Metal band saws are used by farmers, metal workers and handy man types to easily cut metal into specific size pieces. The metal pieces may be used to build sheds, or buildings or barns as well as other things. Metal band saws have strong blades for cutting through steel and other heavy metal material. There are different blades used for different types of metal. Friction and hot saw blades are used mainly to cut steel tubes, decking material and angel cuts. Solid high speed steel saw blades are used for cutting extrusions, thin wall tubing, angel iron, flat bar, and ferrous applications. Carbide tipped saw blades cut extrusions, solids, aluminum, brass, copper and bronze. Circular knives are used for cutting rubber tubing, fiber glass and aluminum. Segmented cold saw blades are used for cutting structural tube, fabrication for billets, aluminum, brass or copper.

Depending on how you will use your metal band saw, you can either cut with a vertical band saw or a horizontal band saw. For cutting straight lines you should problably use the vertical band saw. This is a stand alone saw that is a larger piece of equipment than a horizontal saw. It has four legs typically with rubber feet to keep it from moving while you are cutting material. Do not get your hands close to the blade. Use a long metal device, at least 6 to 12 inches long to help you feed the material through when it gets close to the blade.

Horizontal band saws are hand held devices. They usually have a rubber handle to make them easy to hold. They are good for cutting straight lines, curves and other cuts. The material being cut must be tied to a cutting table so that it doesn't move during the cutting process. The saw blade is simply pushed through the material. The saw usually shuts off automatically when it is finished. Horizontal band saws are usually hydraulically powered.

Band saws have two larger wheels that the blade runs on. Some have larger wheels and some saws have smaller wheels. One of the wheels is a drive wheel and the other one is the idler wheel. The drive wheel is fixed and is attached to the power source. Power can be electric power or hydraulic power. The driven wheel allows for the maximum transfer of power between the saw and the motor or engine. The idler wheel can be loosened or tightened which makes the blade looser or tighter. The blades need to be securely held in place while cutting so they don't come off the wheels. A blade guide is used for this purpose.

When you are finished cutting the material, it is recommended that you remove the blade from the saw whether on a vertical or a horizontal band saw. The blade, even though you use coolant will be very hot. It expands just a little bit when it is hot. If you leave it on the saw while it cools, it may crack because it shrinks back to the original size. There is tension on the blade while it's on the saw and this can damage it during cooling. Remember to wear appropriate gloves while do so.

Always consider safety factors when you are using a metal saw blade. Any time metal spins through metal you are going to have sparks. There may be some spark guards on the vertical and horizontal saws, but they will not protect you from all of them. Wear a protective face guard or protective goggles for obvious reasons. Make sure you do not wear loose shirt leaves or a shirt with a loose shirt tail. A band saw can pull you into the blade rapidly if it catches a piece of your clothing. Be sure you have adequate Ventilation also. Even if it is cold outside be sure at least a window is open for fresh air.

If you are the type who wants to impress your friends by using the your band saw for strange things like cutting your hair or finger nails be prepared to see a lot of your own blood flowing out of your body. There have been stories of people showing off and causing extreme injury to themselves and others. These saws are not toys so use the correctly.

To summarize, metal band saws used in the proper way can be very helpful. Simply follow proper instructions for using them and proper safety measures and your projects and work will be a lot simplier.