- Joined
- Apr 14, 2014
- Messages
- 3,187
There have been a few threads lately about power hacksaws and bandsaws. This brought to mind the question of who uses coolant on either type of machine, and why. I have both a power hacksaw and a horizontal bandsaw. Both are coolant capable, but I've never used it on either machine. Both machines cut a variety of stock from Delrin to tool steel, and sizes from 1/4" to 6".
I've never seen the need for coolant/lubricant on either saw. The bandsaw has a brush at the exit end of the stock. It cleans the swarf from the blade just fine. The blade never seems to load up, and generally lasts between 2 and 3 years with almost daily use. I must admit lately it's been used more sporadically. Some days it runs 4 hours or more while other days it sits unused.
The power hacksaw gets used less than the bandsaw, but is still used several times a week. I have a variety of blades for both saws and match the blade with the size of material being cut. I use the rule of thumb, no less than 3 teeth engaged, and no more than 24.
I do have some Trim SC520 coolant/lubricant but have hesitated to use it since the saws seem to perform well, and blade life seems more than acceptable. In my case the main reasons for avoiding coolant are the mess it makes, it's nearly impossible to remove swarf from the tanks should the coolant dry, and the fact that it gets rancid over time. I'd be interested in hearing whether other members use coolant on either type of saw, and why or why not.
I've never seen the need for coolant/lubricant on either saw. The bandsaw has a brush at the exit end of the stock. It cleans the swarf from the blade just fine. The blade never seems to load up, and generally lasts between 2 and 3 years with almost daily use. I must admit lately it's been used more sporadically. Some days it runs 4 hours or more while other days it sits unused.
The power hacksaw gets used less than the bandsaw, but is still used several times a week. I have a variety of blades for both saws and match the blade with the size of material being cut. I use the rule of thumb, no less than 3 teeth engaged, and no more than 24.
I do have some Trim SC520 coolant/lubricant but have hesitated to use it since the saws seem to perform well, and blade life seems more than acceptable. In my case the main reasons for avoiding coolant are the mess it makes, it's nearly impossible to remove swarf from the tanks should the coolant dry, and the fact that it gets rancid over time. I'd be interested in hearing whether other members use coolant on either type of saw, and why or why not.