Horizontal frame saw

Types of horizontal frame saws

A horizontal frame saw cuts with a teeth-bearing endless band that runs on two horizontal rollers. It is also called a horizontal band saw. The frame of the saw refers to the structure that holds the blade and the workpiece. Workpieces come in different sizes, and the sizes of horizontal frame saws vary to accommodate them. For smaller wood pieces, they may be installed with a table to help stabilize the object being cut further.

Many types of horizontal frame saws exist depending on the industry as well as workpiece that is to be cut. These are as follows:

The most common kind, the metal cutting frame saw, is engineered to cut through metal workpieces. They are powerful enough to saw through thick metal pieces. To achieve its cutting capacity, it is supported by a robust drive system that can generate as much torque as is necessary. An essential feature of frame horizontal saws that cut through metal is its coolant application. They cut metal at many different speeds from fast to slow. Blade selection is necessary to achieve the desired outcome when cutting with a metal frame saw. For example, a wider blade will be used to achieve a faster cutting speed like when cutting through wood. An example of a frame metal saw is one that is mounted on a rack, which is a common frame metal cutting saw design.

Wood cutting horizontal frame saws cut through wood. They are made with a wooden frame or metal frame made out of cast iron, carbon steel, or alloy steel. Alloy steel has more durability, less wear, and doesn't stretch much when used as an instrument for cutting. The wood frame saw has a large, movable blade that is driven to cut through an object without taking apart the object being cut. With the wood frame saw, many pieces of lumber can be cut at the same time. Unlike the horizontal metal frame saw, the wood frame cut saw has teeth that are designed to give smooth, accurate cuts, reducing the need for additional processing after cutting.

The dual-purpose horizontal frame saw or combination saw is also known as a horizontal band resaw. It is engineered to cut both wood and metal. They are designed in a way that allows the user to switch between cutting modes depending on the desired cut or material at hand. This is convenient as it enhances the machine’s capability of cutting various kinds of materials.

Specification and maintenance of horizontal frame saws

The performance and cutting efficiency of a wood frame horizontal saw depend heavily on its specifications. Knowing the maintenance requirements of each part can help the saw perform at its best for a long time.

• Blades: Band blades for frame saws are available in a variety of configurations depending on the material to be cut. They may vary in width from 25mm to 75mm, in thickness from 1.5mm to 3mm, and in length anywhere from 6,000mm to 7,000mm. To achieve precise cuts and smooth surfaces, frame saw blades must be kept sharp and tensioned properly.
• Electric Motor: A horizontal band saw with a 7.5HP electric motor achieves an average cutting speed of 15,000RPM. The drive system and motor's belts and pulleys must be inspected regularly for signs of wear or loosening. They should be adjusted or replaced, as necessary, to ensure proper tension and alignment.
• Cutting Capacity: Band frame saws have varying geometries and capacities based on their design. Cutting capacity is determined by the log diameter, which may range from 150mm to 300mm, as well as the sawing length, which may range from 3m to 5m. The bed, hold-down rolls, and guides should be cleaned and inspected for damage regularly. This kind of saw also usually has a lumber yield of over 30%, meaning that most of the log will be converted to boards.
• Cutting Feed Rate: A horizontal band frame saw's feed rate is the speed at which the log advances through the saw. It can vary from 2m/min to 6m/min depending on the material being cut. The feed mechanism, including the chains, sprockets, and tracks, should be cleaned to remove sawdust and debris. It should also be inspected for wear, ensuring proper lubrication.
• Cutting Method: Cambium cutting is commonly used by many horizontal frame saws where successive strands are cut parallel to the trunk of the tree. Stationary or circle frame horizontal saws are also used to cut across the tree's trunk. The sawmill operator should be familiar with the machine's programming and controls so that he can calibrate them precisely for the species of tree being cut.

Uses of horizontal frame saw machines

• Woodworking industry

  The horizontal frame saw is commonly used in the woodworking industry to cut various types of wood. It can cut logs into lumber, planks, boards, beams, and other wood products. This machine is suitable for large-scale wood processing factories and sawmills.

