Tools/bandsaw/induction: Difference between revisions
imported>Stever (→Band saw – level 1: expand to the3 main cut types) |
imported>Stever (expand a little based on trial inductions) |
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| Bandsaw's capabilities || |
| Bandsaw's capabilities || |
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* It is high powered single phase, bandsaw that can cut wood and some metals, and so can be used to machine a range of materials, including but not limited to softwoods, hardwoods, composite materials (such as plywood, MDF, OSB), some plastics, and a range of metals (not hardened). |
* It is high powered single phase, bandsaw that can cut wood and some metals, and so can be used to machine a range of materials, including but not limited to softwoods, hardwoods, composite materials (such as plywood, MDF, OSB), some plastics, and a range of metals (not hardened). |
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* Some plastics can be cut on the |
* Some plastics can be cut on the band saw, but you should check before cutting plastics, as not all behave well. Some plastics will chip badly, others will turn into a gummy, melt-y mess. |
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* To cut metals the bandsaw blade needs to be changed for the special metal cutting one, which is a level-2 operation |
* To cut metals the bandsaw blade needs to be changed for the special metal cutting one, which is a level-2 operation |
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* The saw has the ability to cut material up to 300mm thick and 460mm width of cut |
* The saw has the ability to cut material up to 300mm thick and 460mm width of cut |
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* Ear protection is sensible for extended use mostly because the dust extraction is very loud |
* Ear protection is sensible for extended use mostly because the dust extraction is very loud |
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* The inbuilt dust extraction is fairly effective, but for extended use, or for wood/material dust known to be an irritant or hazardous, it is a good idea to put the [[Tools/aircleaner|air cleaner]], and wear a respirator or dust mask. |
* The inbuilt dust extraction is fairly effective, but for extended use, or for wood/material dust known to be an irritant or hazardous, it is a good idea to put the [[Tools/aircleaner|air cleaner]], and wear a respirator or dust mask. |
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* When cutting metals the dust extraction system MUST NOT be used. |
* When cutting metals the dust extraction system MUST NOT be used because of the risk of sparks setting fire to the vacuum. |
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|| Basic safety information |
|| Basic safety information |
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| Start-up/Shutdown || |
| Start-up/Shutdown || |
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* Location of main power switch and how to turn on the dust extract |
* Location of main power switch and how to turn on the dust extract, mention the stiffness of the off button |
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* How to use the card reader |
* How to use the card reader, the card needs to stay in the reader while you're using the saw |
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* Clean the Bandsaw off if it's noticeably dirty and check the dust traps aren't overfilled |
* Clean the Bandsaw off if it's noticeably dirty and check the dust traps aren't overfilled |
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* Check the dust extractor is connected to the main extraction hose |
* Check the dust extractor is connected to the main extraction hose |
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* Check that the blade is appropriately tensioned, using either the guide inside the saw, or on the back of the saw. The numbers correspond to the blade depth in mm, which is measured from the back of the blade to the bottom of the gullet. Make sure you are looking at the appropriate side of the guide, for wood or metal as the scales are quite confusing. |
* Check that the blade is appropriately tensioned, using either the guide inside the saw, or on the back of the saw. The numbers correspond to the blade depth in mm, which is measured from the back of the blade to the bottom of the gullet. Make sure you are looking at the appropriate side of the guide, for wood or metal as the scales are quite confusing. |
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* Check that the upper and lower bearing assemblies are properly set. Each of the upper and lower bearing assemblies consists of two guide bearings and one thrust bearing. Each bearing should be positioned about 0.4mm from the blade which is about the thickness of 4 sheets of normal printer paper (or one sheet folded in half twice), they should not normally touch the blade while it's not under any load. |
* Check that the upper and lower bearing assemblies are properly set. Each of the upper and lower bearing assemblies consists of two guide bearings and one thrust bearing. Each bearing should be positioned about 0.4mm from the blade which is about the thickness of 4 sheets of normal printer paper (or one sheet folded in half twice), they should not normally touch the blade while it's not under any load. |
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* The blade guard that supports the bearings |
* The blade guard that supports the bearings doesn't accurately move with the blade, and so it is important that bearings are set with the blade guard at the appropriate height for the work piece before checking the bearings. Adjusting the blade guard height after setting the bearings may degrade the setup. |
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* If the bearings need adjusting, the process is as follows; See figures 25, 26, and 27 in the [[media:VBS-18MW.pdf|manual]] for more details. |
* If the bearings need adjusting, the process is as follows; See figures 25, 26, and 27 in the [[media:VBS-18MW.pdf|manual]] for more details. |
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** Free all bearing assemblies from the blade |
** Free all bearing assemblies from the blade and release all the adjustment locks so you can be sure the blade is free and not being pushed by any bearing. |
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** Set the lower bearings first. |
** Set the lower bearings first. |
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*** Bring forward the guide bearings so that the sit just behind the gullet of the blade. |
*** Bring forward the guide bearings so that the sit just behind the gullet of the blade. |
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*** Set the guide and thrust bearings in the same order as for the lower bearings. |
*** Set the guide and thrust bearings in the same order as for the lower bearings. |
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** To see if the bearings are set right, start the saw. If you see or hear any of the bearings moving when the saw is not under load, then adjustments should be made. Turn off the saw and make the adjustments. Never adjust any bearings while the saw is on. |
** To see if the bearings are set right, start the saw. If you see or hear any of the bearings moving when the saw is not under load, then adjustments should be made. Turn off the saw and make the adjustments. Never adjust any bearings while the saw is on. |
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|| Getting the Bandsaw set up properly |
