. The ideal tool is not based on how cheap or the most expensive, it is based on how people carefully choose the tool for a specific job to get it done quickly, efficiently and frugally.

Here are the characteristics a Band saw Blade must have:

Hardness

The hardness and the cutting tools strength comes together. It has to be maintained at a certain elevated temperature to minimise wear and tear.

Toughness

This is required to every band saw blade. This characteristic is to avoid chipping or fractures upon impact of the blade.

Wear Resistance

This is the attainment of the acceptable tool life before it needs to be replaced. Wear resistance can be attained through proper usage of the blade.

So if you are looking for a blade to use or the next time you shop for a good blade, make sure that it has the three given characteristics. A wise shopper must know what to look for.

The band saw also needs maintenance to keep up with the working process. With proper cleaning and preventive maintenance, you can make your machine more efficient. 

Different types of Band saw Tooth Blades

Band saw Tooth blades are available in different shapes, each with their own characteristics. Today, we’ll be discussing the different types of band saw tooth blades for our band saw machine.

1.       Regular Tooth

The regular tooth band saw blade is a straight-faced tooth with deep gullets to rake out chips. It is also used for general metal cutting with a straight rake.

2.       Hook Tooth

This type of band saw blade has deep gullets and widely spaced teeth with a 10 degree undercut face that helps to dig in and take a good cut while the gullet curl chips. This type of blade is great for cutting soft, non-ferrous metals, plastic and wood.

3.       Skip Tooth

This band saw blade is similar to the hook tooth but characterized by a straight 90 degree tooth and a sharp angle at the junction of the tooth and gullet to break up chips. This type is also suited for soft, non-ferrous metals, plastic and wood.

4.       Variable tooth

This type of tooth is also known as vari-tooth or otherwise known as broach tooth. This tooth has different angles and gullet depth. The cutting edge of the variable tooth reduces any vibration while the back absorbs the impact of cutting in and out of holes, slots and narrow webs. This blade tooth is suitable for production work and general shop-off contouring. This type of tooth is great for cutting off solid bar stock and especially structural.

Different Tooth Sets

1.       Wavy Set

This has teeth set in groups with gradual increasing set to left and right. It is generally composed of several teeth per inch and mainly used for cutting thin sections such as sheets, pipes and small sets.

2.       Raker Set

This has one tooth set to the right, one tooth set to the left and one tooth is aligned straight. This is mainly used for most production cutting of thick, solid metal selections on horizontal saws. 

Recommendations for Core Drills

A quality core drill is equipped with an electronic protection to protect the drill from overloading and overheating. There are several models equipped with Elgard, it indicates when an overloading takes place through LED lights or pulsation depending on the model. This signs can prevent the motor from taking damages and increases product life. Having an electronic protection can also reduce downtime and getting costly repairs.

There are also other drills that has a unique LED lighting system. This protect and helps the user become better in handling the equipment properly. These LED lights will indicate whether the operation should go faster or slower depending on the performance. This LED lights can also help when it comes to time management.

If the machine operates consistently and efficiently, then the jobs get done easily and with better results. This machine is ideal for those who typically use this tool on occasional basis and has less experience in using such equipment. Along with LED lights, some of these core drill machines have leveling bubbles to ensure that there is proper feed pressure and straight drilling.

Another factor that affects the quality of the core drill is the stand. Check the stand if it is rigid and strong as it can provide more support, last longer and can help the accuracy of the drill. These stands are usually made with aluminum because it is lighter and easier to transport unlike steel or cast iron. These aluminum stands can weigh at least about third of what steel stand weighs so that the user can get the job done swiftly and more efficient with less physical exhaustion. Also, aluminum stands are easier to assemble.

The recycling vacuum is another feature from a good core drilling machine. It can prevent you from creating a mess with water when doing some wet core drilling and preventing you from being electrocuted.

Blade Properties

Why is it important to know the properties of your blade? For starters, the blade’s properties is chosen based on the type of cutting performed. So if the materials to be cut is tougher, the blade should also be stronger and tougher so it can withstand impact or else it might go wrong and can cause accidents.

Handling the blade also needs to be done safely. Even professionals, they are recommended to have proper gear and presence of mind during the cutting process. They make sure that the blade is secured, locked-in tight and the blades are exactly the type they are used for.

The blade width which is measured from the tips of the teeth to the back edge of the blade body is also an important blade property. It is important that you use the widest blade your machine can put up, except if you are cutting contours.

