Band Saw Coolant

[Drich]

I just ordered a Jet HVBS-7MW band Saw and was wondering which coolant if any I should should use. I will not be using it very much so I don't want my saw to rust up. This is my first metal saw and want to take care of it. Thanks

[kneedeep]

there is a long thread on this about a month old if you do a quick search.

[Drich]

I found that thread. Good info on no using the animal based coolant. Does one have to use coolant? I see the Ellis don't use any. What would be the harm if any. Do I just need to run a different type of blade? Thanks

[4sfed]

I found that thread. Good info on no using the animal based coolant. Does one have to use coolant? I see the Ellis don't use any. What would be the harm if any. Do I just need to run a different type of blade? Thanks

No harm, but you can't cut as fast. Coolant is usually used only in production setups.

[Drich]

Thanks for the help. I don't want to damage my new saw. I told the wife if I buy the better one it will last my life time. With the different speeds settings should I pick the slowest with out running coolant?

[4sfed]

Thanks for the help. I don't want to damage my new saw. I told the wife if I buy the better one it will last my life time. With the different speeds settings should I pick the slowest with out running coolant?

A lot depends on the type of blade you are using . . . carbon steel, bi-metal, carbide. For low carbon steel, using a carbon steel blade, start with a cutting speed of 50-100 sfpm (surface feet per minute). Aluminum can be cut 4 times as fast. Running the saw too fast will only wear out the blade . . . it will not hurt the saw.

Here's a good link to get you started. It starts with power hacksaws, so read on down the page.

http://www.americanmachinetools.com/how_to_use_bandsaw.htm

This is a good trouble-shooting guide.

http://www.bandsawblade.com/chart.htm

Take the time to set it up so it cuts square and the blade tracks properly, and pay attention to blade selection, especially number of teeth per inch vs. the thickness of material you will be cutting. When you have that figured out, I recommend spending the money on a bi-metal blade. It costs 3 times as much, but lasts 10 times as long if you take care of it.

Jim

[DesertRider33]

We used methanol as blade coolant for the huge band saws at one job I worked at. Those saws ran all day long and the coolant worked good, with no coolant residue clean-up needed either.

[Drich]

Thanks for the info. I hoping it shows up by the end of the week so I can play with it this weekend. I have some snow blower edges to make.