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.