• Timber processing

  Timber processing companies use horizontal frame saws to cut timber for construction, furniture manufacturing, and other applications. The frame saws can precisely cut timber to the required dimensions and shapes, thus providing the necessary materials for downstream industries.

• Metalworking industry

  The horizontal frame saw is not limited to wood cutting; there are also horizontal frame saws for metal cutting. Metalworking lathes use this machine to cut various metal materials such as steel, aluminum, copper, etc. The saws can cut metal pipes, bars, plates, and other metal products with high precision and efficiency.

• Construction industry

  In the construction industry, frame saws are used to provide construction materials. For example, it can cut wood, steel, and other materials used in building and infrastructure projects, including framing, structural components, and decorative elements.

• Marine industry

  Marine industry frame saws generally have anti-corrosion and water-resistant functions. They are used for shipbuilding, repairing, and offshore platform construction, cutting materials for hulls, decks, and other ship components.

• Special industries

  Special industries may also use horizontal frame saws, such as the automotive industry, aerospace industry, etc. For example, it can cut special materials such as plastics, ceramics, and composites; in automotive and aerospace industries, precise cutting is required to manufacture automotive parts, aerospace components, and other high-tech products.

How to Choose Horizontal Frame Saws

Selecting a horizontal frame saw for sale requires careful consideration to meet the specific needs of the market. Here are some useful tips when buying frame saws for business buyers:

• Understand the Application:

  Business buyers should first determine the type of material they intend to cut with the frame saw. As we earlier established, frame saws are designed to cut a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, and stone. If the material requires a specific type of frame saw, like a band saw for woodworking, frame buyers should be cautious to get what's suited for their applications.

• Assess Cutting Capacity:

  Consider the cutting capacity of the machine frame saw. The cutting capacity is basically the size and thickness of an object a frame saw can handle. Identify the maximum dimensions of materials– length, width, and thickness– business buyers are most likely to work with. After that, it’s important to choose a frame saw with specifications that can accommodate those dimensions.

• Evaluate Saw Blades and Their Features:

  The versatility of frame saws lies in their compatibility with various saw blades, each designed for specific cutting tasks. When choosing a frame saw for sale, buyers should compare its features with various saw blades and their characteristics. This includes their tooth geometry, pitch, and material. It’s also important to pick a frame saw that allows users to change and adjust the saw blade to suit their application.

• Check Build Quality and Construction:

  Buyers should ensure they’re getting a frame saw with high-quality construction. This will offer stability and durability. This improves cutting performance and prolongs the frame saw's lifespan. Note that poor construction can affect the functionality of the machine.

• Ease of Use and Operation:

  Buyers should invest in a frame saw that’s easy to use and operate. A type with clear instructions, well-labeled controls and intuitive setup is recommended. This reduces the likelihood of accidents and makes training easier for employees. When buying, also consider the maintenance requirements of the frame saw. Opt for those with easy maintenance routines and readily available replacement parts.

• Pricing and Warranty:

  This is an important consideration. Compare the price of the frame saw with its features and specifications. Make sure to choose a saw frame that offers great value for money. Some manufacturers offer a warranty period. This covers certain types of damages or manufacturer-related damages. Business buyers should check the length of the warranty and ensure it covers a good number of frame saw issues.

FAQ

Q1: What kind of blades does a horizontal frame saw use?

A1: Horizontal frame saws are typically equipped with band-type blades. The band saw blades are long, continuous loops made of steel with teeth spaced along one section of the loop.

Q2: Can a horizontal frame saw cut curves or shapes?

A2: Horizontal frame saws are mainly designed to make straight cuts. Saws for cutting curves and shapes incorporate a horizontal movement as part of the cutting mechanism.

Q3: Is a horizontal frame saw difficult to operate?

A3: Although the degree of difficulty varies with the model and size of the saw, generally, a horizontal frame saw is not a difficult machine to operate. Many saws come with user manuals and instructions for safe and proper use.

Q4: Does a horizontal frame saw produce rough or smooth cuts?

A4: Like many other types of saws, the cuts produced by horizontal frame saws can be described as rough or smooth, depending on factors such as the blade size, type, and thickness of the material being cut.