Semi-automatic band saws

Technical support team leader, Graham Munro, explains: "Within many manufacturing businesses the band saw often suffers from mistreatment, and is seen as the ‘ugly step-sister’. With this in mind we have designed and built the Starrett machines for ease-of-use, they are very robust with reliability levels twice the industry norm, to help stand up to any harsh treatment.” 

Both the S4230 and S4240 are semi-automatic band saws that feature cast iron bows for vibration damping and longevity, a minimal footprint and controlled hydraulic blade feed. The S4230 supports productive cutting and is able to cut mitred corners on both the negative (-45°) and positive sides (60°). Fitted with a 1.5 kW motor it can cut material up to 300mm diameter or 270mm square. The 2.25 kW motor on the S4240 combined with a rigid structure creates a semi-automatic band saw that is suitable for intensive use and for cutting harder materials up to 300mm diameter or square. It can also cut mitred corners at angles of between -45 and 75°, making it suitable for intricate work. 

Both these semi-automatic band saws have features designed to make their operation as simple as possible, such as Dynamometric blade tensioning. This easy to use feature allows the saw operator to correctly tension the saw blade without any tools. A manual handle is wound to apply tension to the band, with a graduated gauge providing accurate feedback when the correct level of tension is reached for the blade width fitted to the machine.

Another feature is band saw breakage detection. A micro switch is activated if the blade accidentally breaks and releases the tension from the blade making the saw very safe to use. "We have paid attention to the diameter of the band wheels, they are designed to minimise blade fatigue. However, we know blades can still break which is why we include safety focused features like breakage detection,” says technical support team leader, Graham Munro

Of course avoiding breakage is the better option, which is why the S4230 and S4240 feature variable-frequency drive speed controls. Coupled to a worm-drive gearbox to smoothly transfer power through 90° in the minimum amount of space, the variable-frequency drive allows accurate speed selection to cover a wide range of material types and applications. Blade speeds can be infinitely varied between 20 and 85m/min with a digital readout making selecting the correct cutting conditions for the raw material very straightforward using Starrett 27 mm wide saw blades.