Another thing to consider is the tooth rake. The tooth rake is the angle formed by the tooth face and line that is perpendicular to the back of the blade. It needs to be chosen based on the materials and shapes that will be cut. A positive rake angle can increase the incline or angle of the tooth face and best suited for thick solids and heavy-wall tubing.

Straight or less positive rakes are preferred for most structural and bundle cutting.

Importance of Maintenance

Aside from the blade properties, we should be able to maintain our blade and our band saw machine. Do some cleaning and checking routine from time to time. Determine and look out for signs of deterioration like tooth stripping, etc.

If you are looking for quality bandsaw blades, visit our website www.capitalmachinery.com.au. We have a wide selection of bandsaw blades and other types of machinery and parts. 

The Ideal Bandsaw Blade

Whether its steel or wood, cutting it would be easier with a dependable bandsaw blade. Most problem that owners have is that their bandsaw blades needs replacement overtime. With this said, owners should be aware of some key features to look for in a good and dependable bandsaw blade to make sure that it is capable of cutting the right type of material and the workload is easily done.
1. The Blade Teeth
The number one element in terms of the ideal bandsaw would be the blade teeth, but why? It is a wrong notion for everybody to assume that every teeth pattern is all the same for all bandsaw blades. However, this not the case and if you look closely and examine the teeth of the blade, some of it have reverse styles and this could mean that the blade is able
2. Configuration of the Blade
The blade’s configuration and how it fits to the bandsaw is another factor to be considered. Typically, the blades fit over the rollers in one way only. But there’s a possibility that you might buy the wrong one to do the job. Check on the blade’s configuration to guide you on how to apply the blade properly. Also make sure that the blade you are buying is the perfect one for the job.
3. Blade Size
Lastly, knowing the size of the blade being use is important when it comes to the ideal bandsaw blade. Although a lot of bandsaw blades comes in standard sizes, there are differences in the throat of the blade. The size of the throat can make an impact on the blades work. Make sure that you’re buying a blade that would fit the machine perfectly.
If you are looking for high-quality blades, visit us at www.capitalmachinery.com.au. We have a wide selection of blades and other types of machinery and spare parts.

How to keep your Power Tools Clean

Cleaning your power tools should be a part of your preventive maintenance routine. For starters, here’s what you’re going to need:

·         Working Gloves

·         Compressed air, a can: This is available in home improvement stores

·         Clean Rags

·         Bucket or Container

·         Hot water

·         Commercial Cleaner

·         Dry old towers

·         Steel Wool

·         Toothbrush or small Brush

After acquiring these materials, you are now ready to clean your power tools. Here are some tips you can follow.

·         You need to wear your working gloves whenever you are cleaning tools especially those have sharp cutting edge

·         Make sure to read and remember the manufacturer’s directions and recommendations for proper cleaning and maintenance of your power tools and follow any specific instructions given

·         Make sure that the power cord is disconnected while the power tool is being cleaned

·         When cleaning a jigsaw, or any type of power tool that has the tendency to collect sawdust, then you need to use the compressed air. Spray out any dust and dirt collected within the grooves and crevice of the tool.

·         You can then dry your power tools properly with an old towel.

·         Using a small brush or toothbrush, clean around any switches or toggles and making sure that you remove any debris or dust that may hinder with the proper operation of any of those switches.

·         Using a DRY rag, wipe down the power cord section and check carefully for any cuts, scratches or damages. If you find that the cord is damaged, it should be REPLACED right away or before you use the power tool again.

·         For the exposed metal parts of the tool, make sure to check them for rust. If there is any instance of rust, make sure to remove it by rubbing it with the steel wool.

·         Make sure to always dry your tools after cleaning. Storing tools while wet can cause them to rust and eat away the metal.

With simple steps and materials, you can save a lot of cash by preventing problems and deterioration of the tool. Make sure to schedule your cleaning once in a while. 

How to get a Good Deal on Industrial Press Brakes

If you know anything about industrial press brakes, you know that they are not inexpensive. It is not very easy to buy one without shelling over a good amount of money. Whether you believe it or not, there are great ways to get a deal on this type of machine, and they are highlighted below.

Buy One on an Auction Site

There are several online auction sites that offers industrial press brakes. These prices starts at a reasonable price and only driven up when people also starts to bid on it. There’s a big chance to get one on these auction sites at a very reasonable price than buying one at the regular price.