|| Getting the Bandsaw set up properly. Ideally have the inductee(s) do the bearing setup |
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| Setting up for your cut || |
| Setting up for your cut || |
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|| Getting set up so you can perform the cut safely |
|| Getting set up so you can perform the cut safely |
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| Operation || |
| Operation || |
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* When making the cut, hold the work piece securely against the table, and guide work into the blade. |
* When making the cut, hold the work piece securely against the table, and guide work into the blade. |
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* If you're rip-cutting then you should be resting the work against the fence, if you're cross-cutting use the mitre guide or the vice, if you're cutting curves then you'll have to do it free-hand |
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* Do not push too hard into the blade, as you will damage the blade and get a poor quality cut. |
* Do not push too hard into the blade, as you will damage the blade and get a poor quality cut. |
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* Feed rate and pressure depends on the materials properties and dimensions, as well as the blades specification and condition and machine setup. So it needs to be felt – rather like changing gear in a car. However, it should never be hard work to push something through; if it is, stop the cut and consider if everything is set correctly. |
* Feed rate and pressure depends on the materials properties and dimensions, as well as the blades specification and condition and machine setup. So it needs to be felt – rather like changing gear in a car. However, it should never be hard work to push something through; if it is, stop the cut and consider if everything is set correctly. |
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* Start the dust extractor, start the saw, make the cut, turn off the saw, turn off the dust extraction |
* Start the dust extractor, start the saw, make the cut, turn off the saw, turn off the dust extraction |
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* Do not try to remove offcuts from immediately around the blade with your fingers |
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|| Actually making the cut |
|| Actually making the cut |
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| Making test cuts to get a feel for it || |
| Making test cuts to get a feel for it || |
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* For the induction, I normally ask people to make cuts into 3 different kinds of material (MDF, softwood, and hardwood), so they gain a sense of the different feels. |
* For the induction, I normally ask people to make cuts into 3 different kinds of material (MDF, softwood, and hardwood), so they gain a sense of the different feels. |
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* One cut freehand |
** One cut freehand |
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* One against the fence |
** One against the fence |
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* One using the mitre guide |
** One using the mitre guide |
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|| Making test cuts |
|| Making test cuts |
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Revision as of 15:22, 19 December 2018
Some of the tools at the Hackspace are potentially hazardous to use, for these tools members are required to have an induction before they can use them. Inductions provide the most basic information on how to safely and effectively use the simpler functions of the tools, we appreciate that some members may have professional experience on some of these tools and in this case please tell your induction provider and the induction may be very reduced and just cover any risks or procedures specific to rLab. Some tools have multiple levels of induction in order to cover more advanced uses of that tool without making the basic induction take too long, higher induction levels will introduce some of the more advanced features of the tools but as with all inductions are only intended to provide basic information on the capabilities of the tools and how to use them safely. Some members of rLab may be willing to offer more detailed tuition beyond basic induction level or offer guided practice sessions in exchange for beer money or assistance on their own projects.
For all tools you are only required to take level-1 induction before use, after that you may perform any task that you feel confident you can do safely, higher levels of induction may be useful to you in performing more advanced operations but are not required before doing tasks covered in them so long as you're confident of your ability to handle those tasks without risk to yourself, others, or the tool.
PLEASE NOTE : All induction providers are volunteers who are providing inductions to the best of their ability but are NOT qualified instructors. Inductions are provided on a best-effort basis but you and you alone are responsible for your safety while using the tools and for satisfying yourself that you can operate the tools safely. There are professional training courses available from various providers in Reading and the surrounding area if you feel they are appropriate for the level of work you intend to undertake. Reading these notes is NOT a substitute for an in-person induction.
Note for wiki editors : Please do not edit induction pages unless you are one of of the people that gives that induction
There are two levels of band saw induction, level 1 covers the basic setup and use of the machine for easier to process materials such as wood and composite materials; level 2 covers changing the band saw blade to facilitate a wider range of cuts, and metal cutting.
Band saw – level 1
This band saw is designed to be a wood and metal cutting band saw, and so can be used to machine a range of materials, including but not limited to softwoods, hardwoods, composite materials (such as plywood, MDF, OSB), some plastics, and a range of metals (not hardened).
Topic | Detailed contents | Rationale |
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Bandsaw's capabilities |
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What's this tool intended to do. |
Machine overview |
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Basics of how the bandsaw works |
Suitable clothing & PPE |
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Basic safety information |
Start-up/Shutdown |
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Stopping and starting! Turning off when unattended and making sure the area is clear |
Machine setup |
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Getting the Bandsaw set up properly. Ideally have the inductee(s) do the bearing setup |
Setting up for your cut |
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Getting set up so you can perform the cut safely |
Operation |
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Actually making the cut |
Cleaning up afterwards |
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Leave the saw cleaner than you found it |
Making test cuts to get a feel for it |
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Making test cuts |
Miscellaneous extra info |
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Other information |