Automatically Controlled Band Saw Feeder

The present invention provides a band saw feed system that is automatically controlled. It is based on a force controller that adjusts the support force primarily by varying the orifice size.

This type of band saw feeder is a great solution to many problems. It is especially effective in cutting round bar stock and other cross-sectional shapes that vary with depth of cut.

Feeder
The CNC Band-saw Feeder is a system for controlling feed rate of a band saw blade in cutting operations. It provides feedback from sensors on the saw and a control circuit to vary the feed rate during the cutting process.

This technique can improve cutting efficiency as compared to prior art systems which rely on force-based feed rate controls with orifices that limit descent of the blade in thin workpiece sections and impede rebound or slow descent after rebound.

This feature, however, requires that the feed cylinders 38 and 152 be operated in a manner that does not inhibit or impede the action of cutting enhancers 41 and 141 on the saw blade. This is done by allowing the cylinders to be disengaged or essentially uncoupled as a result of blade 119 being displaced and reciprocated by enhancers 41 and 141.

Clamping jaws
Clamping jaws are workholding devices used to hold a material, such as a piece of metal or other workpiece. There are many different types of clamping jaws, including table, web, beam and scissor clamps.

Table clamps are the most common type of clamping jaw, and provide a wide opening to accommodate a variety of workpiece sizes. These clamps are also designed to be easy to use, with an end screw and a release lever that allow for rapid clamping.

Beam clamps are another popular clamping jaw type, and provide rough clamping jaws to grip harder materials. These clamps are especially useful in woodworking applications.

In addition, these clamping jaws are ideally suited for tight-fitting jobs or when using single hands. They are made from a specially alloyed steel, and are bright finished to provide an excellent look.

Guide beams
The guide beams are part of the band-saw feeder and provide rigidity between the two wheels. They also control the tension applied to the blade.

This function is important as it ensures good tracking and alignment of the saw blade. A quarter inch saw blade, for example, needs less tension than a half inch blade to provide accurate cutting.

To adjust tension, start by turning the upper wheel slowly until the saw is running stable and the tension gauge reaches or exceeds recommended settings for your blade width. Then slowly detension by half turns, letting your eye stay on the blade as you do so.

Hydraulic tightening of band
In order to keep the band cutting correctly, there are several adjustments that need to be made on a regular basis. These include setting and adjusting the guide blocks, thrust bearings and tensioning the blade.

Many saws have a blade tensioning gauge on the back of the upper cabinet. Adjust the tension until the gauge's indicator is positioned for the proper thickness of your band saw blade.

The band should then be pulled sideways and pushed against the table to check for deflection. A blade that deflects more than 1/4" to 3/8" isn't cutting properly.

This can be caused by a dull blade, improper feeding or loose blade tension. In addition, the work piece should be manipulated through the band-saw blade with light pressure to make a straight cut.

Cleaning brush
The BLADECLEAN scouring brush, for instance, is a magnetic-handle attachment that allows users to quickly clean an entire side of the saw blade in a single motion. This saves time and prevents skin irritation from harsh chemicals.

Moreover, the brush is designed to reach into the smallest nooks and crevices on the band saw blade. Besides the cleaning function, this brush also burnishes down splinters and loose fibers on timbers.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it can be applied to various types of horizontal band saws. Specifically, for example, the apparatus of the present invention can be mounted on an arm or carriage means 22 extending from an end of a rotatably mounted drive wheel means 26 in a horizontal band saw 21.