To achieve optimal cutting results and maximize the lifespan of the band saw blade, various factors must be considered. In the following tip, operators of stationary and mobile sawmills, contract saw operators, and wood processors as well as all interested parties will find information on processing logs into sawn timber products.
The organic and sustainable material wood differs considerably from other materials. Saw users must understand the type of wood and its properties to select the right band saw blade for cutting logs and adjust the settings accordingly.
Wood types vary in material structure and hardness. Wood is also subject to growth conditions and environmental influences that affect the possible uses. In addition, heavily soiled bark, metal inclusions, or frozen wood can place special demands on the saw operators and the sawing tools used.
When sawing softwood and hardwood, the following properties and characteristics must therefore be taken into account in addition to the type of wood:
In order to determine the moisture content of the wood, we recommend using an electronic moisture meter that:
The wood moisture content has a considerable influence on the sawability of the wood:
Wood with high moisture contentWood with high moisture content (over approx. 30%) is softer and results in less cutting resistance. |
RecommendationsFor damp wood, an aggressive tooth geometry with large chip spaces is recommended to prevent sticking and chip clogging. A reduced cutting speed helps minimize deposits on the saw blade teeth while a moderate feed rate ensures a clean cut. |
Wood with low moisture contentDry woods (below approx. 20% moisture content), especially hardwoods, can blunt the saw blade teeth more quickly because of their high density and abrasiveness. |
RecommendationsWhen sawing dry wood, a finer tooth pitch reduces stress on the band saw blade and lowers cutting resistance. An increased cutting speed helps to prevent heat build-up while an adapted feed rate reduces the risk of cracking. Because dry wood is more abrasive, the band saw blade should be checked regularly to identify excessive wear early on. |
Sawing wood with different densities (e.g., softwood with strong, hard knots) is particularly challenging for the bandsaws and band saw blades used.
During processing, the saw operator must therefore pay particular attention to the rake angle of the saw blade. Like the feed rate, this must be adjusted according to the type of wood and the individual properties of the wood to be sawn in order to achieve an optimal cutting result.
Processing frozen wood presents particular challenges. When partially frozen, the wood has different densities. This makes sawing even more difficult.
For the regular cutting of frozen wood, consider using a less aggressive rake angle instead of the universal 10° rake angle.
Versatile band saw blade for wood |
Recommendation For wood with different densities, we recommend using a precision bimetal band saw blade such as GENERO®, which is suitable for sawing softer wood as well as hard or frozen wood thanks to its particularly high hardness and toughness. This allows saw users worldwide to process wood efficiently because fewer production interruptions are required for blade changes and sharpening. |
The diameter of the log determines how the teeth engage with the material. It also influences the sawing performance, the cutting resistance, and the wear of the saw blade.
Sawing large logsLarge tree trunks provide more stability when sawing, but they increase cutting resistance and generate heat. |
RecommendationIt is advisable to select a larger tooth pitch, an adapted feed speed, and effective cooling. |
Sawing small logsSmall logs are easier to saw but may slip or vibrate during the sawing process. |
RecommendationA stable fixation and finer tooth pitch of the saw blade is required. |
All types of wood secrete resin during processing. However, some types of wood such as spruce, larch, or pine are particularly rich in resin. When sawing, make sure that the machine remains clean; otherwise, precise processing is no longer possible. Regular cleaning of the saw blade prevents additional resin deposits.
The use of the GENERO® bimetal band saw blade, which has a particularly finely blasted surface, also ensures less resin adhesion.
BranchesHighly knotty wood is more difficult to saw than wood with few knots.
Spiral growthStrong spiral growth can cause the wood to warp during sawing.
CracksThis can cause the wood to splinter or break during sawing.
DiscolorationSigns of wood damage such as blue stain, fungal infestation, and rot can sometimes also affect the strength of the wood and thus influence the cutting result.
Metal inclusions or soiled bark can cause premature wear on the saw blade teeth. It is therefore important to ensure that the outside of the wood is as clean as possible.
Examples of metal parts in wood:
The GENERO® bimetal band saw blade with tempered backing material and band saw blade teeth made of high-speed steel (HSS) ensures a long blade life—even with impurities and metal inclusions in the wood. The saw band design, which is primarily used for bimetal band saw blades in metal cutting, also ensures a considerable increase in performance and service life in wood sawing compared with traditional tool steel products and offers additional protection against premature wear and tooth breakage.
When sawing logs in mobile and stationary sawmills, the influencing factors listed below must be considered. Even when processing the same type of wood, machine adjustments may still be required. Only if these adjustments are made correctly can an optimal cutting result be achieved when producing beams, battens, or square timber.
When using a new band saw blade for the first time, the tooth guard may not be removed until the band saw blade is correctly positioned on the wheels and in the blade guide. This considerably reduces the risk of damage to the tooth tips before sawing.
After sawing or changing the saw blade, the tooth guard must be replaced. This is particularly easy with the tooth protection mounting aid specially developed by WIKUS. To ensure the long-term performance of the sawing tool, the GENERO® bimetal band saw blade can also be resharpened several times.
To achieve optimal cutting results, the condition of the wheels must be regularly checked and their cork or rubber coating replaced as needed. The position of the saw blade on the wheel must also be correctly adjusted.
Straight and trouble-free sawing is possible only with a correctly adjusted blade guide according to the machine manufacturer’s specifications. In particular, the condition of the blade guide should be checked to prevent damage to the band saw blade. If the blade guides are damaged, they must be replaced or renewed.
The band saw blade is cooled by water. It also cleans the wood sawing tool during cutting, reduces friction, and thus contributes to precise cutting results. Cleaning additives can further improve the result.
When sawing frozen wood, conventional water cooling with flushing agent can be optimized by adding antifreeze:
Precise cuts are possible only with the right blade tension. The blade tension must also be checked regularly during the wood sawing process and adjusted if necessary because the saw blade heats up during sawing; this can change its tension.
The recommended blade tension for our GENERO® bimetal band saw blade for woodworking is 300 N per mm².
WIKUS offers you advice and support for blade tension measuring devices; purchase is also possible.
Contact details
Telephone: +49 (5663) 500 579
E-Mail: technical.service@wikus.de
The cutting speed must be individually adapted to the sawing process. This depends on the type of wood as well as soiling of the bark or the trunk. Even with a new band saw blade, the appropriate cutting speed must be set accordingly.
If you have any questions, please contact our technical service in Germany:
Telephone: +49 (5663) 500 579
E-Mail: technical.service@wikus.de
To achieve optimal sawing results and maximum blade life, a suitable feed rate should be chosen based on the wood type and condition.
Wood species differ fundamentally in their density. Special attention is required for softer wood species because the density can change more frequently, especially in areas with knots. The feed rate during sawing must therefore be checked regularly and adjusted if necessary. Because harder wood has a more uniform density, it can be cut at a higher and more constant speed.
The experts of our Technical Competence Center are happy to help you answer further technical questions connected to band selection and use.
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