Consider Used Equipment

Buying a new machine would be a great move but in reality, used one can be just as good. Instead of thinking negatively on used equipment, you certainly look at it from a financial standpoint. Many machines out there that are used are still in great shape. If you’re not sure about buying used equipment, try having your trusty technician to help you buy an industrial press brake or other kinds of machinery to help you determine if the machine is working or not.

Get an Older Model

There’s always new on the market but sometimes buying an old model are also good. Sometimes, the difference between the new and old model are added accessories and features to the machine but wouldn’t make a difference when it comes to performance. If you like this press brake, you might want to wait for a while before buying it and at that time, the price will be more reasonable.

As you were told earlier, it is quite possible to get a good deal when you are in the market for this equipment. It is not always necessary to spend a bundle to get what you need.

Key to Successful Punching

There are factors to consider when it comes to successful punching and today we’re going to enumerate some of them. Successful punching depends on the quality and feature of your punching tools. With these, we can maximise productivity and the efficiency of the fabrication operation one step at a time.

Tool Design

There are four essential parts of tool design namely the punch, die, stripper and the tool holder system. Successful punching depends on these parts and relies with the features of the components.

Punch

During the process of punching, the punch encounters both compressive and tensile forces. As the punch connects with the surface of the material, it applies pressure until it overcomes the material’s tensile strength. The material fractures releasing the comprehensive forces on the punch and producing a hole within the material.

Successful punching depends on the features and design of the tool that mitigates the forces during the process of punching. Using quality steel made tools with metallurgic process can endure the extreme process.

Stripper

Performs two important functions; it holds the work material against the die as the punch penetrates and retracts and the second function is to hold the punch tip as it punches the hole in the material.

Die

It requires efficient fit between the punch and die. A good alignment of the punch and die ensures the safety and efficiency of the process. Another thing to remember is the clearance; difference between dimensions of the punch and die. Die clearance around the punch’s peripherals is important along corners. As clearance increases with the material’s thickness, so does the radius. With proper radius the quality of improves the strength and the quality of work when it comes to punching.

Proper Maintenance

Proper tool maintenance also contributes to successful punching. With proper lubrication, sharpening using grinding equipment and regular maintenance of the punch press to ensure the turret alignment will really make things different when it comes to punching.

Tooling manufacturers designs tooling for maximum longevity. Maximising the interval between the regrinds with the use of high-quality tools, near polished punch flanks and back taper helps the machines up-time and improving the part quality.

Proper Maintenance for Drilling Machines

There are two types of drilling machines used by people who are in fabrication. One is the hand-feed or the power-feed and the other one is radial drill press or simply drill press. Using these tools can help us to be more productive but don’t forget to conduct maintenance if we want our precious tools to live longer.
How to do maintenance:

1. Lubrication

During the process of drilling, the drill generates friction and heat which can deteriorate the moving parts. Check the manufacturer’s guide for proper lubrication. Make sure to clean the drill after usage to prevent dirt buildup that causes the machine to slow down. Clean the belt, groves, pulleys and T-slots.

Put some light coat on unpainted parts of the drill to prevent rust. Remember to remove chips to avoid unnecessary damage to the drill.

2. Special Care

Heavy work load during operations requires extensive care for drilling machines. For example, you’re working on an environment where dust is literally present everywhere, make sure to operate at a slow pace to avoid abrasive wear on the parts. Under cold conditions, make sure to start on a slow speed to warm up the drill. Extreme heat can cause the motor to overheat, so try to on and off between operations to cool it down.

3. Belt and Vibration

Worn out or bent belt can be a source of a very annoying noise and vibration for the drilling machine. Remove the head of the drill and rotate the belt manually, if it has cracks or lumpy section better to replace it right away. If the belt looks normal, check if the tension is normal; if it is too loose or too tight.

Other Things to Remember:

• Always wear an eye protection when using your drill.
• Make sure that cutting tools are running smoothly before starting the operation
• Never place tools or even equipment on the drill table
• Keep your guard while operating
• Adjusting the machine while using it can be dangerous, make sure to adjust it while the machine is not running.
• Use a brush to clean away the chips

We know that drilling machines is one of the most dangerous equipment in workshops. During operations we must remember that safety comes first that’s why we’re giving you this tips to eliminate accidents and unnecessary loss of time.

How to Choose the Right Bandsaw Blade?

