FAQs
This page covers the questions we hear most from shop managers and operators about buying, setup, and care of metal cutting bandsaws.
If you need help right now, request a call and our team will follow up.
My bandsaw is cutting out of square, how can my operator diagnose the issue?
Operators check list:
- How old is the blade, is this cut a result of a dull blade?
- Is the blade missing teeth?
- Are the machine speeds and feeds along with the feed force correct for the size and grade of materials?
- Do I have the proper tooth pitch for the size of material I am cutting?
The back edges of my used blades are shiny, cracking, or have a burr. What causes this?
These issues could be caused by worn wheel surfaces, damaged guides, or improper machine alignment.
Things to check:
- The blade may be tracking against the wheel flanges.
- The back-up guides or bearings could be damaged.
- The blade could be out of alignment with the guide blocks
What is the best band tension setting to use?
We would recommend following the Manufactures guidelines for band tension. It is important to have the proper amount of tension to ensure cutting straight.
Can I have too much tension?
Yes. Over tensioning a bandsaw can cause problems: bands fatigue and break prematurely; band wheels and bearings fail under excessive load
At Bandsaw PRO we use a Tension Meter to measure band tension.
Should I Break-in my new bandsaw blades?
Yes. Blade break-in is a great way to help extend life and cutting performance of the blade. When the blade is manufactured, the tooth tips are extremely sharp. If too much chip load is applied to the blade, it can damage the tooth tips.
A proper break-in procedure reduces the sharp edge of the teeth, preventing chipping and ensuring a longer, more consistent cutting life.
The process involves reducing the feed rate and/or feed pressure initially, then gradually increasing it to the desired cutting rate.
How do I break-in my bandsaw blades?
Set the Blade Speed: Consult your material’s cut chart or the blade manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct surface feet per minute for the material you’re cutting.
Reduce Feed Rate/Pressure: For the initial cuts, reduce the feed rate or feed pressure to about 50% (or even lower, 20-30%, for soft materials) of the normal cutting rate. This allows the teeth to gradually hone their edge.
Gradually Increase Feed: Once the blade is fully engaged with the material, you can start increasing the feed rate or pressure in small increments with each subsequent cut. Continue this process until you reach the desired cutting rate.
Monitor and Adjust: Keep an eye on the blade for any unusual noise or vibration. If you notice excessive noise or vibration, adjust the blade speed slightly or adjust the feed rate/pressure.
What areas do you serve?
We support customers in Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, Upper Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa. Remote help by phone or Zoom is available. When an on site visit is the right move, we schedule the next available window.
Which brands do you sell and which do you service?
We sell Cosen, Hydmech, Marvel, Amada, Clausing, DoALL, and Kalamazoo.
We service those brands plus Behringer, Hem, Ellis, Kasto, Ficep, Baileigh, Peddinghaus, Daito, Everising, Grob, Jet, Peerless, Tannewitz, Voortman, Wellsaw, and WF Wells.
How fast can you respond to service requests?
We prioritize urgent issues with a prompt remote assessment by phone or Zoom. If a site visit is needed, we schedule the next available window and clearly communicate expectations on timing and cost.
Do you offer preventive maintenance plans?
How does warranty coordination work?
Most new machines include a twelve month manufacturer warranty. We open the ticket, work with the manufacturer, source parts, schedule service, and keep you updated until the issue is closed.