Practical recommendation for cutting

Setting the tension of band saw blades

Eberle band saw blades are set with a tension force of 250-300 N/mm². Correct tension significantly affects the blade’s cutting accuracy. When blades are manually tensioned in sawing machines, the tension should be checked after breaking-in and corrected where necessary. The Eberle tension meter can be used to set the optimum blade tension.

Contour sawing

The graph below depicts the optimum ratio between saw blade width and the radius to be cut. By adhering to this data, claming or twisting of the blade can be avoided.

Band saw guides

Blade beam strength is responsible for accurate cuts. The closer the guides are to the materials being cut, the more accurate the cuts will be.

Blade break-in

By breaking-in the saw blade, it is possible to achieve optimum durability. With uncoated saw blades, Eberle recommends breaking-in at a 40 % reduced feed rate. If vibration occurs during break-in, a slight reduction in cutting speed will increase cutting pressure to stabilize blade. Break-in should last approx. 15 minutes or cut a minimum of 300 cm² of material.

Chip formation

The shape an color of the chips provide information about cutting pressure and thermal load on the saw blade.

Very fine or pulverized chips indicate that cutting pressure is too low.

Thick, heavy or bluish chips signal overstressing of the saw blade.

Loosely colled chips are a sign of ideal cutting conditions.

Cooling lubricant

With most metal materials, cooling lubricant is indispensable. With Aluminum and Aluminum alloys, it also helps keep the gullets free of chips and achieve improved cutting surfaces. No lubricant is necessary for cast iron, brass and some non-metallic materials such as plastics, graphite, etc.

Safety information

To avoid injury, protective gloves, safety goggles and protective shoes should be worn when using band saw blades.