The Different Types of Bandsaws

Different applications in sawing created a need for different saw designs. From the simple vertical band saw came the horizontal band saw. As material increased in size and weight material handling systems were added and a type of saw became a family of saws. Whether your sawing plate or a Structural I-Beam you have a need for a specific type and design of saw.

Vertical Band Saw: Likely the most common of bandsaws the vertical bandsaw runs the blade from the top down pulling material off the workpiece and towards the table. These saws lend themselves to smaller parts that can easily be manually manipulated. Typically called 'Vertical Contourings Saws' these manual machines are found in almost every machine shop and toolroom in the world, and second only to the Horizontal Bandsaw, these are some of the most common types of saws on the market. Over the years these Vertical Band Saws have become more automated to include automatic mitering and material shuttling and are typically used in structural sawing applications.

General Purpose Pivot Style Horizontal Saws
These types of saws are literally the most common found in shops across the world. Used for cutting various types of materials the Horizontal Bandsaw can be equipped with many options for productivity including metering capabilities, material shuttling and even bundle clamping capabilities for maximum utilization. The Pivot style saw adds a less expensive design and typically utilizes gravity or hydraulic force to feed the head. Because of the Pivot (Scissor) style of motion the capacity can be limited especially when mitering at full 60° capabilities. These style saws are ideal for small shops and maintenance facilities that have the occasional metal cutting needs.

Dual Column Sawing Systems
Dual (and single) Column Saw Designs provide a much more robust, and expensive structure then a pivoting (scissor) type saw. These saws raise and lower the entire sawing system up and down hydraulically on precision columns providing a smooth motion throughout the sawing process.  Typically outfitted with larger blades in the 1.5” Range an above these saws are the machines of choice for heavy duty sawing applications where rigidity and strength pay back in precise cuts and longevity.

These saws also are adept to being equipped with many advanced features like Auto Mitering, Auto Shuttling, Bundle Clamping/Cutting etc. They are very adept at cutting a large variety of materials including, but not limited to; Structural Solids, Pipe, Stainless and Tool Steels.

Horizontal Structural Saws
Like its close cousin the Dual Column Saw the Horizontal Structural Saw provides a few more features very well suited for cutting I-Beams, Angles and Pipe. Features like Angled Heads, Taller Vises and wider capacities are greatly appreciated by structural fabricators. Typically these types of saws would have auto shuttling capabilities with powered conveyor systems on both the front and rear of the sawing system.

Production Dual Column
A Production Dual Column saw is very commonly found in machine shops across the world.  These saws are typically CNC or NC controlled and primarily used to cut bar stock down to length for turning and machining applications. These saws are highly efficient, automatic and hydraulically or servo ballscrew controlled and are adept at being a very fast and precise sawing systems. They can be programmed with multiple material feeds and are solely designed for vertical cuts. Designed like a “Box” these machines are ideal for serial production in industrial settings whereas the “Box” design provides a very safe, enclosed operating environment and therefore a very solid and rigid machine where blade life is extended .

Table and Portal Type Saws
These Dual Column Style Saws offer a larger format and are ideal for cutting extremely heavy duty applications such as very large structural and pipe applications. Common capacities in this range of machines is in the 50” X 60” Capabilities and therefore these are found in fewer shops that specialize in these larger components.  These sawing systems will always be coupled with a powered roller feed system in order to move these larger components into and through the sawing process.

Tube Saws
These type of specialty tube saws are ideal for cutting a variety of diameters of tube and pipe. Also called “Cut-Off Saws” these Dual Column Sawing Systems provide full automation capabilities for intricate and precise cuts in pipe and tubing.

Productivity Options
Options available for most sawing systems can provide increased productivity and capabilities to an otherwise stand alone standard sawing system.  If your considering a saw purchase think about the added flexibility by adding one or more of these great optional features such as:

• Bundle Cutting
• Auto Mitering
• Roller Tables
• Blade Breakage detection
• Mist and Flood Coolant Options
• Chip Conveyors and Removal Systems
• Powered Blade Brushes
• Laser Locators….

...and many more

Do you want to discuss how an bandsaw cutting solution from can work for your application? Contact the experts at Southern Fabricating Machinery Sales today!  Call us directly at 813-444-4555 or visit us on the web at WWW.SOUTHERNFABSALES.COM