Multisaw and Bandsaw Technology

Multisaw is a firm believer in bandsaw technology, because the machines use less power and waste less material during cutting. However, due to current tipping and grinding techniques, cracked blades, slow feed speeds and inaccuracy in sawing are major setbacks with bandsaws. This results in saw-doctors needing to practice extreme care while sharpening saw-blades. Until now, South Africa lacked the technology to sufficiently service saw-blades.

History of Band Saw Tipping

Traditionally, South African saw-doctors use swage setting to tip their saws. While this technique slightly improves the hardness of the saw tip, the blade retains the properties of the saw body (i.e. the flexibility as opposed to the hardness of the steel).

An additional technique – adding an alloy, Stellite – was introduced a decade or two ago. However, a series of inappropriate application methods – initially in the form of braizing, followed shortly after by welding – saw the Stellite “falling off” the saw tip. The specific grade of the alloy gave rise to a brittle tip which was more susceptible to shattering. These failings caused a large majority of South African saw millers to return to the conventional, current method of swage setting.

A second setback to the servicing of bandsaws is that of the current grinding techniques. Dry grinding, due to the creation of high temperatures, leads to burning and therefore greatly compromises the quality of the steel. This leaves the blade susceptible to micro-cracks, and therefore decreasing the quality and the lifespan of the saw as a whole (not to mention the increased cost to the saw miller). While wet-grinding slightly reduces this risk, the blade is still susceptible to burning, and therefore to an increased incidence of micro-cracks, again affecting the lifespan of the blade.

Innovative German Band Saw Solutions

To address these afore mentioned issues with bandsaws in South Africa, Multisaw has joined forces with German Droste Schärftechnik, and has been awarded the official agency for the distribution of their innovative products, guaranteed to increase the lifespan of blades, and hence the productivity of saw mills.

Gunnar Droste, of Droste Schärftechnik, has developed an improved grade of alloy for tipping, known as Dura. Furthermore, he has developed an innovative grinding machine, the Droste Venom Flood Grinder, which greatly improves the lifespan of saw-blades.

Saw Blade Tipping

Dura – the new grade of alloy – is both tough and hard, and mixes with saw steel properly. This means the sharp, tough tip stays attached and greatly improves the lifespan of the cutting edge. A large percentage of both the German and Austrian saw-milling market uses Dura, with excellent results.

Saw Blade Grinding Machinery

In addition to the alloy, the Droste Venom Flood Grinder has been developed. This machine uses a 20mm spray to “flood” the grinding wheel with a water/coolant mixture. Essentially, this means that the saw doctor can cut unlimited amounts off of the saw tooth, without burning the blade. This technique therefore leaves high quality, unburned saw steel at the end of grinding.

The stability of both the clamping device holding the blade, as well as the grinding head, results in an exceptionally good finish. The result: a greatly decreased incidence of micro-cracks that potentially progress to the saw body, therefore both the quality and the lifespan of the blade are greatly increased.

Droste Schärftechnik has further developed a trademark toothshape. The unique shape has improved tooth stability in the cut, and shows a decreased incidence in stress cracks. Furthermore, the geometric shape of the tooth increases the proportional space for wood shavings.

Multisaw and Droste Scharftechnik in South African Sawmills

Multisaw initially began discussions with Droste Schärftechnik during the May 2009 Ligna Wood Trade Fair, Germany.  Thoroughly impressed with what he saw, Neil Murray bought a Droste Venom Flood Grinder, and brought it back to South Africa.

After implementing it at Cape Saw Mills, Stellenbosch, a massive improvement was immediately seen: a drastic increase in feed speed, from 10% to 130% of the original setup for feed.

Following these excellent results, Luke Murray and Mike Hamilton of Multisaw visited Droste Schärftechnik in Germany, in November 2009. During this period, they assembled two Flood-Grinders and were taught the intricacies of the afore mentioned products, ensuring that Multisaw is technically competent in their new line of machines.

Multisaw is now the official South African agents for these products: the alloy, Dura; the Dura Welding Machine; the Droste Venom Flood Side-grinder, and the Droste Venom Flood-grinder. Customers can purchase either the Droste Venom Flood-grinder alone, or the entire package.

Improving Machine Performance

Using the Flood-grinder with swager setting will show up to 30 to 40% of the total available improvement in blade performance. However, using the Flood-grinder combined with a Dura tip can result in up to 100% of the available improvement of cutting performance and durability of the saw blade.

For more information on these revolutionary new products, contact Multisaw.