Bandsaw Blade Break-In

What is Blade Break-In?

A new band saw blade has razor sharp tooth tips as a result of the forming of the teeth. In order to withstand the cutting pressures used in band sawing, the tooth tip should be honed to form a micro-fine radius. Cutting with high pressure without performing this honing will cause microscopic damage to the tips of the teeth, resulting in loss of blade life.

Why Break-In a Band Saw Blade?

Completing a proper break-in on a new band saw blade will dramatically increase its blade life.

How To Break in a Blade

1. Use the appropriate band speed for the material to be cut.
2. Reduce the feed rate/force control on the saw to achieve a cutting rate approximately 20% to 50% of the normal cutting rate. Mild steels require a larger reduction in cutting rate than more difficult to machine materials.
3. Begin the first cut at the reduced rate. Make sure the teeth are forming a chip. Small adjustments to the band speed may be made in the event of excessive noise/vibration.
4. During the first cut, increase feed rate/force slightly once the blade fully enters the workpiece. With each following cut, gradually increase feed rate/force until normal cutting rate is reached.

• Note: During break-in, slight adjustments to band speed may be made in the event of excessive noise or vibration. Once the blade is broken in, the recommended band speed should be used.
• Note: Carbide and ARMOR® products may require special break-in procedures. Please contact WIS Technical Support for assistance.