The life of a band saw blade can be increased significantly by following the recommended break-in procedure. A new saw blade benefits from a short period of cutting at reduced band speed and cutting feed rate. The recommended maximum production band speed and feed rate can be selected from the chart below. The break-in rates should be set at 70% of band speed and 50% of feed. After approximately 300 cm² (50 sq.in) of cross sectional area has been cut, the band speed and feed should be gradually increased to maximum recommended cutting parameters.

Material

Cutting speed
in ft/min

Cutting capacity in sq. in./min for  dimensions of diameter

1"

2"

3"

4"

6"

8"


Construction
Steel/Machining
 Steel

260 - 295

4 - 5.5

6 - 8

0.8 - 9.5

8.5 - 11

11 - 14

11.5 -13

Case Hardened
Steels/Steels
for Hardening
 +Tempering

145 - 245

3 - 4

4 - 5.5

4.5 - 6

5.5 - 8

6 - 9.5

6 - 8


Non-All. Tools
Steels/Roller
Bearing Steels

130 - 195

3 - 4

4 - 5.5

4.5 - 5.5

4.5 - 6

6 - 8

6 - 8


Alloyed Tools
Steels/High
Speed Steels *

100 - 130

2.5 - 3

3 - 4

4 - 4.5

4.5 - 5.5

4.5 - 5.5

4.5 - 5.5


Rust
 Resistant
Steels *

65 - 115

1.5 - 2.5

2.3 - 3

2.3 - 3

2.3 - 3

2.3 - 3

2.3 - 3

Heat Resistant
 Steels/High
 Temperature
Alloy Steels *

50 - 80

.8 - 1.5

.8 - 1.5

1 - 2

.8 - 2.3

.8 - 2.3

.8 - 2.3

* For these qualities we recommend the following band saw blades: bi-alfa cobalt RP,     bi-alfa Master and bi-alfa cobalt RP Master.

Band speed is reduced as work piece hardness and/or cross sectional area increase.

Feed rate is determined by the feed pressure exerted by the sawing machine and is limited by the cross section and machinability of the work piece, and the gullet capacity of the selected blade tooth pitch. For thin-wall hollow sections and across sharp edges feed pressure should be reduced to avoid vibration and tooth damage.