Startrite Bandsaw

Known as Willow.

See the back story at: Startrite_metal_bandsaw_pledge

Specification

3 (12") wheels, 5 speed, 24" throat bandsaw.

Cast-iron two-part tiltable table.

Powered from 415V three phase supply.

Usage

This tool is intended for cutting a range of non-ferrous and non-metallic materials (see the [handbook]); in the Hackspace, this is intended only for metal cutting, and the blade installed reflects this.

Blades and Maintenance

Blade length is 3200mm / 126"

The first blade bought is a Morse M42 bimetal 10-14tpi varipitch from Bandsaw Blades Direct in Heanor. This is a general-purpose production-quality blade for cutting materials between 6mm and 35mm in thickness.

For thinner materials (3mm to 8mm thick) a 32tpi constant pitch blade may be added later if found necessary (due to the use expected of this saw).

A trial (May - June 2016) of lower cost HSS fixed-pitch blades showed no advantages in cost / lifetime, but showed that one real advantage of the vary-pitch blades is that they don't screech - which the fixed-pitch ones did.

Further information concerning blade selection and troubleshooting. Possible sources of replacement parts: [tyres and guides] and [tyres]

Recommended Regular Maintenance

From the [handbook]

• Weekly

Remove embedded chips from the bandwheel tyres Clean upper and lower blade guide assemblies and check for wear

• Monthly

Check condition and tension of vee belts (motor drive cabinet)

• General

Clean and lubricate working parts as required. (The bandwheels have sealed-for-life bearings which do not require further lubrication. Check that the operating speed is set appropriately for the blade in use (to be determined and documented) and check availability of blades.