If you have a little idea about band saw blades, why don’t we give you an idea on how to choose the right one? There are things to consider when choosing the right band saw blade for the right material. Using inappropriate blade to cut through objects can harm your jeopardize the cut quality, the blade, the machine and even the fabricator.

These are the things you should consider:

1.       Tooth Shape

Tooth shape is one of the factors you should consider when buying the proper band saw blade. Remember, the material determine the tooth form or what saw to be used.

·         Regular: A general or all-purpose saw with a straight zero rake

·         Skip: Best used for soft nonferrous materials, plastic and wood

·         Hook: Used for fast cutting and nonferrous materials, non-metallic

2.       Metal Cutting

Cutting metal requires carbon steel or bi-metal blade for your band saw. Why? The FPM or feet per minute of the blade is the answer. Carbon steel blades can go up to 200 FPM and for best result, try it with a coolant.

In fabrication shops or in production settings using bi-metal saws is the best choice. The downside on this one is it cost more than the carbon steel blade but more economical when it comes to operations in the long run; can outlast carbon steel if used properly and maintained regularly.

3.       Tooth Pitch

The pitch is what they called TPI or tooth per inch and it is crucial in determining the performance and longevity of the blade.

What to remember:

·         A blade has a minimum of 3-4 TPI within an inch

·         The higher the TPI the finer the tooth pitch

·         Coarse pitches are required for thicker materials or fewer teeth

·         Cutting thin sections requires more teeth or has a fine tooth pitch

4.       Material

In every material, there’s a specific band saw edge to be used. Carbon steel blades, bi-metal blades, coated or uncoated, carbide tipped blades are used for cutting wood, steel and non-ferrous materials. While carbide grit and diamond grit are used for abrasive materials, silicon and fiber glass.

Bi-metal blades are usually used in fabrication and configured to withstand the stress delivered in fabrication shops that primarily cut shapes and bundles. It is also used in cutting alloy steels. 

Pro Tips on Keeping your Shear Blade in Top Shape

Pro Tips on Keeping your Shear Blade in Top Shape

For fabricators, the shear is one of the most important and diverse tools in metal fabrication. To improve the uptime and reduce maintenance costs, here are some tips on how you can keep your shear blade in top shape.

Take time to Understand Your Machine

It is important for a fabricator to understand the functions, design and the operation of each machine. The main cause of shear failure is overloading it beyond the OEM’s parameters. Shears are designed to cut metal, depending on its thickness and width. Going beyond the recommended limits can damage your machine and shear blade.

Standard adjustments and maintenance should be attended to every day. Manufacturer recommended service requirements should also be followed. Lubrication and fluids should also be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damage.

Regular Inspection and Documentation

Scheduled downtime maintenance should also be a priority in order to check the machine over once in a while. The ability of the shear to execute all the functions during operations should be tested, all bearings should be checked for wear and all emergency and safety functions of the machine should be examined.

After the inspection, documentation should also be written and examined. Documentation can reveal patterns and potential problems so that immediate repair can be made by an expert. Documents can be analyzed to prepare a preventive maintenance plan to eliminate the requirement for emergency repairs in the future.

Set the Blade and Clearance Properly

Make sure that the blade is properly set before you start your process. Setting the shear blade properly is the key to extending the blade’s life and machine efficiency. Set proper clearance to ensure proper cut quality. Before setting the blade, check the blade seat is flat to ensure that the tooling is set properly to eliminate blade chipping during shifting.

Clearance is also important for blades. If the clearance is too high, metal jams between the blade and machine. If the blade has no clearance at all, it will break. Setting the clearance are too loose will cause premature wear and failure.

Basic Maintenance Plan

Here are some of our recommendations for your basic maintenance plan:

• The Air system should be properly maintained to ensure clean air. Regulators should also be maintained to help the pneumatic mechanism to properly function.
• Lubrication should be checked before you begin operation. The lubrication system should be cleaned, filled and properly filtered.
• Machine clutch and brakes must be examined for lining, thickness, clearances and signs of failure. If these are worn out, they should be replaced immediately to avoid costly repairs.
• Air leaks or failure on the counterbalance cylinders should be dealt with immediately.

Immediate Repairs

Call in the experts quickly if you find unusual wear or need for adjustment.  Disastrous failures often  start with little problems that are ignored. Addressing these problems quickly is less expensive in the long term.

The Machinery Doctors are always here to help you with your machinery problems. Don’t hesitate to call or visit our website today if you’re having problems with your machinery.