Hyd-Mech H18A-120, Manual

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2.1
SECTION 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
This section has been prepared to give the operator the ability to set up the saw for most cutting situations. Before cutting
any material, the operator should be familiar with all operations and controls as well as the basic cutting theory described
below. The saw is equipped with variable blade speed and hydraulic feed control, as well as an extensive door chart to
guide the operator to the correct setting of these controls.
BLADE BASICS
Technology is rapidly changing all aspects of production machining. Metal cutoff is no exception. The advances made
in the bandsaw blade industry have definitely brought down the cost per cut, despite the three fold higher price of high
technology blades. Variable pitch, bi-metal blades (like the 4/6 or 3/4 bi-metal blade supplied with the machine) last much
longer, cut faster, and more accurately than conventional carbon steel blades. In order to take advantage of the superiority
of bi-metal blades, it is critical to properly “break-in” a new blade. This is accomplished by taking two or three cuts through
solid four or five inch diameter mild steel at an extremely slow feed rate. (It is also advisable to utilize a slow blade speed.)
These two or three slow cuts sufficiently lap (polish) the teeth on the new blade so that it does not snag the material being
cut. Proper break-in will alleviate blade vibration; improve surface finish, accuracy, and blade life.
After “break-in”, the following six points must be closely monitored to ensure long blade life:
1. Proper blade tension should be maintained. (See Section 3, Maintenance and Troubleshooting)
2. Generous coolant application is essential with most materials. A high quality and well mixed coolant will extend
blade life, and also increase cutting rate and quality. On those materials where coolant is undesirable for cutting,
a slight coolant flow or periodic oiling of the blade is necessary to prevent the blade from being scored by the
carbide guides.
3. The stock being cut must be securely clamped in the vises.
4. The proper feed force should be chosen. (see Saw Cutting Parameters: Step 2)
5. The proper blade speed must be selected. (see Saw Cutting parameters: Step 4)
6. The proper feed rate must be applied. (see Saw Cutting Parameters: Step 5)
VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL
Blade speed can be adjusted infinitely between 50 to 350 SFM (Surface Feet/Minute) (15.9 to 109 m/min) for H18A and
40 to 300 SFM (Surface Feet/Minute) (12 to 91.5 m/min) for H22A.
Adjustment should be made only when the blade is running.
THE CONTROL PANEL
START-UP
The control console has been designed to simplify the operation of the saw, to give the operator the ability to stop
any function at any time, and to be able to control all the functions remotely. We cannot overstress the importance of
familiarizing yourself with the controls prior to starting the machine.
NOTE:
1. WHEN STARTING THE MACHINE FOR THE FIRST TIME MAKE SURE THAT BLADE IS MOVING IN A
COUNTERCLOCKWISE DIRECTION, AND THAT THE HYDRAULIC PRESSURE IS 1000 PSI (6890 kP) FOR
H18A AND 1100 PSI (7584 kP) FOR H22A. IF THERE IS NO IMMEDIATE PRESSURE, SHUT THE SAW DOWN
AND CHANGE THE PHASE ORDER.