Saw Selector
Using the saw selector as a guide to identify the right saw for typical sawing applications. Consider the following conditions in making your choice:
- Miter vs. Non-Miter Cuts. If material needs to be cut at any angle other than straight, choose a miter-cutting band saw.
- Individual Cuts or Nested/Bundle Cutting. Bundle cutting is good when cutting long bundles into short bundles because it eliminates the need to break and re-strap the bundles.
- Manual vs. Semi-Automatic vs. Automatic. A manual saw requires an operator to manually feed the material, lift the saw head and close the vise. A semi-automatic saw has a hydraulic or pneumatic vise that raises and lowers the saw head but requires an operator to feed the material. An automatic saw needs an operator to program a saw for fully automated material feed (indexing) and cutting.
- Extreme or Intermittent Duty. In extreme duty production applications (6 or more hours per shift or high cutting rates) a heavy-duty saw, wide band, and more horsepower provide greater productivity and reliability.
Other Factors To Consider
- Design Capacity vs. Effective Capacity. A saw is most effective in materials from 1/3 to 2/3 of the rated size capacity. Using a 12″ capacity saw is not ideal for cutting 12″ solids all day.
- Exotic Materials vs. Mild Materials. Hard-to-cut materials, like Inconel® and 316 stainless, are best cut with high production, heavy-duty machines and wide blades.
- Budget vs. The Right Machine. Purchasing a less expensive machine may fall within your budgetary constraints, but not selecting the right machine may cost you in lost production.
- A DoALL representative will help you select the right machines for all your applications.